The "Spirit of Texas" goes 🚁 🌎 On this day in 1982, H. Ross Perot Jr. and J. Coburn departed Dallas, Texas, in the fittingly-named "Spirit of Texas" on the first round-the-world flight by a helicopter. The feat took 29 days, with Perot and Coburn flying an average of 8 and a half hours per day. The trip required that they refuel the Bell 206L-1 LongRanger II helicopter 56 times. The helicopter was modified for its round-the-world trip: nonessential items were removed, an extra fuel tank was added, and special safety, communication, and navigation equipment were incorporated. “Spirit of Texas” is on display at our Udvar-Hazy Center. #AirSpacePhoto 📷: Perot Jr. (left) and Coburn (right) standing beside "Spirit of Texas" in 1982.