American Teen Pilot Detained in Antarctica for Flight Plan Violation

An American teen pilot, Ethan Guo, 19, has been detained on King George Island in Antarctica due to discrepancies in his flight plan, causing a significant setback in his quest to fly to every continent. The Chilean authorities took action after Guo activated alert protocols by deviating from an approved route. According to Chile's General Directorate of Civil Aeronautics, Guo submitted a plan for a flight that was confined to Punta Arenas and failed to disclose his intention to continue to the Antarctic island, which is home to various international research stations.

Mr. Guo's journey began in Punta Arenas, Chile, aboard his Cessna 182, aiming to be the first pilot to complete solo flights across all seven continents while simultaneously fundraising for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. However, he now faces potential charges under Chile’s aeronautical code, which could result in short-term imprisonment, and violations of the Antarctic Treaty. Guo reassured his followers on social media, noting, "I'm alive everyone, I'll make an update soon," while his online audience remains eager to see how this situation unfolds. He has successfully completed his travels to six continents over the past 140 days and is determined to achieve his ambitious goal, despite the current legal challenges in Antarctica.