LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
Capt. Dan Robinson, of Her Majesty's Royal Air Force and of the 27th Fighter Squadron, is the first non-American pilot to fly the U.S. Air Force's F-22A Raptor.
Along with this prestigious status, Capt. Robinson can now boast having climbed to the top of Mount Aconcagua, one of the world's highest summits, located in Argentina.
Capt. Robinson is a part of the
ONE Campaign, aimed to raise awareness about the issues of global poverty, hunger, disease and to help fight such problems in the world's poorest countries.
In support of the ONE Campaign, Capt. Robinson's goal is to climb the highest summit on every continent and plant a ONE Campaign flag on top of each. He began this endeavor with Mount Aconcagua on Jan. 10 and reached its summit Jan. 28.
Q: What sparked your interest to join the ONE campaign?
A: Two-and-a-half years ago, I had an accident in while flying an F-3 Tornado. I damaged my back and was unable to fly for four months. I spent two months in the hospital. Everything I held dear had been taken away, and I felt there was more I could do. By chance, I heard about the ONE Campaign and decided to become a part of the cause.
Q: What made you decide to climb the seven summits?
A: I wanted to do something significant, to raise awareness of world issues like AIDS and extreme poverty. We're all collectively responsible. What better way to raise awareness than to do it from the highest summits in the world? I felt it would be beautifully symbolic.
It is a huge challenge to me, and I felt it would capture people's attention.
Q: What kind of training did you do in preparation to climb Mount Aconcagua?
A: It took a while to put the program together, to get all the funds, support and publicity.
Physically, I prepared for more than a year. For one to two sessions a day, I would either run or climb stairs. I would usually run seven miles, or climb stairs for an hour carrying 80 pounds. I also went to school for ice climbing.
Q: What were some challenges and problems you came across while climbing Mount Aconcagua?
A: Aconcagua was a challenge because of its height and sheer weather conditions. Its above 19,000 feet and at times, it was 50 degrees below zero. Aconcagua is also known for its wind. At one point, we were pinned down two days because of 70-mile-per-hour winds.
There was also the challenge of steadily acclimatizing ourselves to the conditions. You had to carry all your own stuff, which weighed 100 pounds. It was too much weight.
We moved camp bit by bit. Each day, we would climb 2,000 to 3,000 feet, drop off supplies, stop for an hour for rest, and then come back down. The next day we would climb back up to our supplies and then rest a full day, allowing our bodies to get used to the altitude. It was a three-day process. That's why it took a month to climb to the top. If we didn't do it this way, we could get sick.
Q: How did you feel when you finally reached the top?
A: I was at a loss for words. It affected me more than I thought it would, the realization of two years of work having finally come to fruition. It was a much more profound experience than I anticipated, coupled with the beautiful views.
Q: Were you relieved when it was all over?
A: I had been so focused on getting to the top and then afterward getting back down, I didn't have time to think. When we came back down, I was tired, exhausted and wanted to sleep in my own bed.
Q: How does it feel to be home?
A: It's fantastic. The support of the squadron was immense; I couldn't have done it without all of their support.
Q: Are you nervous or excited about future climbs?
A: I'm planning on climbing Elbrus in Russia this summer. I look forward to it. I will be supporting a local charity there also, probably an orphanage, to raise money for them. I'm really excited with the prospect.
Next March, I plan to climb Mount Everest, which is significant to me. I've already begun training. I admit I'm a little worried because its dangerous.
Q: You've successfully raised awareness and support for the ONE Campaign by completing this feat. You've also served as inspiration to people. How does this make you feel?
A: That is exactly my intent, to inspire people to care. It's wonderful to know that what I've done has inspired, and raised awareness about these world issues. I wanted to instill the attitude that people are people. We are all exactly the same, no matter what part of the world you're from. We're just in a more privileged position in the Western world. Even if people are from different countries and cultures, we are all the same; we all have friends and families. It's important to bear this in mind. We are collectively responsible for the tragedies of AIDS and extreme poverty.
Q: Is there anything you would like to add?
A: I want to thank my squadron and everyone on base for their support. Without all the support, I would not have been able to do what I have done. I am truly thankful.