Renowned aviator Tracey Curtis-Taylor lands in Gwadar

Taylor says she was honoured to meet Squadron Leader Saira Batool in Gwadar

Renowned aviator and adventurer Tracey Curtis-Taylor from New Zealand arrived at Gwadar on Monday in her vintage open cockpit biplane, a 1942 Boeing Stearman.

“Overwhelming reception in ‪Gwadar. Unbelievable welcome by C-47 and honoured to meet Air Force pilot Saira and now high on cliffs overlooking the Arabian Sea. Blown away by it all,” Tracey Curtis-Taylor wrote on her Facebook page.



[fbpost link="https://www.facebook.com/birdinabiplane/posts/1647612192161124"]

Pakistan is just one of the places in her itinerary as the 53-year-old aviation enthusiast has undertaken a journey from Farnborough, England to Sydney, Australia. Taylor is paying homage to England’s Amy Johnson and her epic solo flight to Australia in 1930.

“On her arrival she was received by Squadron Leader Saira Batool, a lady pilot of Pakistan Air Force,” a PAF spokesperson said.



PHOTO: APP

Taylor will be hosted by PAF during her short stay in Pakistan before departing for her next destination.

The 53-year-old pilot, who started her journey on October 1, will be following Johnson’s route and will relive her dramatic adventures. The route will take nearly 13,000 miles crossing 23 countries and 50 refueling stops before reaching Australia. The flight is expected to take 12 to 14 weeks and she plans to arrive in Sydney in 2016.



Taylor has documented her travels on her Twitter and Facebook accounts. Here’s a look at some of the places she has visited so far.

Great video of #SpiritofArtemis flying across the desert in #SaudiArabia #AbuDhabi #GBtoOz: https://t.co/F1Lw7wEYvJ pic.twitter.com/omIEHxkWal

— Tracey Curtis-Taylor (@biplanebird) November 2, 2015

First day of the @DubaiAirshow! Excited that #SpiritofArtemis is part of the @Boeing display. Should be fun! #GBtoOz pic.twitter.com/xeQqBIXYZu

— Tracey Curtis-Taylor (@biplanebird) November 8, 2015

Time to pause for a cup of hot tea, bread and butter at Byzantium Lounge @TajHotelDubai #GBtoOz #afternoontea #Taj pic.twitter.com/F7rMDz5gTE

— Tracey Curtis-Taylor (@biplanebird) November 11, 2015

We're in #Muscat! Visiting British Embassy @UKinOman and British School today. Tomorrow Gwadar @ukinpakistan #GBtoOz pic.twitter.com/vOThi9C5Py

— Tracey Curtis-Taylor (@biplanebird) November 15, 2015

Waking up to probably the most fascinating view in #Dubai – iconic 830m tall Burj Khalifa! @TajHotelDubai #GBtoOz pic.twitter.com/AyVqOdOFJf

— Tracey Curtis-Taylor (@biplanebird) November 9, 2015

Wonderful hospitality at RAF Akrotiri #Cyprus before next flight to #Amman #GBtoOz. Enjoy: https://t.co/cqgmhJBs0Z pic.twitter.com/gNEoqh4mpo

— Tracey Curtis-Taylor (@biplanebird) October 20, 2015

We're off! Hoşçakal #İstanbul ve teşekkür. Next stop #Rhodes #GBtoOz pic.twitter.com/0vmR7tOKwl

— Tracey Curtis-Taylor (@biplanebird) October 17, 2015

Landed in Hezarfen Airport - made it to Istanbul finally!! More to follow... #GBtoOz pic.twitter.com/bTt5clXTCK

— Tracey Curtis-Taylor (@biplanebird) October 14, 2015

Sorry for radio silence, tricky flying Friday. Low cloud forced me to land in cow field! Made it to Romania #GBtoOz pic.twitter.com/q7Zz3lqVwr

— Tracey Curtis-Taylor (@biplanebird) October 10, 2015