In a tribute to Australian aviation’s century-long legacy, pilots David Geers and Cathy Babis (’80) embarked on a remarkable journey aboard Geers’ experimental Searey VH-XWW. On May 26, 2024, Babis became the first female seaplane pilot to circumnavigate the Australian mainland.
Babis, an Air Traffic Management graduate, has forged a diverse career — pilot, flight instructor, air traffic controller, weather observer and aviation chart cartographer. Her experiences fuel her motivational speaking and stand-up comedy.
The Epic Journey: From Dream to Reality
The duo’s clockwise perimeter flight anchored the Centenary Celebration of the Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF) first circumnavigation. Their adventure began in Caboolture, Queensland, on March 30, 2024, and concluded on May 26, 2024.
The official takeoff occurred at the historic RAAF Base Point Cook in Victoria on April 6, 2024, marking the exact date of the RAAF’s 1924 departure. With the Searey loaded to 750 kilos, they shared piloting duties, covering 8,953 nautical miles (16,581 kilometers) at 76.13 knots.
Fueling the Adventure: The Highs and Lows
Fuel costs varied widely. The Searey consumed 2,940 liters (760 gallons) of fuel, averaging $2.55 per liter ($9.87 per gallon AUD or $6.57 USD) and peaking at $3.75 per liter ($14.51 per gallon AUD, $9.65 USD) in Kalumburu, Western Australia. Total fuel cost was $7,497 AUD ($4,988 USD), reflecting the economic challenges of the expedition.
A Ballet of Touchdowns
The Searey VH-XWW demonstrated its amphibious versatility with 71 landings — 53 on solid ground and 18 on water. Visiting 38 destinations, they encountered breathtaking landscapes and minor mechanical issues, including a flat tire and a blocked pitot tube. Geers’ extensive knowledge of the aircraft ensured swift, safe repairs with no lost flying days.
A Triumph of Spirit and Aviation
Clocking 117.6 hours of flight time, the Searey VH-XWW’s voyage was not just a mechanical triumph but a celebration of the human spirit. Babis and Geers’ adventure mirrored the daring flights of early Australian aviators like Charles Kingsford Smith and Bert Hinkler, reminding us that the spirit of adventure in flight endures.
A few days after her return, Cathy Babis celebrated her 70th birthday. Good on ya, Cathy.