Freedom of the Skies

“Freedom of the Skies: Adventure Around the World in a Light Aircraft” is a travelogue by Margi Moss that chronicles the remarkable journey she undertook with her husband, Gérard Moss. Beginning in June 1989, the couple departed from Rio de Janeiro in a single-engine airplane, embarking on an ambitious global adventure. Over 32 months, they traversed approximately 120,000 kilometers, visiting 50 countries. Their route, chosen spontaneously, led them up the Brazilian coast, across the Atlantic to the Cape Verde Islands, and onward through Africa. Notably, they achieved the first-ever crossing from Australia to South America in a single-engine plane. The book is based on the diary they maintained during their travels, initially intended for family and friends.

First published in 1997, the book spans 255 pages. Readers have praised it for its engaging narrative, with one reviewer noting that while aviation has advanced since the Mosses’ journey, many challenges of long-range flying remain consistent.

Gérard Moss, Margi’s husband and co-adventurer, was a Swiss-Brazilian pilot, environmentalist, and explorer. He was renowned for being the first person to complete a solo flight around the world in a motor glider. The couple’s shared passion for exploration and environmental conservation led them to undertake several significant projects, including efforts to prevent deforestation in Brazil and assess the quality of its water and air.

“Freedom of the Skies” offers readers an intimate glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of circumnavigating the globe in a light aircraft, reflecting the spirit of adventure and the intricacies of international aviation.