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Green Flight International

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Transcontinental flight powered by biofuel

Algae can take us from coast to coast with the new introduction of biofuels derived from algae into planes.  Green Flight International is a research and development firm committed to making economically viable biofuels derived from algae a reality.  The company takes a hands on approach to biofuels promotion by pioneering its introduction to aviation.  President and CEO Douglas Rodante and Chief Pilot Carol Sugars became the first flight crew to successfully fly a transcontinental flight (11 hours, 13 minutes from Reno, NV to Leesburg, FL) in a jet powered predominantly by environmentally-friendly biofuel on November 1, 2008.

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Green Flight International President and CEO Douglas Rodante and Chief Pilot Carol Sugars became the first flight crew to successfully cross the U.S. in a jet powered predominantly on environmentally-friendly Biofuel.

 The record-setting flight originated in Reno, NV and concluded in Leesburg, FL on Nov 1, after a total flight time of 11 hours, 13 minutes, flown at altitudes ranging from 13,000 to 17,000 feet. 

 “This transcontinental flight was distinctive in that 1,776 miles of the 2,486 total miles flown were powered on 100% Biofuel,” said Rodante. Only 710 miles of the flight were powered by a mixture of 50% Biofuel and 50% standard jet fuel.  The 50/50 fuel mix was used to compare performance data and demonstrate the capability of blending Biofuel with existing jet fuel supplies.

 Rodante and Sugars made aviation history in October 2007 when they became the first crew to pilot a jet aircraft powered entirely on Biofuel.  The pair has once again demonstrated the viability of renewable fuels in aviation by completing their more recent Biofuel-powered coast-to-coast flight.  “These flights prove that we have the capability of supplementing our energy requirements with safe, environmentally-friendly alternatives to petroleum,” said Rodante.  “And the Biofuel is produced in the U.S., which essentially negates our dependency on foreign fuel supplies.”

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