LONDON – A UK pilot has flown a carefully planned route of over 250 nautical miles to create a profile image of the late Queen Elizabeth II in an aerial tribute to raise money for charity.
Ms Amal Larhlid of London, flew the pre-programmed flight route in a Piper PA28 single engine aircraft to raise money for the charity Hospice UK, and to pay tribute to the late monarch.
For the record, the profile image, which could be tracked via FlightRadar24 covered a physical size of 65 miles (105km) in height and 39 miles (63km) in width.
The jewel in the centre of the crown is directly over Northampton.
Source: FlightRadar24
According to FlightRadar24’s website, the profile image was mapped out in Foreflight, a flight planning software program, before being performed in the Piper PA28. Whilst this may sound easy, in practice it requires awareness of en-route limitations such as restricted airspace and weather factors.
Ms Larhlid reportedly carried out several practice flights to get a feel for the flight plan track and the multiple turns required to complete the aerial portrait.
The final flight to create the airborne masterpiece was conducted this week, on Thursday October 6th, and it seems the weather wasn’t going to make it an easy challenge with reported 30kt winds aloft!
Hospice UK fundraiser
The flight was conducted to raise funds for Hospice UK. “As an ambassador for Hospice UK I wanted to raise money for an organization that does important work and pay respect to a symbol of service and selflessness,” said Larhlid.
The fundraiser has a set target of £5,000 and are so far just shy of £2,000 in donations. The fundraising page states:
“People from around the globe came together to mourn and remember Her Late Majesty the Queen. She was an inspiration to many generations, devoting herself to service for 70 years.”
“I do believe in the power of remembrance and appreciation in times like these, and I’ll be flying the portrait of Her Late Majesty to pay my respect. She will always be in our hearts, and so will our loved ones who left us too.”
Photo Credit: Amal Larhlid Hospice UK fundraising page
“You can get involved and support the great work that Hospice UK does for those affected by death and bereavement. Hospices weren’t available to me when I needed them as a child, so I am passionate about helping every child – and every adult, to get the care they need, when they need it.”
Please donate!
Calling all aviation buffs and Avgeeks! To donate to Amal Larhlid’s fundraiser for Hospice UK, you can find the page here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/amal-larhlid
