A Flight for Friendship

Monday morning 11-year-old Tony Aliengena, America’s youngest, flying good-will ambassador, takes off from John Wayne Airport on his 47-day Friendship ’89 Flight from Orange County to Moscow.

It will not be his first air adventure. Last year, Tony became the youngest pilot to cross the United States. This year, his flight is even more daring. He will be trying to set a world record as the youngest pilot to fly around the globe.

But the flight means much more than that. It is also a diplomatic mission of sorts--promoting friendship between the United States and the Soviet Union, friendship being pursued by children, tomorrow’s leaders and the future for both nations.

En route to Moscow, Tony will be landing to gather children’s signatures on a “Friendship” scroll that he will present to Soviet leader Mikhail S. Gorbachev, urging the two countries to work together to make the world a better place. On his return, Tony will present a similar scroll signed by Soviet youngsters to President Bush.

With Tony also go similar sentiments of friendship from his Orange County adult neighbors, and their best wishes for a smooth flight and happy landings on his peace mission to Moscow.