Canada's First-Ever Global Circumnavigation by Helicopter Readies for Takeoff

C150GO is the world’s first Canadian around-the-world helicopter flight, and the first ever father-son global circumnavigation. (CNW Group/C150 Global Odyssey)

C150GO is the world’s first Canadian around-the-world helicopter flight, and the first ever father-son global circumnavigation. (CNW Group/C150 Global Odyssey)

C150GO is the world’s first Canadian around-the-world helicopter flight, and the first ever father-son global circumnavigation. (CNW Group/C150 Global Odyssey)

C150GO Celebrates Confederation, Supports Local and National Charities

TORONTO, March 13, 2017 /CNW/ - The C150 Global Odyssey (C150GO) is the brainchild of Bob and Steven Dengler, a father-son team with a passion for aviation, adventure, and their home and native land, Canada. C150GO is the world's first Canadian around-the-world helicopter flight, and the first ever father-son global circumnavigation by aircraft.

In celebration of Canada's 150th Anniversary, the Canadian crew – comprised of Bob, Steven, and helicopter ace Rob 'Dugal' MacDuff – will fly a Canadian-made Bell 429 Global Ranger helicopter over 37,000 km in just over one month. Starting in Ottawa on July 1, 2017 and zigzagging the globe, the crew will visit more than 100 airports in 14 countries as they travel the world. Along the way, they will be joined by notable Canadians such as astronaut Dave Williams and hockey legend Guy Lafleur.

A Charitable Tone

C150GO is a registered Canadian not-for-profit organization supporting both the Southlake Regional Health Centre Foundation and True Patriot Love Foundation.

"This historic milestone in Canadian aviation has been years in the making," said Steven Dengler, Pilot and Director, C150GO. "But for this journey to make a real impact on the lives of Canadians, we want to give back by raising funds for Southlake and True Patriot Love. We are humbled by the work of these charities and are proud to have them as partners."

Southlake Foundation supports its world-class hospital and the community it serves. Southlake Regional Health Centre is a full-service hospital with a regional, clinically advanced focus, serving more than one million people who reside in the surrounding regions.

True Patriot Love Foundation (TPL) is a national charity that funds unique programs and innovative research in the areas of Veteran family health and support. It honours the sacrifices of members of the Canadian Armed Forces, Veterans and their families by bridging the gap between military and civilian communities.

The Odyssey Adventure

The C150 Global Odyssey starts in Canada and moves east before navigating the open ocean, foraying into Europe and Russia, and then returning to Canadian soil. Along the way, C150GO will stop at several Canadian military bases while also visiting several national and international Canadian landmarks, including:

• Confederation Bridge (Borden-Carleton, Prince Edward Island): One of Canada's most important engineering achievements, the Confederation Bridge opened in 1997 to connect Prince Edward Island to the mainland. Almost 13 km in length, it is the world's longest bridge crossing ice-covered water.
• Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site (Baddeck, Nova Scotia): In February 1909, Alexander Graham Bell made his mark on Canadian aeronautical history when he financed and organized Canada's first powered flight at his estate in Baddeck. John McCurdy flew the AEA Silver Dart over Baddeck Bay and with it, ushered in the age of Canadian aviation.
• Signal Hill National Historic Site (St. John's, Newfoundland): In 1901, Guglielmo Marconi received the first ever transatlantic radio signal on historical Signal Hill. The transmission was sent from his station in Poldhu, England, where the G150GO crew will also visit in their travels.
• Marconi Centre (Poldhu, England): The signal received in Newfoundland in 1901 was sent from this location in Cornwall, England. Built in 2001, the Marconi Centre Poldhu commemorates the first transatlantic transmission's 100th anniversary.
• Canadian National Vimy Memorial (Vimy, France): 2017 marks the 100th anniversary of The Battle of Vimy Ridge, a defining moment in Canadian history. The C150GO crew will travel with a wreath from Canada's capital to place at the Memorial.
• Bell Helicopter Plant (Montreal, Quebec): Founded in 1935, Bell Helicopter stands at the forefront of aviation technology. Its Mirabel plant, opened in 1983, manufactures some of the world's most advanced helicopters, including the Bell 429 flown on the C150 Global Odyssey.

Getting Involved

To mark this momentous occasion, C150GO is actively seeking sponsorship partners. A chance to make a mark on Canada's history, sponsors will benefit from increased recognition during a year of global gratitude, spikes in tourism and nation-wide celebration. Three sponsorship tiers are currently available, providing benefits that range from a sponsored leg of the tour to an official C150GO helicopter visit. 

"2017 is Canada's year. On this the 150^th anniversary of Canadian confederation, we will travel across the country and the world with a message of pride, goodwill, friendship," said Dengler. "C150GO is truly a global endeavor, and it would not be possible without the generous support from our partners."

The C150GO team will post live updates online throughout their journey on their website at, www.c150go.ca, and on social media using the 'C150go' handle.

• Facebook.com/c150go
• Twitter.com/c150go
• Instagram.com/c150go

The Flight Crew

Founder of Dynatec Mining in 1980, Bob Dengler is a recognized pioneer of modern Canadian mining, growing the company over 25 years into an industry leader employing over 1,500 people. Bob has a true adventurous spirit; in 2014 he summited Kilimanjaro and in 2015, flew his Bell 429 from Toronto to the top of Baffin Island, a 4,400-nautical-mile journey.

Steven Dengler is a Canadian entrepreneur with over 20 years of leadership in the tech space. In 1993 he co-founded XE, the world's trusted currency authority. A renowned financial technology innovator, Canadian investor, and startup mentor, Steven is a proficient pilot of both fixed wing aircraft and helicopters.

A retired test pilot for the Bell 429 Global Ranger, Rob 'Dugal' MacDuff is a distinguished helicopter professional with over 12,000 hours of flight experience. Rob has helped other notable Canadians pursue their love for flying, including hockey legend Guy LaFleur.

To learn more about the C150 Global Odyssey, to become a sponsor or to view the complete C150GO itinerary, please visit www.c150go.ca

SOURCE C150 Global Odyssey

Media Contact: Alex Thomas, Senior Manager, Edelman, [email protected] / 416-617-4498