Meet the 89-Year-Old New Jersey Pilot Set to Conquer the Atlantic Twice in a Thrilling 37-Day Journey!

Ed Galkin, a seasoned pilot, is preparing for an exciting new journey. At nearly 90 years young, he’s set to embark on a 37-day adventure covering 8,800 miles, starting and ending in New Jersey. This trip includes two Atlantic Ocean crossings and stops in 11 countries.

Galkin, who has flown around the world four times since 1988, is not just in it for the ride. This journey is a fundraiser for Rotary International’s polio eradication efforts, aptly named the “Circle the Atlantic: Flight To End Polio.” Galkin and his copilot, Peter Teahen, plan to visit several Rotary groups along the way to raise awareness.

Interestingly, it’s this shared commitment to service that brought Galkin and Teahen together. Galkin began his flying journey in 1970 and has logged an astonishing 1.3 million miles in his Cessna 210 Centurion, which he purchased back in 1977.

On his last journey in 2022, he raised funds for the Alzheimer’s Association, but this time he’s focused on the critical mission of ending polio. Polio remains a major health issue in some parts of the world, with the World Health Organization reporting a total of 140 cases in 2022. The disease is nearly eradicated, but efforts must continue to ensure it doesn’t come back.

Galkin’s itinerary includes stops in Maine, Canada, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Poland, France, the UK, Spain, and Portugal. Their return flight is scheduled for October 5.

For Galkin, flying is more than just a hobby; it’s a passion. “I love flying,” he says simply. He has a lifetime of experience, and this trip will add another remarkable chapter to his story.

With decades of flying behind him and a heart dedicated to service, Galkin continues to inspire those around him. His adventurous spirit and commitment to important causes show that it’s never too late to make a difference.

For more information on Galkin’s mission and to track their journey, you can visit the Circle the Atlantic website.

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