Global Flight Completed by Australian Woman
Australian Gaby Kennard landed in Sydney on Friday, completing a solo flight around the world in 99 days in a single-engine aircraft.
“I’m glad to be back and I’m totally overwhelmed,” Kennard, the first Australian woman to undertake the epic trip, said after touching down at the suburban Bankstown airport.
Kennard completed a lap of honor over Sydney by flying her Piper Saratoga in formation with eight planes.
A large crowd gave a rousing welcome as she stepped from the aircraft in black boots, red flying suit and a red cap.
Kennard, whose journey fulfilled a childhood dream, was driven on a victory parade along the main streets of Sydney.
She said before her flight that it was part of an attempt to retrace the path of American aviator Amelia Earhart who disappeared over the South Pacific during a similar solo flight 52 years ago.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
