On April 3, 2014, the Think Global Flight Crew takes off from SUN ‘n FUN on its around the world flight to promote STEM education and the promises that aviation and aerospace hold for our youth.

Along the route, Captain Judy Rice, CFI and teacher, and navigator Fred Nauer, CFI-I, commercial airline pilot (ret.), will be stopping at schools around the world, interacting with students and discussing the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education.

The crew will be flying a northern route with an easterly heading. The flight around the world will take approximately three months and arrive back in Oshkosh, Wis., for AirVenture 2014.

VIP supporters that will be present during the Think Global Flight launch at SUN ‘n FUN include Astronaut Buzz Aldrin and Voyager Pilot Dick Rutan.

Astronaut Buzz Aldrin, Captain Judy Rice, Voyager Pilot Dick Rutan, and Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum President Greg Anderson (in back)

"Back when I was privileged to be a part of the Apollo program, the USA was #1 in science and technology fields," Aldrin said. "No one had ever heard of STEM because we were at the top. Unfortunately today America is falling behind other countries. STEM is exactly the focus of Think Global Flight (TGF) reaching over 20,000 students and why I strongly support Captain Judy and TGF. I am looking forward to joining the official launch on April 3 from the SUN ‘n FUN airshow in Lakeland, Florida. In addition, I will celebrate a repeat of my T-6 solo flight in 1951 at Gilbert field in the TGF Cirrus with Captain Judy."

Think Global Flight has set up Student Command Centers around the world, allowing teachers and their students to follow the flight through the Think Global Flight app for iPhone, Androids, and iPads, as well as online, to interact with the flight crew, and participate in curricula developed to inspire students to see the promises that aviation and aerospace hold for them. Currently, there are 20,000 participants in 25 countries and 31 U.S. States.

The global effort is running three campaigns to raise the final funds necessary to complete the around the world flight. These fundraising efforts include "Be A Hero,""Buy A SkyWay," and the "Jeppesen Giveaway."

The flight will begin in a Cirrus SR22, then broaden into a greater representation of general aviation, completing the flight in various aircraft.

The effort was kicked off by Guidance Aviation of Prescott, Ariz., and Baton Rouge, La., and now includes supporters and endorsers such as Air Journey, AOPA, AVweb, Jeppesen, Spidertracks, Sennheiser, and Signature Flight Support.

To follow the around the world flight in real time, download the free Think Global Flight app for iOS and Android devices by searching "Think Global Flight App" on your mobile device.