Byron Waller (14YO), pilot is currently flying around Australia for Crohn’s Disease and kids after being diagnosed. Weather permitting, Byron is on his way to Horn Island on 17 Sept.
Day 1 - 15 September:
Byron took to the skies in his Cessna 172 today, leaving Archerfield Airport at precisely 12:15 PM. A close-knit group of family, friends, and supporters gathered to bid him farewell, their warm send-off echoing through the tarmac. Cameras from Channels 7 and 9 captured the moment, highlighting the significance of the journey ahead.
As the aircraft ascended into the clear blue sky, Byron’s flight path was set for Rockhampton, where he will spend the night. With the engine humming and the horizon stretching out, Byron prepared for the 10,000km adventure that lay ahead.
Day 2 - 16 September:
Teen Pilot Down Under, Byron Waller, made headlines today as he continued his awe-inspiring journey around Australia, taking off from Rockhampton Airport after a lively interview on River 94.9 FM, an Ipswich radio station. Despite challenging windy conditions, Byron successfully navigated a stopover in the Whitsundays, where he was treated to a scenic flight by another pilot, adding an unforgettable experience to his adventure. An exhilarating highlight of today's leg was Byron's skilled landing amidst strong winds, soaring over a Qantas Boeing poised for takeoff. The daring maneuver surely left onlookers and fellow aviators amazed, sparking curiosity about what the Qantas pilot must have thought seeing a young teen expertly handling the aircraft overhead. Byron's journey continues to capture the hearts and imaginations of people across the nation, showcasing his remarkable skills and the spirit of young adventurers.
Day 3 - 17 September:
A rest day in Cairns unfolded as rain and low cloud settled in, prompting a pause in our flying activities. Byron, feeling nervous, managed to conduct an interview with Channel 7 regional TV, which marked a significant moment in his journey. Meanwhile, he dedicated some time to editing his YouTube videos, hoping to capture the essence of his experiences so far. Rob treated himself to ice cream as a sweet distraction, while Rod donned his raincoat for a walk, only to get caught in the downpour. The evening brightened at the hotel with a hearty steak night, a fitting meal to wrap up the day. Optimism lingered in the air, with hopes that the weather would lift tomorrow as they prepared to continue their journey north to Lockhart River.eam, Rod went for a walk and got rained on. Dinner steak night at hotel. Weather should lift tomorrow and continue journey up north to Lockhart river. A rest day in Cairns unfolded as rain and low cloud settled in, prompting a pause in outdoor activities. Byron, feeling nervous, managed to conduct an interview with Channel 7 regional TV, which marked a significant moment in his journey. Meanwhile, he dedicated some time to editing his YouTube videos, hoping to capture the essence of his experiences so far. Rob treated himself to ice cream as a sweet distraction, while Rod donned his raincoat for a walk, only to get caught in the downpour. The evening brightened at the hotel with a hearty steak night,
Day 4 - 18 September:
Friday morning started with an overcast sky, but visibility improved as the day progressed.
We managed to take off around 8:15 AM, with conditions allowing for a smooth cruise above the clouds at approximately 6,500 feet for most of the flight. As we approached Lockhart River, we descended through a gap in the clouds and were greeted by two friendly chaps who looked after the airfield. One shared that he had recently acquired 80 acres in the bush and enjoyed a tranquil lifestyle there. The airfield was quiet during our visit, and the boys provided us with fuel at cost price, offering assistance and hospitality.
After refuelling, we took off again in gusty conditions, heading north along the coast at a lower altitude due to limited visibility. The view of striking white sand dunes, used for glass mining, was remarkable. As we neared Horn Island, Rod flew us over the furthest point of Australia, allowing us to take a loop overhead. We spotted tourists in pink shirts, looking bemused as they hiked in the remote area.
The final approach to Horn Island was routine, and Byron executed a fantastic landing. We were welcomed by not just one, but two BP fuel trucks, driven by Robert and Blake, who would later meet us for dinner at the Wongai Resort restaurant. Robert has been working at the airfield refuelling since 1986.
After a long day, Byron was quite exhausted, so we left him at the motel. I took the ferry across to Thursday Island, the top pub in Australia, where we had dinner with our new friends Blake and his partner Amelia, the chief pilot for Cape Air Transport.
Day 5 - 19 September:
Day 5 brought rain and squalls as we departed Horn Island, making our way south along the opposite coast of Australia. As we approached Weipa, the weather began to clear, offering a welcome break from the gloom.
While we briefed the RAAF Scherger runway, a decision was made not to land there, recognising it would not be prudent. Instead, we landed safely at Weipa aerodrome, where we took the opportunity to refuel.
Our plans initially included a stop in Normanton; however, due to a lack of accommodation stemming from a large funeral in town, we adjusted our course to the coastal fishing town of Karumba.
Karumba proved to be an appealing destination. We settled in at Savanna Shores, and Scott from the hotel kindly picked us up to gather some necessities. We capped off the day with dinner at a local restaurant that offered stunning views of the beach, allowing us to enjoy the sunset across the water—a perfect end to our travel day.
Day 6 - 20 September:
Friday morning started with an overcast sky, but visibility improved as the day progressed.
