Ethan Guo, the 19-year-old pilot who was detained after an unauthorized flight to Antarctica, has broken his silence on social media ahead of his hearing.
For more than half a year, Ethan Guo has been flying solo around the world as he attempts to become the youngest pilot to sail across seven continents.
The 19-year-old, who has been running a solo challenge to raise money for St. Jude’s, was detained by Chilean authorities after an unauthorized flight to Antarctica . Guo had initially submitted a flight plan to fly around Punta Arenas, but deviated from it, landing in Chilean territory in Antarctica.
According to his lawyer, Guo suffered “complications” on the flight, which required him to land at Teniente Marsh Airfield amid “conducting an exploratory flight.”
Ethan Guo resurfaces ahead of Chile audition
Guo has been very silent on social media about what happened. He hasn’t posted a TikTok or Instagram in a while, and an X account has popped up in his name with a new photo of his plane in Antarctica.
He, however, took to Instagram Stories to break his silence with a few posts. Guo posted a video about his situation with the caption: “IMPORTANT. Watch. This isn’t everything, but it gives context to the situation. Watch the full video. Share the story. Message me if you can help.”
The 19-year-old also posted on July 11, ahead of his hearing, saying: “Don’t worry about me, I’ll be fine. But please continue to support and donate to the global fight against cancer.”
He also revealed some of the messages fans sent him during his absence from social media.
As noted, Guo is scheduled for a hearing in Chile on July 11 to determine any punishment for the unauthorized flight.
In the United States, the FAA has the authority to fine pilots up to $100,000 for violations of the Aeronautical Code, in addition to revoking any licenses.
