Amelia Earhart Plane Found? No, But Flight To Be Recreated by Namesake
Amelia Earhart's distant relative, who also shares the same name, will be re-creating the iconic 1937 flight that the original Earhart made.
Amelia Rose Earhart, a Denver weather and traffic co-anchor, has announced her intention to fly across the world, following the same route that the pioneering female pilot took more than eight decades ago.
"My passion for flight and adventure has driven me to explore new experiences I never would have imagined possible as a child," the 30-year-old said in a statement, as noted by Yahoo! Finance.
Earhart, together with co-pilot and businessman Patrick Carter, will fly for over 100 hours and make 14 stops all across the globe, on an itinerary that is closest to the original 29,000 mile journey of Amelia.
The two will be flying aboard the 2014 PC-12 NG single-engine aircraft that, according to USA Today, which cost $4.6 million. The plane was provided by Pilatus Business Aircraft based in Colorado.
"Amelia and Patrick's love of flight, yearning for adventure and dedication to safety and education make them great ambassadors for the Pilatus brand," President and CEO for Pilatus Business Aircraft, Ltd. Thomas Bosshard said, reports Yahoo! Finance. "The Pilatus PC-12 NG's unique combination of reliability, speed, range and performance make it the perfect aircraft to complete this demanding flight. We look forward to helping The Amelia Project raise awareness for more young women to pursue a fulfilling career in aviation."
USA Today says Amelia Rose Earhart began flying lessons in 2004 and earned her instrument rating in May of this year. In 2012, she flew from Oakland, Calif. to Miami, in an attempt to recreate her namesake's transcontinental flight.
"Hard work, persistence and great role models have enabled me to fly outside the lines and achieve my dreams. Aviation plays an integral role in my life and I hope to share some of that joy with others through this adventure."
Amelia Earhart is scheduled to depart for her around-the-world trip Jun. 2014 from Oakland, Calif.