October 30, 2024
by Zeth Angelo Bacaoco
A small aircraft touched the tarmac as the sun dipped below the horizon on October 17, 2024, casting a warm glow over Francisco Bangoy International Airport in Davao City, Philippines. To a casual onlooker, it might have seemed like just another arrival. But this landing marked a significant milestone in an extraordinary journey that spans continents, pushes the limits of aviation, and carries the hopes of countless children battling cancer.
At the controls was Ethan Guo, a 19-year-old pilot with ambitions that soar beyond the clouds. Guo’s arrival in Davao at 5:45 PM, following a grueling flight from Darwin, Australia, was just one stop on his quest to become the youngest pilot to fly solo across all seven continents, aiming for a Guinness World Record.
A Mission Rooted in Personal Loss
Ethan’s journey, which began on August 6, 2024, in Geneva, Switzerland, is more than a test of aviation skill—it’s a deeply personal mission. “Cancer is a cruel disease, especially when it attacks children,” Ethan shares, his voice laden with emotion. “My cousin, who is courageously fighting this disease, inspired me to take life more seriously and to join the fight against cancer.”
This personal connection to the cause adds a poignant layer to Ethan’s remarkable feat. Each mile flown and each continent crossed is dedicated to children like his cousin, who are fighting battles far more challenging than any Ethan faces in the sky.
A Brief Respite in the “King City of the South”
Davao City, often called the “King City of the South” for its stunning landscapes and warm hospitality, offered the young aviator a brief but crucial pause. Stepping onto Philippine soil, Guo carried the exhaustion of hours in the cockpit and the weight of his mission to raise awareness and funds for childhood cancer research.
Though his stay in Davao lasted less than 24 hours, it provided a moment to reflect on the journey and the challenges ahead. Early the next morning, on October 18, Guo once again took to the skies, bound for Manila, continuing his westward journey around the globe.
A Dream Born from Two Cultures
Ethan Guo’s story is about bridging cultures. Born in Tianjin, China, and now residing in Florida, USA, Guo embodies the spirit of global citizenship. His passion for aviation began at 13, ignited by a single introductory flight lesson that changed his life.
“My parents have always told me, ‘It’s your life, do whatever you want,'”
Guo recalls the moment he shared his audacious dream with his family. “When I told them I wanted to fly around the world, at first, they thought it was a joke. But when they realized I was serious, my mom freaked out.”
Persistence Through Adversity
The path from that first flight to touching down in Davao was far from smooth. Guo fast-tracked his high school studies, earning his Private Pilot License and Instrument Flight Rules certification by age 17. Yet dreams of this magnitude come with a hefty financial and personal price.
To fund his campaign, Guo worked as a dishwasher at a restaurant starting at 15, saving every penny he could. His search for sponsorships involved cold-calling and emailing hundreds of companies, facing rejection after rejection. “After four to five months of persistent effort, I finally secured enough sponsors to support my dream,” Guo says proudly.
Challenges in the Sky and on the Ground
With over 700 flight hours under his belt, Guo has faced challenges that would test even seasoned pilots. During a previous attempt, an engine malfunction forced an emergency to land near a mountain, nearly ending his journey and life.
“The route is dangerous because it’s north, it’s cold, and the weather is unpredictable,” Guo explains, recalling his harrowing Atlantic crossing. “When flying over the ocean with one engine and something goes wrong, you don’t have many options. The Atlantic Ocean is freezing.”
Long-distance solo flying is far from fascinating. Guo’s small aircraft, modified to carry 800 liters of fuel for flights up to 19 hours, leaves little room for comfort. “I’m flying 12 hours, and there’s nowhere to go to the bathroom,” he says. “I chug water an hour before takeoff, use the bathroom right before, and for the next 12 hours, I ration a small bottle of water.”
A Higher Purpose
But for Guo, every hardship is worth enduring for the greater cause his journey serves. His flight isn’t about personal glory or breaking records; it’s a mission to raise $1 million for childhood cancer research, benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
“I use every opportunity to raise awareness about childhood cancer and the need for more research,” Ethan says passionately. “Children should not have to suffer from cancer. My contribution to this cause is through supporting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.”
The Journey Continues
As he took off from Davao City that October morning, heading for Manila and onward, Guo carried with him the hopes and dreams of countless children fighting battles that dwarf anything he faces in the sky.
With Davao marking another continent conquered, Guo now sets his sights on the remaining challenges: South America and the formidable Antarctica. Each mile flown brings him closer to his goals—not only of circumnavigating the globe but also of making a tangible difference in the lives of children with cancer.
“If everything goes successfully, I want my next mission to help even more people and take on other issues,” Guo says, his gaze already focused on horizons beyond this journey. “I want to do big projects, to contribute what I can to make this world a steadily better place.”
As Ethan Guo’s small plane vanished into the dawn sky over Davao, it carried more than just a young pilot and his dreams. It bears a testament to what one person can achieve with passion, perseverance, and a purpose greater than oneself. With each city he touches, from Geneva to Davao and beyond, Guo leaves behind a trail of inspiration—a reminder that with courage and compassion, we can make the world a little brighter, one flight at a time.