About the pilots:

Tom Baumann obtained his private pilot’s certificate in 1979 and earned his instrument rating in 1981. Tom has logged over 3,900 hours in various aircraft.

Diann earned her private pilot’s certificate in 1983.  After 24 years “out-of-current” status, Diann returned for flight instruction, passed her flight review in 2010 and maintains it today.  She has logged 360 hours in fixed wing single engine aircraft.

The airplane:

Baumann’s aircraft is a 2008 Daher-Socata TBM 850, manufactured in Tarbes, France. It is a retractable, single engine powered by a turbine Pratt-Whitney PT6-66D.  The TBM cruises at 310 knots with a service ceiling of 31,000 feet.

Why have Tom and Diann decided to take this trip around the world?

Both share the love of flight, they are imbued with an adventurous spirit and are ready to go beyond previous exciting trips to explore, to circumnavigate the globe in their TBM.  Tom views this trip as the ultimate flight challenge: to fly ones own aircraft around the world. The time is now…while we still can!

Diann and Tom plan to officially register as “Earthrounders” after their Journey.

How to track or follow their adventure:

Follow them on www.go.spidertracks.com.  The “organization” to follow is named: Tom and Diann Baumann.  You just need to sign into the system.