CRESWELL – Sure, flying around the world in 2024 in a single-engine airplane is an incredible feat – but obviously it’s much easier now than it was 100 years ago, when it was first accomplished.
Still, Bob Bates and Barry Payne – more commonly referred to as Bob and Baz – are proud to be finishing up their commemorative historic around-the-world flight, even if it is just one small step for mankind.
“Flying around the world is many pilots’ dream. In the 100 years since that first flight that we’re commemorating, less than 250 people have flown around the world in a single-engine airplane,” said Bates, 84, during a meet-and-greet Sunday at Hobby Field in Creswell.
Bob Bates, left, of Papua New Guinea, and Barry Payne, of New Zealand, spent three days in Creswell last week and held a meet-and-greet at the Creswell Airport. BOB WILLIAMS / CHRONICLE PHOTOS
“At the same time, thousands have climbed Everest and hundreds have flown to the moon, so it kind of puts it in perspective.
“We’re just another step in the evolution of history. Who knows what that will mean in 100 years time? Nobody knows yet, but history keeps on going.”
When those first two pilots were successful in 1924 – four planes started the trip, one crashed, one was grounded with mechanical problems – they revolutionized long-distance traveling. Trains and boats were no.longer the only options.
Bates and Payne are trying to replicate everything they can about that 1924 trip, When the historic trip was made in 1924, although government regulations prevent them from flying through certain unfriendly territories.
Bates, from Papua New Guinea, and Payne, 78, from New Zealand, were being hosted by fellow pilot Gary Ludeke during their three-day Creswell stay.
“We’re having a good time here,” Payne said, adding that they’re about three-quarters of the way through with their trip. “We’re both a couple of young fellows having fun.”
Bob Bates, left, of Papua New Guinea, and Barry Payne, of New Zealand, spent three days in Creswell last week. BOB WILLIAMS / CHRONICLE PHOTO
Ludeke is the local host for the United Flying Octogenarians, a club that requires its members to be 80 years old.
“I’m a junior club member. I’m doing an apprenticeship,” Payne said.
As they head back to the South Pacific, Bob and Baz will have just a few more stops before they get all the way back to Guam, and then Papua New Guinea – where they started.
“We’ve had very normal flights so far,” Bates said. “Some weather good, some not so good.”
Both men said they were having a blast, meeting new friends, visiting great places, enjoying other cultures.
“When you’re among aviators youre among friends,” Bates said. “Both of us have traveled a lot.”
“When you get older, there’s nothing to stop you from doing this,” Payne said.
Bob Bates, left, of Papua New Guinea, and Barry Payne, of New Zealand. BOB WILLIAMS / CHRONICLE PHOTOS