We managed to take off around 8:15 AM, with conditions allowing for a smooth cruise above the clouds at approximately 6,500 feet for most of the flight. As we approached Lockhart River, we descended through a gap in the clouds and were greeted by two friendly chaps who looked after the airfield. One shared that he had recently acquired 80 acres in the bush and enjoyed a tranquil lifestyle there. The airfield was quiet during our visit, and the boys provided us with fuel at cost price, offering assistance and hospitality.
After refuelling, we took off again in gusty conditions, heading north along the coast at a lower altitude due to limited visibility. The view of striking white sand dunes, used for glass mining, was remarkable. As we neared Horn Island, we flew over the furthest point of Australia, allowing us to take a loop overhead. We spotted tourists in pink shirts, looking bemused as they hiked in the remote area.
The final approach to Horn Island was routine, and Byron executed a fantastic landing. We were welcomed by not just one, but two BP fuel trucks, driven by Robert and Blake, who would later meet us for dinner at the Wongai Resort restaurant. Robert has been working at the airfield refuelling since 1986.
After a long day, Byron was quite exhausted, so we left him at the motel. I took the ferry across to Thursday Island, the top pub in Australia, where we had dinner with our new friends Blake and his partner Amelia, the chief pilot for Cape Air Transport.
Day 7 - 21 September:
Great flying weather as we departed Karumba, cruising at 8,500 feet. By 9am, we crossed into the Northern Territory, heading towards Borroloola for a much-needed fuel stop.
Upon arrival at Borroloola around 10am, the temperature was already a sweltering 36 degrees. We refuelled the aircraft, our refuelling session observed by a couple of locals who seemed intrigued by our presence. The price for avgas here was $3.60 per litre.
After securing enough fuel, we continued our journey over the outback towards Katherine. The landscape stretched out beneath us, a vivid display of the rugged Australian terrain.
We touched down at Tindal in Katherine, where we refuelled again. The area was bustling with significant infrastructure projects underway, and glimpses of military hardware in the vicinity hinted at the region's strategic importance.
Refuelling costs here were more reasonable at $2.83 per litre. We planned to set off for Darwin later this afternoon, eager to continue our adventure.
Day 8 - 22 September:
Headed to Kununurra across the border into WA, we made a quick stop for fuel before ascending over the rugged Kimberley ranges to Mt Hart Station. Nestled within this expansive region, we stumbled upon a small oasis at Mt Hart Wilderness Lodge. Here, Pat and Kieran greeted us with warm hospitality, making us feel right at home.
As it was the last day of the season, they were in the midst of preparing to shut down for the wet season. Despite this, the atmosphere was vibrant, and we thoroughly enjoyed the wonderful facilities alongside some fascinating fellow travellers. The camaraderie added to our experience, allowing us to share stories and revel in the unique setting.
The natural beauty surrounding us was truly captivating, particularly the lush landscapes of the Kimberley and the iconic Gibb River. It's a place that leaves a mark, and we hold onto the hope of returning to explore more.
After savouring a cold drink and taking in the serenity one last time, we set off toward Broome, eager for the next chapter of our journey.
Why is Byron flying around Australia? What is Crohn's Disease?
Byron has Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract, often varying in severity and manifestation among individuals. Its pathogenesis is complex and not entirely understood, involving a multifaceted interplay of genetic predispositions, environmental triggers, and autoimmune responses. Common symptoms can include persistent abdominal pain, frequent diarrhoea, extreme fatigue, and unintended weight loss, which can significantly impact daily life.The diagnosis of Crohn's disease typically requires a comprehensive evaluation, including imaging techniques like MRI or CT scans, laboratory blood tests for inflammatory markers, and endoscopic examinations to visualise and obtain tissue samples from the intestine. These methods help establish the specific location and extent of intestinal inflammation.
Management of Crohn's disease may encompass a range of treatment strategies tailored to each individual. Lifestyle and dietary modifications can play a crucial role, alongside pharmacological interventions such as corticosteroids, anti-inflammatory agents, and immunosuppressants to reduce inflammation and control the immune response. In more severe cases, surgical options may be necessary to remove damaged portions of the digestive tract.
Patients often experience a pattern of flares and periods of remission, necessitating ongoing monitoring and support from healthcare professionals. Engaging with patient communities can also provide valuable emotional and practical assistance, enhancing the overall management of the condition.
The challenges for Byrons’ trip will be vast during this trip. He will be in multiple different environments, pushing himself mentally and physically, and not able to eat his regular diet. To assist him with the changes, he has spent 6-months preparing and planning how to eat, sleep, and manage stress levels - all in an attempt to minimise the risk of a Crohn’s flare up, so he can complete this gruelling challenge.
Encouragement and Support from around the world
“I met Byron last year when he visited the UK. I have been a Commercial Airline Pilot for the past 34 years, flying turboprop aircraft with Loganair and most types of Boeing aircraft from B747, B757, B767 as well as the B777 as a Captain for 11 years with British Airways.
Chatting to Byron, I was immediately impressed by his interest, determination and enthusiasm to becoming a Pilot, despite all the health issues that he has suffered and his achievements since then. His questions were all very mature and only confirmed his knowledge of aviation and his willingness to find out more about the industry.
The afternoon very much impressed me on how keen he is to reach his goal, and I can only wish him every success in gaining this.
I wish him the best of luck with his challenge of navigating around Australia and look forward to hearing about and seeing his progress on this challenge and his future career path.”
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