By Emme Hornung
Teen Pilot Down Under, otherwise known as Byron Waller, EAA 1670718, has returned to Oshkosh for his second year after completing a globetrotting trip he embarked on just one week after AirVenture 2025. His goal for this trip was to raise awareness about youth resilience; overcoming challenges is something he is familiar with, having been diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at 14 years old.
Flying a Sling TSi — with a flight instructor familiar with the airspace and special needs of each leg — Byron flew across Asia, Europe, over the Arctic Circle, Canada, America, stretching across to Hawaii and Pago Pago, and back to Australia. He even celebrated his 16th birthday as he crossed the international date line. The trip took him just under 10 weeks to complete.
With his longest flight stretching to an incredible 17.5 hours over open water, perseverance became just as important as flying skills.
“Whenever things got tough, I reminded myself why I started,” Byron said. “I wasn’t just flying for me; I was flying for everyone who believed in the mission. Keeping that purpose front of mind helped me push through the hardest moments.”
The journey demanded constant management of changing weather, fatigue, and long hours of intense concentration.
“Every flight demanded complete focus, and some days were really challenging. But every landing, every new country, and every person I met made it worthwhile. The difficult moments are temporary, but the experiences and the impact you make stay with you forever,” he said.
Reflecting on the journey, Byron hopes others realize that even the biggest goals are achieved one step at a time. “You don’t have to be fearless to chase a dream. You just have to keep moving forward, even when it’s hard. That’s when you discover what you’re really capable of,” he said.
Byron learned a lot through the trip — not just about flying in different airspaces and countries, but also how to find connections in the aviation industry. In all, he worked with about 100 volunteers to make the trip happen: people to make phone calls and support logistics, mechanical crews in different countries, people monitoring the weather, and many more to offer advice, research, and connections.
“It was amazing the amount of support and unnamed people stepping up to ensure that this project succeeded,” Jeni Langdon, Byron’s mom, said.
Byron intends to build on the momentum of his world flight by establishing a charity focused on inspiring young people and promoting the value of aviation. He also plans to undertake aviation tours across Australia and the United States, encouraging the next generation to pursue careers in aviation while showcasing the vital role aviation plays in rural and remote communities.
In Australia, people living in remote communities may have to drive up to 16 hours to access specialized medical care, whereas flying can reduce that journey to just a few hours — which, in an emergency, could be lifesaving.
“Most people see aviation as a way to travel,” Byron said. “But for thousands of Australians living in remote communities, it’s much more than that. It’s their connection to healthcare, education, and opportunity.”
With a plan to earn his commercial certificate, he hopes to secure an aviation job after graduation. Using what he learned from his world trip, he’ll discuss making connections in the aviation industry during his presentation “Flying Around the World at 15” on Saturday at 1 p.m. on Forum Stage 9, where he’ll also share more about his trip and talk about how the younger generation is challenging the status quo.
You can also learn more about Byron’s story, message, and much more during his presentation “From Patient to Pilot” on Friday at 10 a.m. on Forum Stage 6.