Curtis-Taylor completes UK-Australia flight in 1942 Boeing Stearman
Courtesy Simon Bullard
Sponsored by Boeing, her flight path spanned 23 countries and was modeled after British aviatrix Amy Johnson’s flight from Britain to Australia in 1930 in what is known as one of the greatest solo flight achievements in history.
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."
Courtesy Simon Bullard
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.”
Prior to landing in Sydney, Curtis-Taylor made stops in areas such as Darwin, Tennant Creek, Alice Springs and Uluru in the Northern Territory, Oodnadatta in South Australia as well as Broken Hill in New South Wales.