Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Aug 4: The first ever woman pilot from Afghanistan to undertake world tour alone in her aircraft, Shaesta Waiz (29), came to the city. Her visit was a quiet affair. After enjoying hospitality of the city, she went ahead to continue her tour.

Shaesta, who happens to be an Afghan refugee, has settled down in Richmond city, California, USA. Her feat of piloting an aircraft when she was 18, had won lot of attention. Later, she also secured civil aviation pilot licence. During May last, she had flown a mini single engine aircraft, 'Beachcraft Bonanza A-36' for about 28,800 km, and gave to the world introduction to her orientation towards adventure.

The woman pilot has undertaken the current adventure of 90-day world tour, starting from her country of birth, Afghanistan. As per her plans, she would be touching 19 nations during this tour including India, Singapore and Egypt and visiting a few places there. During her visits to the countries, she has been organizing interaction with the local youth with focus on creating interest among them in science and mathematics subjects.

Shaesta touched down at the international airport from Muscat on July 25 and stayed in a hotel room in the city which she had booked in advance. Although she stayed put in her room for two days she did not take part in any programme nor did she visit places of tourist interest. However, she was appreciative of the food variety unique to coastal Karnataka. She went back to Muscat on July 27, it is gathered.