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John and Karen Springthorpe atop the Sydney, Australia Harbour Bridge
to Eurasia. “Air Journey does a great job of coordinating every aspect of the trip, from airport handling to hotels and tours,” he added.
Another couple who may hold the record for the most Air Journey expeditions completed is John and Karen Springthorpe. They took their first Air Journey in 2010 aboard their TBM 850, upgraded to a Citation M2 and now fly a Citation CJ3+. They’ve visited 140 countries, landed in more than 120, and have traveled around the world twice – once eastbound and once westbound.
John explained his motivation this way: “Not that I am anywhere near their category, but the historical accomplishments of Lindbergh, Post, and Earhart provided inspiration for me to do something more than just fly for $100 hamburgers. My dad was a pilot who inspired me and relished my aviation accomplishments as if they were his own,” he said. “The world is so varied and filled with natural beauty that it is impossible to pick one favorite from so many wonderful places. I personally enjoyed the view from the Sydney Harbour Bridge in Australia, being within arm’s length of mountain gorillas in Rwanda, hiking the rugged peaks in the Patagonia region of Chile, and driving through the stark desert of Namibia.”
What’s on your go-go bucket list, either completed or in the planning stages? Drop me an email – I’d love to hear more about it!
Dianne White is a 35-year aviation industry veteran and the past editor-in-chief of Twin & Turbine Magazine. She is the former executive director of Malibu/M-Class Owners & Pilots Association (now known as PMOPA) and has worked with numerous general aviation companies throughout her career as a consultant and executive. She is an active instrument & multi-engine-rated pilot and owns several aircraft. You can reach Dianne at editor@diannewhite.com.
6 • TWIN & TURBINE / June 2024