Just over two months ago, Byron Waller, then a 15-year-old from Queensland, embarked on a historic journey to become the youngest supported pilot to circumnavigate the globe. After 240 hours of flying, covering 45,000 kilometers, nearly 40 stops, and 19 countries, Byron landed back in Brisbane on Wednesday, greeted by his jubilant family and his beloved dog on the tarmac.
Now 16, Byron described his return as “awesome,” expressing relief and joy at being home after such an extensive adventure. He hopes his achievement will inspire others to pursue their dreams. While his record awaits formal ratification by the World Airport Federation (Fédération Aéronautique Internationale), celebrations are already underway for Byron and his family. According to FlightRadar24, his flight was the most tracked in the world when he touched down.
Highs and Lows of the Journey
Byron’s journey began on August 9, when he set off from Brisbane in a Sling TSi, a four-seat, single-engine aircraft, accompanied by instructor Paul Denness. Throughout the trip, he was joined by different instructors for various legs of the journey. Byron recounted incredible experiences, such as witnessing the Grand Canyon and immersing himself in diverse cultures.
However, the trip was not without its challenges. Long hours of flying, particularly over vast stretches of water, tested his focus and endurance.
“[There was] exhaustion, long flights and you just push through and you make it,”
he said. Turbulent conditions in hot regions added to the complexity of the journey. During the trip, Byron celebrated his 16th birthday, albeit briefly, due to crossing the international date line. Celebrating in Fiji, even for a short time, was a memorable highlight.
Overcoming Personal Challenges
Byron’s achievement is even more remarkable considering his battle with Crohn’s disease, a chronic inflammatory condition. Managing his diet, hydration, medication, and stress while flying was a significant challenge that Byron successfully navigated. His mother, Jeni Langdon, expressed immense pride in her son’s accomplishments, noting that flying had given him hope and something to strive for.
Jeni recounted the stress of moments when communication was lost, leaving her anxiously watching a screen with no way to contact Byron.
“You’re just sitting there watching a screen knowing you can do absolutely nothing,”
she said. Byron’s father, Rob Waller, who accompanied him on his previous record-setting flight around Australia, emphasized the importance of Byron’s journey in inspiring others facing challenges.
“If he could influence one person to get beyond their struggles and achieve something then it’s been a well worth trip,”
he stated.
Looking Ahead
As Byron returns to a more typical teenage life, his immediate plans include getting his driver’s license and returning to school. His mother humorously remarked,
“Drivers licence, go back to school, nothing else that’s expensive.”
Byron, eager for some rest, shared his immediate plans,
“[I] can’t wait to get back to my room, get back to my bed [and] get a good night’s rest,”
he said.
Byron Waller’s journey is a testament to the power of determination and resilience. His story not only marks a significant milestone in aviation history but also serves as an inspiration for young people everywhere to reach for their dreams, regardless of the obstacles they may face.
