Solo around Australia

[Reynard]

Both are commendable and solo PIC.

The big lap is a serious undertaking by any measure.

[skippydiesel]

13 hours ago, Reynard said:

Both are commendable and solo PIC.

The big lap is a serious undertaking by any measure.

As acknowledged however being "supported" for the entirety of the "big lap" does not have anywhere near the same demand, on the pilot, as doing it without support.

 

Consider the segment logistics: 

Someone, other than the pilot, researches & organises the availability of fuel, food, ground transportation & accommodation.

Sustenance, clothing, fuel may be carried by the supporting aircraft, giving the pilots aircraft greater range.

Assist with, even preparation of flight plans.

The non flying component  forany long distance trip is huge. The assisted pilot is allowed to focus-on the flying alone.

Not so for the truly solo effort.

😈

 

 

[Love to fly]

Firstly, I'd like to be clear that I'm not trying to detract from Rose's effort. Just to point out that she was the youngest female in a GA Aircraft to circumnavigate Australia solo. Not the youngest pilot to do so.  

 

They both would have had ground support. AWPA and others were meeting Rose along the way, providing food and accommodation etc. And I'm sure, assisting where asked with local knowledge etc re flight plans.   And having been on several 25 plus hour flying trips I have always taken every opportunity to check my plans re airspace, terrain, fuel, runways etc with those more experienced than me. Does this mean I wasn't the PIC and that the pilots I chatted to along the way were responsible for those decisions and legs??  

 

The Cessna would have a lot more carrying capacity than the Petrel, and doubt it's overly relevant as to who carried what. 

 

Personally I think they are both remarkable. Huge thing to have carried out successfully. Let alone at such young ages. 

 

[skippydiesel]

As stated for the third time - both commendable efforts - to be applauded/admired.

 

When/If I ever get to do my cross Australia trip, I am expecting/hoping for some assistance along the way (indeed have made contact with a few Clubs/individuals/ARO's to this end)- friendly fellow pilots to help with fuel acquisition, may be a hanger for the bird & a bed/floor for the pilot. There may even be the offer of a coffee/food. Who knows?

 

The wise pilot will always consult with others regarding weather, safe rout, fuel, etc Need not be more experienced per say - discussion, brings diffrent perspective and, at least for me, is a way of checking my plans.

 

I think (obviously you are a liberty to disagree) that there is considerable difference between receiving between no & some, help on the ground and the consistent assistance/comfort of a traveling support team.

 

😈