In light of Queen Elizabeth II’s recent passing, pilot Amal Larhlid flew her Piper PA-28 in a pattern that created the world’s largest portrait of the late queen. Over the course of two hours, the flight covered 413 kilometers and created a 105-kilometer tall and 63-kilometer wide portrait.
The flight took place northwest of London. Larhlid used flight planning software to make a flight plan.
When planning the route, she took into account restricted airspace. She also made a backup plan on charts, using landmarks to create a paper-based plan.
To prepare for the epic undertaking, Larhlid also conducted several practice flights. The weather interfered with her plans to do the first attempt early in the week.
Larhlid completed the flight on October 6 under ideal but windy weather conditions. The winds measured about 30 knots.
Throughout the flight, Larhlid remained in contact with air traffic control because of her proximity to restricted airspace.
Larhlid’s flight had two purposes. She wanted to honor Queen Elizabeth II’s life and to raise funds for Hospice UK.
So far, she has raised 20% of her goal of 5,000 pounds. Larhlid believes that Hospice UK’s mission of service and selflessness matches well with how Queen Elizabeth II lived her life.
Travelers to the UK who want to view Queen Elizabeth II’s final resting place will need to make the trip to King George VI Memorial at Westminster Abbey. Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip and other members of the royal lineage rest together in the same space.