A teenage pilot has accomplished a world-record try to grow to be the youngest supported individual to circumnavigate the globe in a lightweight plane.
16-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 completely different flight instructors over the course of the journey.
{The teenager}, who at 14 turned the youngest individual to fly round Australia, overcame important well being challenges to make the journey, which lined 39 legs throughout 19 international locations. He had raised greater than $22,000 on GoFundMe to cowl his prices as at time of writing.
“After years of well being setbacks and a Crohn’s illness prognosis in 2024, it was a dream of mine to navigate among the world’s most difficult routes and situations,” he stated.
“From the deserts of the Center East to the icy plains of Reykjavík, I’ve seen extra of the world than I ever thought doable. Even the hardest battles can’t floor a decided spirit.”
In accordance with his mom Jenny Langdon, the younger pilot “has not solely demonstrated aviation ability, but additionally exceptional braveness and resilience as he has circumnavigated the globe”.
“After consuming two jars of Vegemite throughout his journey, no medical interventions and taking in among the world’s biggest sights such because the Grand Canyon and Niagara Falls, we’re completely happy to have him house,” she stated.
“Our household have had numerous sleepless nights whereas Byron has been hovering the skies, and we wish to thank everybody who has supported him on this groundbreaking journey.”
Brisbane Airport spokesperson Peter Doherty additionally congratulated Waller, saying the aviation group “can’t wait to see what he does subsequent”.
“Byron has shared his ardour for aviation with individuals throughout the globe who’ve adopted his story stay on social media,” he stated.
“In 2028, Brisbane Airport will mark 100 years since Sir Charles Kingsford Smith and his crew turned the primary to fly throughout the Pacific, touchdown in Brisbane.
“Byron is among the only a few who has skilled that huge journey throughout water in a small plane, quite than from the consolation of a contemporary jetliner.”
The file should now be ratified by Fédération Aéronautique Internationale.
