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"Earthrise," the first photograph of our planet taken by the Apollo 8 crew from the far side of the moon, stunned the world with a sudden view of who we are and where we live. Their backs to the earth, focused on their instruments, the crew almost missed it. Only on the fourth and final orbit did one crewmember turn and witness the spectacle of the earth emerging from the blackness: a blue-green majestic pearl – no borders, a single atmosphere. And for a moment, our arrogance and entitlement slipped away.
In 2011 a group of explorers will embark on “Flight of Dreams” (formerly "Mission Earth"), a journey that will tell the story of flying two small single engine amphibious aircraft around the planet. Far more than travelogue or gorgeous nature documentary, this project connects cultures and climate, people in their context – a real-time, high-definition view of the world as it is, stimulating an ongoing global conversation with visionaries about life on earth – now.
Departing from the Philippines, the planned 139-stop journey will touch down on all seven of the earthʼs continents: Oceania, Asia, Europe, Africa, South America, North America, and Antarctica (weather/logistics permitting), as well as the seven “wonders of the world,” and over some of the most important ecosystems and historically relevant locations on earth. The expedition shall explore and document the extraordinary beauty and grace of the planet and its diverse peoples, while generating a high level of awareness on issues involving climate change, education, human rights, tolerance and peace.
The Dornier World Tour will do a lot of good from both 15,000 feet or just above the fading landscape of the Amazon forest. The project shall raise money for charitable causes, emphasizing education, health, and human dignity, while tying in exemplary individuals from the world stage: celebrities, scientists, and dignitaries from multiple countries. At least seven specific events will be hosted at significant locations along the journey in order to highlight critical issues and to tie in the projectsʼ ambassadors – spokespersons recognized worldwide for their knowledge and contributions in the topical areas considered. The entire adventure will be documented in a multi-media approach that includes film, television, online content, print publication, and a book. This shall be an inclusive, global, historical moment that will help define and promote the need to protect and preserve the natural order for the benefit of current and future generations.
Using aircraft as a means to connect the world, the project will be viewed from a perspective that not only ties to aviation history, but will become a part of aviation history. The use of 2.0 technologies will allow us to interact and engage with the experience. It will be an adventure of beauty, danger, and uncertainty. In many ways, this very journey will mirror the beauty, danger, and uncertainty of earth – and life itself.
Flight of Dreams represents a chance for the world to share the Apollo experience – to turn around and look again, to re-evaluate who we are and where we are. This time, however, rather than notice the earth and capture it for a moment in time, we can zoom in close, document it, and pay attention to the natural beauty while connecting to the people who inhabit it and serve as global stewards. This time, we can talk about it, travel along, and number our days. This is a celebration of life and the joy of learning about natural, human, intellectual, and spiritual networks. The Dornier World Tour will fly above the world and touch down on it. Even more, it shall be an historical event we can all share.