Meet Byron Waller, a sky‑high teen adventurer and the youngest ever recipient of the 2026 Australian Geographic Society ‘Spirit of Adventure’ Award.
Name: Byron Waller.
Birthdate: 13 October 2009.
Occupation: Student, Pilot, Author and International Motivational Speaker.
KRASH: When did you discover you wanted to be a pilot?
BYRON: As a kid I spent years in and out of hospital because I was sick. I used to lie in bed watching aeroplanes fly overhead and wonder where they were going. One day my parents encouraged me to find something I was passionate about. I surprised them by saying, “I want to fly an aeroplane!” Then I booked my own first flying lesson that afternoon.
KRASH: What kind of training and/or study was involved?
BYRON: Learning to fly is a lot more than just taking off and landing. I studied weather, navigation, aircraft systems, radio communication, aviation law and emergency procedures.
KRASH: Can you remember your first flight and what was it like?
BYRON: Absolutely! As soon as the wheels left the runway, it felt like my whole world got bigger. Suddenly I was above my illness, looking down on the world from above. I remember thinking, “This is incredible.”
KRASH: What kind of plane do you normally fly?
BYRON: I’ve flown a number of different aircraft, but the most special is the Sling TSi that carried me around the world. It became much more than an aeroplane; it became my home for 67 days.
KRASH: Can you tell us about your World Flight Circumnavigation?
BYRON: When I was 15 years old, I became the youngest pilot to fly around the world. Over 67 unforgettable days I flew more than 44,000 kilometres (27,340 miles / 23,760 nautical miles) through more than 20 countries, crossing oceans, deserts, mountains, cities and jungles, crossing some of the most spectacular places on Earth.
KRASH: What kind of challenges did you faced?
BYRON: The Pacific Ocean crossings were definitely the hardest. I completed two flights lasting 17 hours and 17-and-a-half hours with nothing but water below me and nowhere to land if something went wrong.
KRASH: How do you stay focused when something unexpected happens?
BYRON: The biggest thing is staying calm. Pilots are trained to fly the aircraft first, think clearly and solve one problem at a time. Panicking doesn’t help, but preparation does.
KRASH: Which country was your favourite?
BYRON: Sri Lanka really stood out because the scenery was beautiful and the people were so welcoming and kind. Greenland was another favourite, mostly due to the uniqueness of the terrain.
KRASH: Is there a physical regime you follow?
BYRON: Being healthy is really important as a pilot, and even more important with Crohn’s disease. I make sure I stay hydrated, eat well, get enough sleep and stay fit.
KRASH: What is the most difficult thing about being a teen pilot?
BYRON: Balancing everything! Between Year 11, early entry university study, speaking events, Air Force Cadets, flying and spending time with family, life can get very busy.
KRASH: What has been your most memorable flying moment so far?
BYRON: Flying over the Queensland Children’s Hospital after completing my flight around Australia. I had spent years inside that hospital as a patient. Flying above it reminded me just how much life can change. It was one of the most emotional moments of my journey.
KRASH: Tell us something about yourself that not many people know.
BYRON: Despite my public profile, I am quite private. Also, I still stop whatever I’m doing whenever I hear an aeroplane flying overhead. My friends laugh because I’ll suddenly look up halfway through a conversation!
KRASH: If you could fly anywhere tomorrow, where would you go and why?
BYRON: I’d love to explore Antarctica. It’s one of the most remote and spectacular places on Earth, and seeing it from the air would be incredible.
KRASH: Your story is so inspiring, what advice do you have for young aviation fans?
BYRON: Don’t wait until you think you’re old enough or smart enough. These things come when you do something, they are not something you wake up with and then start. Start learning now. Read books. Visit airports. Ask questions. Find great mentors. Work hard and don’t let anyone tell you your dreams are impossible.
