Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Nov 30: The 19th century classic ‘Around the World in 80 days’ by Jules Verne was not just a tale of fictitious adventure and excitement. It actually motivated many to take a voyage around the earth. The latest in this list will be Mysuru based mother-daughter duo who are set to circumnavigate the earth with a motorglider, with a hope to inspire women.
Forty two-year-old flying instructor and pilot, Captain Audrey Deepika Maben, along with daughter Amy Mehta (19), will be flying Sinus Pipistrel 912 engine ultralight motor glider, which has been imported from Slovenia. They aim to fly across 21 countries and 54 sorties in 80 days and set a world record.
The expedition that will start in February 2018, was announced at the Jakkur Aerodrome on Wednesday. The duo will also be raising funds for the ‘WE! Udaan Scholarship’ to help under-privileged Indian girls across India who wish to become pilots.
The journey is conceptualised by Social Access Communications as part of their campaign ‘WE! Women Empower’ and is supported by a private TV channel and the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development.
Audrey started flying gliders in Jakkur as a 15-year-old NCC cadet. She was the first woman microlight aircraft instructor in the country and also the only woman ultralight pilot in the Air Race India in 2003.
To circumnavigate the earth, one has to cover at least 37,000 km and cut across every longitude. A team will be planning the entire trip including the route for them. The journey will be limited to the northern hemisphere and the women will go over 21 countries, flying eastwards.
Audrey will be flying not more than four to five hours at a stretch. The journey will be taken up only during the day as Audrey is not cleared for night flying or instrument flying.
Amy a photography student who is excited to accompany her mother will be looking after social media. “I will be my mother’s eyes and ears during the journey. I hope to bring out a photography book at the end of the trip,” she adds.
Audrey is now on a nutrition programme and is undergoing strength and endurance training to prepare for the physically and mentally demanding journey.
“I am preparing my family for this trip and am aware of the risks. After all, skies are safer than the roads,” she laughs.