Solar Impulse arrives at San Francisco, completes Pacific crossing

The solar-powered aeroplane, Solar Impulse, has completed a three-day flight over the Pacific Ocean.

It flew over San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge on Saturday evening as it prepared to land in California.

The plane took off from Hawaii on Thursday, where it underwent repairs for the past eight months after its batteries were damaged during the flight from Japan.

This is the ninth leg of its attempt to fly round the world.

"I crossed the bridge. I am officially in America," said pilot Bertrand Piccard as he flew above San Francisco Bay.

Solar Impulse started the journey last March in Abu Dhabi. The trip has involved two different pilots flying separate legs.

Piccard will land the plane later on Saturday evening at Moffett Airfield, located in Mountain View in Silicon Valley.

The landing is being delayed until winds drop...http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-36122618
 BBC
24/4/16
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