Article Title: “Breaking Barriers: Female Pilot Becomes First Woman to Fly Solo Across the Pacific Ocean”
In a historic feat, a female pilot has broken barriers by becoming the first woman to fly solo across the Pacific Ocean. 34-year-old Shaesta Waiz, an Afghan-American pilot, completed her journey on October 4th, 2017, landing in Daytona Beach, Florida, after an incredible 138-day journey.
Waiz’s journey began in May, when she took off from Daytona Beach in her single-engine Beechcraft Bonanza A36. Her goal was to become the youngest woman to fly solo around the world, but she also wanted to inspire and empower young girls around the globe to pursue careers in aviation and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) fields.
The journey was not without its challenges. Waiz faced a variety of obstacles, including flying in inclement weather, navigating unfamiliar routes, and dealing with mechanical issues. But she persevered and continued on, determined to make history and achieve her dream.
The most challenging leg of her journey was the Pacific crossing, which took her from Hawaii to California. This portion of the journey required Waiz to fly over 4,000 miles over the vast ocean, with no land in sight for hours at a time. She also had to navigate through strong headwinds and turbulent weather conditions, making the journey even more treacherous.
But despite the challenges, Waiz successfully completed the Pacific crossing, landing in Oakland, California on August 1st. From there, she continued her journey through North America, South America, and finally back to Daytona Beach.
Along the way, Waiz made 30 stops in 22 countries, flying over 25,000 miles and spending a total of 138 days in the air. She also made several stops to speak with young girls and inspire them to pursue their passions, regardless of any societal barriers they may face.
Waiz’s achievement has been recognized and celebrated by many, including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) who awarded her with the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award, an honor given to pilots who have flown for 50 years or more without any accidents. She also received a congratulatory message from former Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton.
In an interview with CNN, Waiz expressed her hope that her journey will inspire more girls to pursue careers in aviation. “I want to show them that they can do it too, regardless of their gender or where they come from,” she said.
According to the FAA, only 6% of pilots in the United States are women, and Waiz hopes to see that number increase through her journey and advocacy efforts. She also plans to continue her work through her organization, Dreams Soar, which aims to empower and inspire young girls to pursue careers in aviation and STEM fields.
Waiz’s journey has not only made history, but it has also shattered stereotypes and inspired countless young girls to dream big and reach for the skies. As she continues to inspire and empower others, she has proven that with determination and perseverance, anything is possible.