Kicker: Around the world in an ultra-light plane

PAUL BUTLER, HOST: Pilot Mack Rutherford, a Belgian-British dual national, just set a world record with an around the world journey.

Of course, he’s not the first pilot to circle the globe. But there are a couple of factors that make this feat special.

He made the trip in an ultra-light airplane, which definitely is not designed for long-range travel.

That means lots of stops for refueling. And that means lots of visas and paperwork.

Then there were the elements, including monsoon rains, sandstorms, and extreme heat.

Mack says those challenges added months to the trip.

RUTHERFORD: It was supposed to take between two to three months, and it’s been 5 months now.

The journey took Rutherford through 52 countries over five continents and along the way, he celebrated his 17th birthday.

He landed Wednesday in Bulgaria, where his journey began, becoming the youngest person to fly around the world by himself.

He also became the youngest pilot to fly around the world in a micro-light plane, breaking his sister’s record.

Zara Rutherford made the trip at age 19!

BROWN: That is one adventurous family!

BUTLER: It’s The World and Everything in It.

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