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A teenage pilot has completed a world-record attempt to become the youngest supported person to circumnavigate the globe in a light aircraft.
Sixteen-year-old Byron Waller landed at Brisbane Airport at 12:46pm on Wednesday, having flown 41,700km in his Sling TSi VH-ZMD over 67 days following his departure on 9 August. He was accompanied by three different flight instructors over the course of the journey.
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The teenager, who at 14 became the youngest person to fly around Australia, overcame significant health challenges to make the trip, which covered 39 legs across 19 countries. He had raised more than $22,000 on GoFundMe to cover his costs as at time of writing.
“After years of health setbacks and a Crohn’s disease diagnosis in 2024, it was a dream of mine to navigate some of the world’s most challenging routes and conditions,” he said.
“From the deserts of the Middle East to the icy plains of Reykjavík, I’ve seen more of the world than I ever thought possible. Even the toughest battles can’t ground a determined spirit.”
According to his mother, Jenny Langdon, the young pilot “has not only demonstrated aviation skill, but also remarkable courage and resilience as he has circumnavigated the globe”.
“After consuming two jars of Vegemite during his journey, no medical interventions and taking in some of the world’s greatest sights such as the Grand Canyon and Niagara Falls, we’re happy to have him home,” she said.
“Our family have had countless sleepless nights while Byron has been soaring the skies, and we want to thank everyone who has supported him on this groundbreaking trip.”
Brisbane Airport spokesperson Peter Doherty also congratulated Waller, saying the aviation community “can’t wait to see what he does next”.
“Byron has shared his passion for aviation with people across the globe who have followed his story live on social media,” he said.
“In 2028, Brisbane Airport will mark 100 years since Sir Charles Kingsford Smith and his crew became the first to fly across the Pacific, landing in Brisbane.
“Byron is one of the very few who has experienced that vast journey across water in a small aircraft, rather than from the comfort of a modern jetliner.”
The record must now be ratified by Fédération Aéronautique Internationale.
