In 1990 Tom Casey became the first person to fly solo around the world in a single-engine seaplane, landing only on water.
Using a Cessna 206, named Liberty II, the flight was an east-to-west journey that took 188 days, with more than 75 water takeoffs and landings on oceans, bays, lakes, and rivers in 20 countries.
The journey was detailed in the aptly named Floatplane Odyssey by longtime friend William Coleman.
Casey’s aviation career included time as a multi-engine sales representative for Cessna Aircraft Company, as well as a flight instructor and “Weekender” seminars host for the AOPA Air Safety Foundation. He was a 1963 graduate of Temple University.
Casey passed away on March 29, 2020.
I became friends with Tom after he crashed near Shemya. I helped him with some mechanical on his engine and waiting for a replacement engine. He was a good guy. I broke my hand and got sent back home to Palmer before Tom left Shemya, He called me me and told me he was continuing his journey.
The passing of my very dear friend Tom Casey on 3/25/20 prompted me to comment on this page. We met on the beach in Wildwood, NJ, back in the 1950’s when he was a lifeguard. We did many publicity picture together for the city of Wildwood after I became Miss Wildwood Beach Patrol in 1956. We dated on and off for the next 50 years! After many years of being a lifeguard, he wanted to become a pilot and eventually he flew the banner signs along the beaches of Cape May County. The longest time we spent together was for 2 years right after his amazing trip around the world in a floatplane. His son called me about the book that was written. FLOAT PLANE ODYSSEY by William T. Coleman. I ordered the book and after reading it, I called the Autor and through many phone chats and e-mails we became friends. What a small world we live in as Bill and I grew up in Cape May County, so we had many good chats! What is so special, was the fact hearing the whole story about Tom’s trip around the world from Tom himself! Then to read about his adventure was the highlight of knowing him and being a part of his life for all these years.
Tom Casey taught me to fly, after another instructor taught me I couldn’t fly. I was 60 years old.
Hi Ed, I just read your comment and it’s nice to know that you learned how to fly under the leadership of Tom. He was a very special person and we had a lot of interesting adventures together…..Helen
As Ben knows I spent countless hours wondering where Casey was. But always found him when he needed more capital. Worse case was going to Phillips 66 and explaining what the hell Casey was doing. He was the best pilot I Ever knew.
Where in hell is Casey✈️