Teen Pilot with Crohn’s Disease Lands in UAE on World Record Attempt

A 15-year-old Australian pilot touched down in Abu Dhabi on Friday, marking a key stop in his daring attempt to fly solo around the world.

Byron Waller, widely known as Teen Pilot Down Under, landed his small aircraft at Al Bateen Executive Airport, sharing the milestone with Gulf News before preparing for the next leg of his journey through Egypt, Europe, Iceland, North America, and eventually back home to Australia.

For Byron, the mission is about more than setting records. Diagnosed with Crohn’s disease as a child, he spent much of his early life in hospitals, often confined to a wheelchair at school. Yet, instead of letting his illness define him, he found hope in aviation.

“Flying around the world is about showing other young people that no matter the challenges you face, you can rise above them. Aviation has given me hope, purpose, and a future,” he said.

His love for flying began at just six years old during a Scouts air activities day. Later, seeing military aircraft up close fueled his dream, and by 13 he was taking flying lessons.

At 14, after going into remission, Byron marked the moment by flying around Australia to raise awareness for the Queensland Children’s Hospital. His efforts even contributed to the opening of a new ward for Crohn’s patients — something he says is one of his proudest achievements.

Now, as he continues his journey around the globe, Byron hopes his story will inspire others to chase their dreams, no matter the obstacles.