Ambition makes a dreamer and initiative and decisiveness transform the dreamer into a leader. These qualities take flight in 28-year-old Johan Hammarström, one of a three-man crew attempting a round-the-world flight in a small-engine aircraft to raise awareness of hearing disorders. On March 15, 2006, after many months of preparation, World Flight for Hearing (WFH) lifted off from Barkarby Airport in Stockholm, Sweden, signaling a new first for people with hearing impairment. If successful, Hammarström will be the first person with hearing loss to pilot a small-engine aircraft around the globe. This will also be the first Scandinavian light aircraft flight around the world and the first flight around the world in a diesel-powered airplane.
The expedition’s aircraft is a Diamond DA42 TwinStar, a newly-designed aircraft constructed of glass and carbon fiber, resulting in a lightweight yet sturdy craft. The twin engines are mounted on the wings, reducing cockpit noise. WFH has partnered with ÖstFlyg AB, Johan Linder AB and Diamond Aircraft to help them realize their dream of becoming the first pilots to circumnavigate the globe with the Diamond DA42 named Worldflyer.
This accomplishment in aviation takes second billing to WFH’s primary purpose and the passion of its lead pilot, Johan Hammarström, who has a congenital hearing impairment that was discovered at age four. Hammarström understands the challenges of hearing impairment in a world full of sounds and he wants to help others without hearing loss better understand those challenges as well. “I launched this project in order to speak out loud – to inform the whole world that I and 500 million other people are hearing impaired, and how given the right technology, a hearing impaired person can perform very well,” says Hammarström.
The native of Sweden and his lifelong friends and WFH crewmates, Henrik Ejderholm and Martin Håkansson, have shared a fascination with aviation since childhood and the approximately 60,000 nautical-mile trip that will last five months is a dream come true for all three pilots. On the way, the WFH crew will stop at schools for children with hearing loss and various hearing organizations in several countries. Their itinerary already includes over 25 countries with strategically timed arrivals that coincide with big events and opportunities to share their message about hearing loss and technology.
Though the mission of the expedition is raising public awareness about hearing loss, the crew also wants to experience the uniqueness of the countries they visit. Scheduled stops include Egyptian historical sites, croc-laden rivers in Australia, ancient Mayan ruins and the Panama Canal.
All three crew members are experienced pilots with a combined total of more than 3,000 airborne hours in 33 years of flying – hardly “tourists on the fly.” And the aviation training is only one aspect of the preparation that has gone into this trip. A preflight phase of public awareness activities has included many speeches throughout northern Europe. Speaking on the theme, “Reaching your goals despite your hearing impairment,” Hammarström has addressed congresses and school children alike.
Preflight activities have drummed up the generous support of more than 30 organizations that will make Hammarström’s dream a reality. Their title sponsor is hearing technology manufacturer GN ReSound. “I am very pleased that GN ReSound became the principal sponsor of the project since I personally appreciate the company’s products. This partnership is essential for the project – without this we would not be able to complete our mission and working with such a well-reputed company as GN ReSound is very enjoyable,” says Hammarström.
The Swedish Association of Hard of Hearing People (HRF), the largest organization in Sweden for Deaf and hard of hearing people, has also been on board from the beginning. HRF is organizing a departure ceremony for the WFH expedition. “HRF was the first organization we contacted when we launched the project in 2004 and they have been of crucial importance to our success so far. Without their knowledge and experience we wouldn’t have reached as far as we have. In return, we have given HRF good publicity and attention. By enhancing the cooperation with HRF we will improve the overall outcome of the project and increase our chances of total success,” says Hammarström.
Sponsorship opportunities are still available to finance the last third of the expedition expenses. The “mile owner” program gives individuals and organizations the ability to “own” certain miles along the route. Miles are purchased directly from WFH via their Web site (www.worldflightforhearing.com) at a cost of 4 euro per mile. For every euro, 25 cents goes to a large charity project bettering hearing healthcare in developing countries. When all miles have been sold, further proceeds will go in full to the charity project. Mile owners are published on the WFH Web site and can place their “proof of mile ownership” on their own Web sites and promotional materials.
The WFH Web site is also the place to track the project’s progress. During the expedition the crew will continuously update the site with reports and photos as well as the current location of the crew.
Final touchdown is scheduled for Stockholm in October 2006. Awaiting the successful crew will be a homecoming event with first-rate entertainment, a feast and a forum for guests to discuss the trip with the three pilots.
“I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to combine two very central parts of my life: aviation and my hearing impairment,” comments Hammarström. “I look forward to seeing all the countries and meeting all people that are involved in the execution of this exciting project.” n
Paola Segnini is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in communications and marketing at the University of the Ozarks in Clarksville, Ark. She is from Costa Rica and the recipient of a full, four-year scholarship by the Walton International Scholarship Program. Paola enjoys reading, scrapbooking and writing.
