Epic Oz flight completed

Tracey Curtis-Taylor has completed her epic 13,000 mile three-month journey from Britain to Australia in a restored 1942 Boeing Stearman.  She landed safely at Kingsford Smith International Airport Sydney lunchtime Saturday (9 January) after being allowed to fly over the city's iconic bridge.

Sponsored by Boeing, her flight path spanned 23 countries and was modelled after British pilot Amy Johnson’s ground-breaking flight solo effort from Britain to Australia in 1930. The trip was 3,000 miles longer to avoid sensitive areas in Middle East.

Flying in an open cockpit through sometimes-treacherous weather conditions, Curtis-Taylor explained that she has “always been inspired by the achievements of pioneers like Amy Johnson. This expedition from the UK to Australia was the realisation of a burning desire to fly my beloved Boeing Stearman Spirit of Artemis around the world, following in their footsteps whilst hoping to inspire the next generation to follow their dreams."

Curtis-Taylor’s flight coincides with Boeing’s celebration of its centennial. “Since 1916, Boeing has been at the forefront of aerospace innovation,” said Maureen Dougherty, president of Boeing Australia and South Pacific. “Tracey’s flight is a wonderful reminder of how far aviation has advanced and the role women have played since those early days of flight. Congratulations to Tracey and her support team on this remarkable achievement.”   www.birdinabiplane.com

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