The Amsterdam Island FT5ZM DXpedition team says now that it’s paid for its charter voyage on the MV Bravehart, it’s “fully vested” and “there is no turning back now.” The DXpedition, headed up by Ralph Fedor, KØIR, is set to run for up to 18 days between January 15 and February 20, 2014 (including setup and teardown). The FT5ZM DXpedition is the recipient of a Colvin Award grant, although it remains short of its fundraising goal.

The team reports its progress “continues unabated,” with all gear now at the Atlanta staging area or undergoing final testing in preparation for shipping. The international team members continue work on the outstanding aspects of the adventure as the departure date approaches.

“Our next payment is due in December, so like all major DXpeditions of this magnitude, we will feel the cash flow crunch shortly,” the team announced on its website. “All the team members will sleep a little better knowing you have our back.”

The DXpedition’s CFO and chief fundraiser Bob Allphin, K4UEE, has done the math. He estimates it will cost the DXpedition $20 for each minute it’s on the air, about one-half of that paid by the participants. That works out to $4 per QSO, he said, assuming FT5ZM makes 100,000 contacts. Amsterdam Island is the seventh most-wanted DXCC entity, according to the ClubLog DXCC Most Wanted List. -- The Daily DX