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Solo2Darwin: In the Footsteps of Amy Johnson
Inspired by past aviation pioneers, Amanda Harrison flew her vintage Tiger Moth from Biggin Hill to Darwin, Australia in 20 days, overcoming weather challenges, engine failures, and dangerous terrains all while recovering from cancer.
Whilst learning to fly, Amanda Harrison discovered a beautiful vintage Tiger Moth. After researching the amazing pioneers who flew this fragile aircraft, a spark was ignited, and Amanda dreamed of emulating their adventures. On 11th May 2019, she made that dream a reality, taking off from Biggin Hill with the aim of flying to Darwin, Australia in 20 days � just as her idol Amy Johnson had done in 1930. Solo2Darwin documents one woman’s exhilarating journey across the world. Indeed, the launch of her biplane, ‘Solo2Darwin�, received extensive press coverage including print features in The Times and The Telegraph and TV footage broadcasted on ITV and Channel 5 News respectively.
Faced with adversity, navigating through torturous mountain ranges covered in cloud, across seas, dodging thunderstorms and surviving engine failures, Amanda’s route had plenty of highs, lows and drama. Alongside this she also experienced the difficulties of solo-flying a biplane and having to navigate dangerous regions across the world. What makes Amanda’s expedition even more remarkable is that this was all undertaken whilst recovering from
cancer.
So strap in and prepare to go on a journey of a lifetime. Twelve countries, 2,600 miles, 46 flying hours, two engine failures, one airplane, one female pilot, all equals one amazing adventure!
Whilst learning to fly, Amanda Harrison discovered a beautiful vintage Tiger Moth. After researching the amazing pioneers who flew this fragile aircraft, a spark was ignited, and Amanda dreamed of emulating their adventures. On 11th May 2019, she made that dream a reality, taking off from Biggin Hill with the aim of flying to Darwin, Australia in 20 days � just as her idol Amy Johnson had done in 1930. Solo2Darwin documents one woman’s exhilarating journey across the world. Indeed, the launch of her biplane, ‘Solo2Darwin�, received extensive press coverage including print features in The Times and The Telegraph and TV footage broadcasted on ITV and Channel 5 News respectively.
Faced with adversity, navigating through torturous mountain ranges covered in cloud, across seas, dodging thunderstorms and surviving engine failures, Amanda’s route had plenty of highs, lows and drama. Alongside this she also experienced the difficulties of solo-flying a biplane and having to navigate dangerous regions across the world. What makes Amanda’s expedition even more remarkable is that this was all undertaken whilst recovering from
cancer.
So strap in and prepare to go on a journey of a lifetime. Twelve countries, 2,600 miles, 46 flying hours, two engine failures, one airplane, one female pilot, all equals one amazing adventure!
240 pages, Hardcover
Published July 31, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
July 30, 2024
This is a really enjoyable memoir about Amanda Harrison's adventure following Amy Johnson's route to Australia in a vintage bi-plane.
I listened to the audio version which was read clearly by Sasha Higgins. At times it did get a little "jolly hockey sticks" amd I do wonder how much of the panic was injected into the narration by the reader. In my head Amanda Harrison is as cool as a cucumber in all situations. Otherwise it was a great reading and I enjoyed it thoroughly.
The story itself is absolutely fascinating. You'd imagine than 70+ years on that it wouldn't be quite so precarious to fly solo to Australia. However you add into the mix an elderly Tiger Moth bi-plane, the worst stormy European weather in about 50 years, political trouble in the Middle East, Pakistan and India, miscommunication with various airfields and an itinerary that had to continually change and you'll understand why Amanda Harrison battled every step of the way.
Amanda maintains she's an ordinary person doing an extraordinary thing. I hate to argue but she's absolutely amazing as far as I can tell. She's fought breast cancer, struggled with dyslexia and come out smiling. I think she is an example to us all.
A very inspirational story indeed. Well worth reading or listening to.
Thankyou to Netgalley and RB Media for the audio advance review copy.
I listened to the audio version which was read clearly by Sasha Higgins. At times it did get a little "jolly hockey sticks" amd I do wonder how much of the panic was injected into the narration by the reader. In my head Amanda Harrison is as cool as a cucumber in all situations. Otherwise it was a great reading and I enjoyed it thoroughly.
The story itself is absolutely fascinating. You'd imagine than 70+ years on that it wouldn't be quite so precarious to fly solo to Australia. However you add into the mix an elderly Tiger Moth bi-plane, the worst stormy European weather in about 50 years, political trouble in the Middle East, Pakistan and India, miscommunication with various airfields and an itinerary that had to continually change and you'll understand why Amanda Harrison battled every step of the way.
Amanda maintains she's an ordinary person doing an extraordinary thing. I hate to argue but she's absolutely amazing as far as I can tell. She's fought breast cancer, struggled with dyslexia and come out smiling. I think she is an example to us all.
A very inspirational story indeed. Well worth reading or listening to.
Thankyou to Netgalley and RB Media for the audio advance review copy.
August 2, 2024
Not only did Amanda Harris fly her old Tiger Moth on the same route as Amy Johnson (from Biggin Hill to Darwin), she did it with a cancer diagnosis, figuring it's better to try than wish you had. What a great adventure. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC/audiobook.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
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