Charges have been dropped against a teen pilot who allegedly landed illegally in Antarctica in June. Ethan Guo, 19, has been living at a military installation on St. George’s Island off the coast of the main continent since he put his Cessna 182 down there as part of a charity flight. He was arrested by Chilean authorities, who claim the Island, and charged with landing there without authorization. Guo has been flying the 182 all over the world in a quest to touch down on all seven continents. The social media influencer is trying to raise $1 million for cancer research at St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis. He released this video a couple of years ago.
The judge in the case engaged in the spirit of Guo’s exploits and ordered him to pay $30,000 to a children’s cancer charity, leave the area and stay away from Chile for at least three years in exchange for dropping the charges. Guo told AP he’s champing at the bit to leave. “I remain in Antarctica awaiting approval for my departure flight,” Guo told the Associated Press. “I sincerely hope they give it to me soon so that I and my plane can continue with my original mission.” Guo was actually free to fly anywhere in Chile after his arrest, but weather kept him in Antarctica. It’s not clear when it will break enough to let him head to Argentina, the only other destination open to him.
Since his quest is to raise money for childrens’ cancer, the fine seems a statement only. Preheat, preheat before going.
Good to hear young Ethan will be on his way soon, and a tip of the hat to the Chilean judge for his/her discernment.
Do they have 100LL in Antarctica?