Zara Rutherford is the world's youngest female pilot to complete a solo trip around the world. At the age of 19, during her gap year, she decided to just go for it, and she worked hard to find sponsors, raise the necessary money, source the right type of plane, and plan the route she would take around the globe.
In I Flew Around the World, she documents her incredible journey through striking illustrations and engaging storytelling - perfect for young adventurers aged 7-9!
In I Flew Around the World, she documents her incredible journey through striking illustrations and engaging storytelling - perfect for young adventurers aged 7-9!
How did it all begin?
I have always wanted to be a pilot. From a young age I knew that I would get my pilot’s licence, and I was going to do everything I could to make that happen.
At the same time, I dreamt of the idea of flying around the world. In my mind that was one of the greatest adventures possible, especially in a single engine airplane. My biggest hurdle was turning my dream into a reality. It took me an extremely long time to understand that as long as I only dreamt of going on this trip without trying to realise it, then it would never happen.
So, after I finished school, I set my mind on flying around the world and decided I would try my best and see how far I could go. Around the world apparently!
At the same time, I dreamt of the idea of flying around the world. In my mind that was one of the greatest adventures possible, especially in a single engine airplane. My biggest hurdle was turning my dream into a reality. It took me an extremely long time to understand that as long as I only dreamt of going on this trip without trying to realise it, then it would never happen.
So, after I finished school, I set my mind on flying around the world and decided I would try my best and see how far I could go. Around the world apparently!
Why do you love planes?
I have always been fascinated by things I don’t understand. Planes are a great example. The concept of a metal box with a couple of sticks on either side being able to fly was miraculous to me and I wanted to understand how that worked. At the same time, I fell in love with flying itself and the freedom I felt when I was in the sky.
How did you become a pilot?
When I was 15, I started training to get my microlight pilot’s license – a lower level license that allows 15 year old pilots! After that, I started working on my full pilot’s license and shortly after that left to fly around the world. I would train at my local flying school on the weekends.
What do you believe are the most important skills/qualities for a future pilot to display in general?
Probably resilience and determination! Learning to fly can be tricky and takes a lot of time and studying. If you want to be a pilot, set your mind to it and you’ll be able to do it!
What advice do you have for kids who love science and wish to study a STEM subject?
Instead of thinking about which subject you might be interested in, instead look at the world around you and ask yourself what you want to know more about! Flying airplanes? Physics! Cool explosions? Chemistry! Chameleons changing colour? Biology! Working backwards helped me find what I enjoyed studying at school.
What is your favourite moment from your journey?
Over Greenland, I got to fly quite low to check out all the icebergs. Once I got super low, I realised I could spot seals sleeping on the ice! That was really incredible.
What’s the coolest thing you’ve ever seen?
SpaceX rocket launch from the plane! It was night out, but the bright orange flame coming from the rocket as it hurled towards space was crazy.
What’s your favourite thing about your job?
I get to build things! I’m currently studying electrical engineering, which means I’m always building nifty gadgets like robotic dogs and hands. Pretty fun!
What are your top tips to stay motivated when taking on big projects?
My key is breaking big projects down into small steps. Sometimes it can be very overwhelming to try to tackle a big project without a structure. By looking at it in bite sized chunks instead, it becomes much more digestible and it becomes much easier to complete. Also, don’t give up!