"All the big pioneers of the 20th century have tried to fly coast to coast across America, " said co-pilot and one of the plane's founders, Bertrand Piccard.

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As we flew here today, I also asked the pilot to fly over the Gulf Coast region so I could see firsthand the scope and magnitude of the devastation.

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The practice of gig rowing is believed to date back to the 1700s, when vessels around the coast of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly needed a pilot to help them navigate their way through difficult waters.

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Bush arrived at the huge carrier off the California coast on a Navy plane, sitting in the co-pilot's seat.

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As you know what we have at the moment is one pilot scheme which I think thus far has sent about a dozen patients to France from the South Coast.

BBC: News | BREAKFAST WITH FROST | Interview with Alan Milburn