Malaysian pilot on world record attempt in Kolkata

Malaysian pilot James Anthony Tan, a dyslexia patient attempting to fly half-way around the world in a single-engined aircraft, touched down here Saturday after completing nearly 36,400 km of solo flying.

Twenty-one-year-old Tan stopped at Nagpur before flying to Kolkata, his 28th halt.

"India is incredible," said the young pilot, who started the journey from Langkawiisland in Malaysia March 26.

He has been flying in a single engine Cessna 210 eagle aircraft and would visit 31 places around the world, attempting a world record.

Acting High Commissioner of Malaysia Raszlan Abdul Rashid said this programme was organised by Malaysian Youth Association and supported by Prime Minister Mohammad Najib bin Tun Abdul Razak.

Addressing a media conference here, Rashid said: "This is to foster positive values among the youth,"

Tourism Malaysia director Amran Abdul Rahman said they were planning to make Tan an icon for the country's tourism sector to attract tourists globally.

"Yes, we are planning to make him an icon for Tourism Malaysia. Especially for the young tourists, he will be an attractive figure," Rahman added.