Afghani Shaesta Waiz wants become the youngest woman to complete a round-the-world flight on her own – and she’s making headway…
She embarked on her first flight more than 10 years ago, but Shaesta Waiz’s latest turn in the cockpit is more important than most.
The 29-year-old, who was born in a refugee camp in Afghanistan, is hoping to inspire women around the world by becoming the youngest female pilot to complete a solo round-the-world flight.
And she’s making great progress since setting off from the US around six weeks ago.
The keen aviator, who flew her first plane at the age of 18, is currently making her way through an 18-country itinerary that will take her an estimated three months to complete.
Waiz took off from Florida on back on May 13, with the aim of covering five continents and more than 25,000 kilometres between then and August.
Read:
Why This Emirati Teen Is Racing Ahead For Females Behind The Wheel
This Muslim-Hindu Couple Has A Real-Life Romeo & Juliet Story
She’s since touched down in Canada, Portugal, Spain Egypt, Bahrain and Greece, and landed in Dubai on July 6.
The pilot arrived at Dubai International Airport, and will spend several days in the city before heading on to Mumbai, India.
Waiz, who holds the title of youngest certified civilian female aviator from Afghanistan, emigrated to the US as a child, where she gained her licence to fly.
“I thought my role was to become a house wife and have kids. My mum had six girls,” she told CTV News.
However Waiz discovered a love for aviation during her teens, and now hopes her mission will inspire other young women to chase their dreams.
“When I found my passion — flying — that’s when I started to challenge myself. I started to read. I started to do better in maths. I started to look at the world differently, the sky differently,” she told AFP over the weekend.
“What’s important is finding your passion and going after it.”
Read:
Why Kuwait’s Only Female MP Needs To Be On Your Radar
What You Need To Know About The Two New Islands Coming To Dubai
Waiz is taking her Beechcraft Bonanza A36 aircraft around the world, and has plotted 30 stopovers during her 90-day trip.
The engineering graduate is being sponsored by the International Civil Aviation Organisation on her mission, and has also set up a non-profit (called Dream Soar) that aims to inspire girls to “achieve more” in typically male-dominated industries such as aviation, science and technology.
“I often tell kids, sometimes your biggest fear in life can be your passion, but you will never know unless you go out there and face it,” she told CTV.
“A lot of people in aviation have this moment when they discover it. It’s so magical. It’s amazing.”
We’ll keep you updated with her epic journey as it continues to unfold…
Image: Dreams Soar/Instagram
