looks like it was a "solo" flight, even with all the support.
- I think a few of us pilots (while in no way wishing to downplay the sheer achievement) view having a (type-qualified) co-pilot in the aeroplane as not 'solo', Alison? The Beeb from which you quote say
Ms Curtis-Taylor was the only pilot to fly the vintage bi-plane
which begs the question - whose was the other head, and that, I think, has been answered (see #7) and with pix here
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/pilot-tracey-curtis-taylor-touches-down-after-three-month-journey-from-uk-to-sydney-in-1942-boeing-stearman/story-fni0cx12-1227702832957? I am a little surprised that no public credit has been given to this man - the name appears to be Ewald Gritsch who rebuilt the aircraft.
From her previoius 'solo' flight from Africa to the UK there is mention of a "Matthew, who also doubles up as a co-pilot", so nothing is clear!
It is 'media run-away', but how it was fed......?
Let's not forget Amanda Harrison who is hoping to fly 'solo' to Darwin in a Tiger Moth, leaving on 1 December
http://amandajharrison.com/[/url]. I seem to recall an RAF colleague of mine, David Cyster, flew that route in a Tiger a few years back too.
I would imagine one could almost navigate the route now by following the oil stains
EDIT For ex-A: Yes, GPS. Re Hotels, what would you have done if you had the dosh?