Kevin Neal

Celebrating an amazing helicopter pilot. Jennifer Murray made history in 2000 by flying solo around the globe in a Robinson R44 helicopter in just 99 days. Murray, who achieved her 99-day solo Guinness World Record at the age of 60, has a history of record-breaking flights. She learned to at fly at age 54 when her husband bought a half share in a helicopter. A few years later in 1997, she and co-pilot Quentin Smith became the first to fly around the world in a helicopter. Their 97-day journey spanned 28 countries, including Italy, India, Russia, and the USA. After her solo achievement, Murray, with co-pilot Colin Bodill, became the first woman to fly a helicopter to the South Pole. They also hold the record for the fastest circumnavigation via both Poles, at 170 days in 2007. Murray was born in June 1940 in Providence Rhode Island. She is the author of three books - Now Solo, Broken Journey and Polar First. She now combines life as a grandmother and former ultra-marathon runner by still flying today at age 84.

FAA approves Embry-Riddle program. The FAA has added Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) as part of its Enhanced Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI). Through this initiative, graduates of the program may be placed in an accelerated employment path at FAA facilities for air traffic controller training. "The safety of the National Airspace System and the traveling public is always our number one priority. Working with schools like Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University will continue that mission," said Tim Arel, chief operating officer of the FAA's Air Traffic Organization. Embry-Riddle is a private university focused on aviation and aerospace programs. Its main campuses are located in Daytona Beach, Florida, and Prescott, Arizona. It is the largest accredited university system specializing in aviation and aerospace. It has numerous online programs and academic programs offered at satellite locations.