Teen Australian pilot makes aviation history

Teenage Australian pilot Byron Waller has touched down last week at Brisbane Airport, completing a record attempt to become the youngest supported pilot to fly around the world in a light aircraft. As he touched down, the flight was the number one most tracked flight in the world, according to FlightRadar24. At only 16, Byron landed safely on home soil at 12.46pm and was greeted by family, his dog and supporters at Brisbane Airport, after travelling 39 legs across 19 countries. He now has to apply to Fédération Aéronautique Internationale to have the record ratified. The trip spanned 41,700km over 67 days, with three flight instructors accompanying Byron on different legs of the expedition as he circumnavigated the globe.    Waller departed Brisbane Airport on 9 August 2025, aged 15. At age 14, Waller became the youngest person to fly around Australia. He did it while managing a diagnosis of chronic inflammatory condition Crohn’s disease. Since leaving for his global expedition, Waller has missed celebrating his father and brother’s birthdays as well as his own, flying into Brisbane just in time for mother’s birthday on 16 October. Due to crossing the International Date Line, his 16th birthday lasted just seven hours. Waller has flown thousands of nautical miles in his Sling TSi aircraft (registration VH-ZMD) aged 15. The young pilot said he had set his sights on completing the record-breaking journey to prove big dreams are achievable even with significant health challenges. “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.”    Waller’s mother Jeni Langdon said the family was proud of Byron’s achievement. “Byron’s 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. 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.” Waller said he is looking forwards to returning to school, getting his driver’s license, and completing his Recreational Pilot Licence before progressing towards his Commercial Pilot Licence. Brisbane Airport spokesperson Peter Doherty said Byron’s trip had captured global attention. “First, Byron circumnavigated Australia, now he’s conquered the world. We 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. 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.” For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Matt Driskill at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Head of Sales Kay Rolland at [email protected]