First Female to Fly Seaplane Around Australia
Catherine Babis is organizing this fundraiser.
HELP CATHY MAKE HISTORY
Please join us in celebrating and making history: We are excited to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF) first flight around Australia in a Fairey seaplane flown by “Jimmy” Goble and Ivor Mcintyre and to establish a new aviation milestone – the first circumnavigation of Australia by a female seaplane pilot in a seaplane. By supporting us in our mission, you will be making a lasting impact on the world of aviation, the lives of diverse populations, and future female aviators.
PHOTO: The first seaplane to circumnavigate Australia 1924
Our mission is to promote diversity in aviation occupations and STEM education while celebrating both old and new aviation milestones. Our names are Cathy Babis and David Geers. David, owner of the seaplane, and Cathy, a pilot for over 5 decades and a member of the rare .47% of US pilots who are women who hold seaplane ratings, will fly a 1600lb 2-place amphibious seaplane called a Searey around mainland Australia beginning on the same date as the first circumnavigation.
PHOTO: Searey, Max weight 1640lbs
Upon completion of our trip, Cathy will become the FIRST female seaplane pilot to fly a seaplane around the entire perimeter of mainland Australia. Our approximately 60 day journey will encompass over 200 landings on both land and water and 18,270 Kilometers/11,350 Miles of awe-inspiring landscapes, encompassing coastal regions, remote islands, and diverse terrain.
PHOTO: Twin Falls, Kimberley Australia
About Cathy: She is a former flight instructor with a passion for breaking barriers in aviation. She is new to seaplane flying, earning her commercial pilot seaplane certificate in September of 2020 with the Missouri River as her water runway near her home in St. Louis, MO, USA. Cathy’s aviation experience includes pilot, air traffic controller, weather observer, aviation map maker, & US Army veteran. In retirement, she has dedicated her time to promoting diversity in aviation careers through STEM education and mentoring.
About David: He has been a pilot since 1980 and has flown his Searey amphibious airplane over 1000 hours since purchasing it in 2010. He is past president of the Seaplane Pilots Association of Australia and current committee member. David is passionate about promoting flying, especially seaplanes. He doesn’t think he could ever own a land-based airplane.
PHOTO: The Searey is Amphibious
We are seeking contributions to cover some of the costs and logistics involved in this monumental journey. Any contribution, big or small, will make a significant impact on the success of this historic endeavor. Cathy will be halfway around the world and away from her home for about 80 days. David will be away from work in Australia for 2 months. We estimate the total cost of the trip to be $400-500USD/day which works out to be $30,000USD at the high end. We plan to publish a book and documentary of our endeavor and those things will require extra funds for editing & video production.
PHOTO: Auto Gas is the Preferred Fuel - We Sometimes Have to Go to the Source!
Fuel can vary from $8/gal to over $20/gal in remote areas. Lodging is another major expense. Sometimes we will be sleeping under the stars. Other expenses are food, landing fees, aircraft maintenance, ground support and media support both on the trip and post-production. Cathy will be away form her home in Saint Louis, Missouri for nearly 80 days and David will not be working.
PERKS FOR DONATIONS:
• For Any donation, we will list your name on our website.
• OH WOW! Any donation of $100 USD will receive a vinyl sticker of their name on the Searey. Each $100 after the initial $100 will receive any other chosen name. Donations MUST be received by March 23, 2024, to be included on the aircraft prior to takeoff.
We are deeply grateful for any level of support or simply your good thoughts and prayers for a successful trip!
We are also seeking corporate sponsors. If you are interested, please contact us.
Please share our link on your social media.
We hope our flight inspires and motivates people of all ages, genders, and races to consider embracing aviation as a vocation or avocation - from young girls just selecting a career to older women who may have put their flying dreams aside years ago. We believe that every barrier is meant to be broken. It's an honor to celebrate the circumnavigation’s 100th anniversary and pay tribute to the pioneers who paved the way for us, while achieving a “first” for female pilots.
After completing our 60 day journey, we plan on speaking to schools about our experiences and helping promote aviation to all generations, genders, & ethnicities.
Any funds not used for our flight or post-flight video production will be split between the Australia and US Women in Aviation scholarship funds.
FOLLOW OUR ADVENTURE:
Instagram: @cathybabis
No comments:
Post a Comment