Shaesta Waiz Said To Be The First Certified Civilian Female Pilot From Afghanistan

A young woman who fled from Afghanistan during the Afghan-Soviet war to the United States with her parents when she was a year old has launched a circumnavigation attempt to raise awareness for STEM education for women around the world.

Now 29 years old, Shaesta Waiz is a graduate of Embry-Riddle University who holds a commercial pilot certificate with an instrument rating. 

The global solo flight launched May 13, 2017 from Daytona Beach International Airport, in a single-engine A36 Beechcraft Bonanza. Her route will make 30 stops over 5 continents in 18 countries in approximately 90 days – more than 25,000 miles flown. The longest leg of the flight is from Hilo, Hawaii to Oakland, California, 2,093 nautical miles over the Pacific Ocean.

Waiz arrived at John Glenn Columbus International Airport in Ohio on Saturday, May 13, her first stop on her route to pay homage to her inspiration, Geraldine “Jerrie” Mock, the first woman who flew solo around the world in 1964. She participated in a STEM event for school student’s ages 6-18 on Sunday. A replica of Jerrie Mock’s plane was on display along with Nancy Pimm, author of the children’s book – The Jerrie Mock Story, Wendy Hollinger publisher of Jerrie Mock’s account of her flight – Three-Eight Charlie, and Jerrie’s sister, Susan Reid.

She then departed Columbus, OH for Montreal, Canada, flying in formation with a fleet of Bonanzas.

Waiz is calling her effort "Dreams Soar" ... and she can be followed online through her website and on Facebook.

(Image courtesy Dreams Soar)

FMI: dreamssoar.org/live-tracking, www.facebook.com/DreamsSoar/