Tracey Curtis-Taylor landed in a restored classic 1942 Boeing Stearman named Spirit of Artemis at Seletar Airport after flying from the UK across Eastern Europe, through the Middle East and over India enroute to Sydney in Australia.
Her journey started on 1 October this year making her expedition from UK to Australia. She plans to fly 13,000 miles across 23 countries, making more than 50 stops along the way.
She is now on her Southeast Asian leg. She arrived in Singapore from Malaysia having completed 8,000 of the 13,000 miles of stick and rudder flying.
She is exposed to the elements as she flies between 50 to 1,000 feet at 90mph and uses basic period flight instruments. Her next stop is at Palempang in Indonesia this Saturday followed by other cities in Indonesia and Australia before arriving at Sydney in Australia early next year.
This journey was inspired by the revolutionary British aviator Amy Johnson who was the first woman to fly solo from Britain to Australia in 1930. Curtis-Taylor’s flight celebrates the pioneering days of early aviation in the 1920s and 1930s.
Curtis-Taylor has been engaging with local communities and inspiring others with her expedition, especially women.
She met young women from the UN Women’s Girls2Pioneers programme here in Singapore.
Speaking at the Girls2Pioneers session, Tracey Curtis-Taylor said, “I have always been inspired by the achievements of pioneers like Amy Johnson. This expedition from the U.K. to Australia is the realisation of a burning desire to fly my beloved Boeing Stearman Spirit of Artemis around the world, following in their footsteps. I hope to showcase the significant role women have played in the history of aviation and inspire the next generation to follow their dreams, especially in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.”
“This trip has already exceeded all my expectations and delivered unforgettable moments and incredible challenges.”
Follow Curtis-Taylor on her journey here.
The Boeing Company celebrates its 100th year anniversary next year. Sponsorship of Tracey Curtis-Taylor’s quest reflect the airplane manufacturer’s ongoing support for the aviation industry and the role it has played over the past century. Boeing’s centennial celebrations will continue at the Singapore Airshow in February next year.
