A flight instructor based in Limerick is looking for sponsorship to fly a single-engine aircraft to Japan for the World Cup.
Mr Patsey Peril, known as Commander Peril to his fellow pilots, said that despite his name, the undertaking would not be dangerous. "There is a bit of an adventure about it. It is a flight that you will not do too often."
The 7,000-mile trip would involve flying over land as far as Vladivostok before crossing the Sea of Japan. For that last leg of the trip he is counting on a pilot friend in Tokyo to smooth the way into Japanese airspace.
"The intention is not to fly around Japan, just to get the plane on to Japanese soil, park it and tour around on the trains, buses or whatever is available."
Yesterday, he visited the Russian embassy in Dublin to check if he could get an aviation permit to cross the Russian Federation. He is also seeking a second pilot to fly on the trip on May 21st in time for the first Irish game 10 days later.
"I am getting good pledges of support at this stage," he said.
An instructor with the Limerick Flying Club in Coonagh, he hopes to either purchase or lease a single-engine, four-seater Rallye aircraft. He will spend up to €40,000 on a second-hand one and may also take a passenger.
"The radio equipment makes it expensive and gives it higher capability" for navigation. His fuel consumption, he expects, will amount to 1,500 gallons.