Zara Rutherford, a teenager pilot, landed in Seoul (South Korea) on Saturday. She was flying from Russia. This is her first stop as she tries to be the youngest female solo pilot around the globe.
The 19-year old British-Belgian citizen left Kortrijk Wevelgem Airport, western Belgium, on August 18 for her journey of 32,000 miles, covering five continents, 52 countries, including Russia, Greenland and Colombia.
After arriving in Seoul in her Shark ultralight plane (the world’s fastest microlight), Miss Rutherford talked to journalists at Gimpo International Airport.
She said that it was difficult and added that Russia and Alaska were stuck for one month because of “visa and weather problems”.
“I had hoped to finish it before Christmas, but that is not possible anymore. But it’s an adventure.
Zara Rutherford, the daughter of two pilots is determined to become the youngest female solo flight around the globe. She also has ambitions to one day be an astronaut.
On Saturday, Miss Rutherford, who was on a round-the-world trip from Russia to Vladivostok in Russia arrived in Seoul.
Miss Rutherford said that she will be staying in a hotel until her departure to Taiwan on Monday. She also stated that she expected to finish her trip by the middle of January.
The pioneering pilot claimed that she was banned from visiting certain attractions within some countries due to increased COVID travel restrictions.
She said, “I see these places from above and that’s the most amazing thing,”
“Although I don’t always have permission to travel and see museums, restaurants and other attractions, I can still view them from the sky and it’s quite amazing.”
Apart from making it into the records, the teenager also hopes that the experience will motivate girls to explore STEM subjects, such as engineering, science, and math, and inspire them to take up aviation.
Zara Rutherford was photographed on Saturday in Seoul, South Korean capital. This is her first Asian stop to try to become the youngest female solo pilot to fly the entire globe.
Miss Rutherford, 19 pictured departing from Wevelgem, Belgium, on August 18 for a round-the-world trip in a light aircraft
Miss Rutherford wants to reclaim the title of Shaesta Wais who was the youngest solo female pilot around the globe at the age of 30.
Mason Andrews was the youngest male record holder when he completed his journey in 2018.
Two pilots were Miss Rutherford’s parents. She will be starting university next year to pursue her dream to become an astronaut.