Originally published in 1997
Texas-based aviatrix Linda Finch has ended her three-month recreation of Amelia Earhart’s ill-fated 1937 flight around the world via the equator.
Finch flew an immaculately restored Lockheed Electra 10E – one of only two remaining in the world. Its restoration is an accurate replica of Earhart’s aircraft. She and copilot Lad Doctor departed March 17th from Earhart’s original starting point, Oakland, California, for the 24,557- mile flight. The flight spanned five continents, with more than 30 stops in 20 countries.
In July, Finch will fly the plane to Washington, D.C. To present items carried on the flight to the National Air and Space Museum and the National Geographic Society.
The main sponsor of the “World Flight ’97” is engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney, a subsidiary of United Technologies Co., who has contributed about $4 million to the flight. That includes the two 550 hp engines, which have the same serial numbers as those installed on Earhart’s plane.
“Amelia Earhart believed in herself and her dream,” says Finch. ‘World Flight is our way of sharing her message with the world.”