Zara Rutherford has completed her five-month, 28,000-mile journey around the world in a Shark Light-Sport Aircraft, becoming the youngest woman to fly solo around the world at just 19 years old. The Belgium native was interviewed by Al Roker of the Today Show and the clip shows some amazing scenes from her journey, including flying over an active volcano. You’ll also enjoy her story about flying her LSA — known as a microlight in Europe — into New York’s JFK International Airport.
After you check out the video, you can learn more at FlyZolo.com and in these stories on our website: 19-year-old woman’s record-breaking attempt takes off and 19-year-old makes it halfway around world.
Jerrie Mock did it in 1953 or 54 Cessna 180. Her airplane is in the Smithsonian Museum. Amelia Earhart tried and failed but is well known. Jerrie Mock succeeded and is almost unknown.
Jerrie mock is the first woman to fly around the World in a 182 Cessna. This was in the 60s with at best primitive Navigation equipment.
Cessna 180 Not C-182
‘PlaneandPilot’s position on this..’.An Aviation Achievement We’re Not Reporting On.’
” It’s a terrible idea to establish records for the youngest person to do anything that has risk associated with it, and the major aviation record-keeping bodies purposely don’t recognize any age-related records.”
I agree, young folks need to work on a career path toward adulthood. Not attempting risky ‘stunts’, of little value to anyone.
I also agree with You, JimH, as well I agree with the comment of Isabel Goyer in Plane and Pilot.