Young Pilot Attempts Solo World Flight Record

A 20-year-old US student has landed in England as he attempts to become the youngest person in history to fly solo around the world.

Jack Wiegand set off from Fresno, California, on May 2 in his Mooney Ovation2 GX plane on a bid to take the Guinness World Records title.

He plans to return there in mid-June, after flying 21,000 nautical miles and making 24 stops in 14 countries along the way, including Egypt, Bangladesh, Japan and Russia, among others.

He landed in London Biggin Hill Airport in the evening following a seven-hour journey from Reykjavik, Iceland.

Upon arrival he told Sky News: "Getting in here was a little tricky, it was beautiful all the way from Iceland. Getting in here there were some thunderstorms that I had to get around.

"It wasn't too bad though."

Mr Wiegand's journey - dubbed Solo 2013 - is not the type of trip most university students can pull off.

But he already has seven years of flying experience under his belt, having piloted his first plane at age 13.

"My parents gave me a glider flight for my thirteenth birthday. I always joke with them that it could have been the worst financial decision they’ve ever made in their lives," Mr Wiegand says on his website .

Six months ago he decided to take a semester off from his studies at the University of Colorado in Boulder to focus on what has become a personal mission to realise a lifelong dream.

"I've always had a lot of confidence in his ability to be a good pilot," his mother, Irene Wiegand, told Sky News. "He’s really pretty grown up for a 20-year-old."

The trip has not been without its minor hiccups. Already he has dodged rough weather over central US, and had his passport sent overnight to Canada from Fresno, where he had forgotten it in the bustle of setting off.

His girlfriend, Eden Dolarian, told Sky: "I'm proud of him because not many people go out and do what they want to do that is this difficult."

Mr Wiegand has gathered the support of his tight-knit community, collecting dozens of messages from friends and strangers alike wishing him well on his journey.

He is also using the trip to raise money for two charities: Big Brothers Big Sisters and International Agri-center Ag Warriors.

Family and loved ones admit they are anxious for Mr Wiegand's safety, but have every confidence in his skills.

"He's such a smart, capable, persistent person," Ms Dolarian said.

"He's constantly inspiring me, constantly motivating me in everyday life."