Young Devonport pilot may not break a record, but he is still flying high

A young Tasmanian pilot flying around Australia in a fundraising world record bid has arrived in the Northern Territory both elated and disappointed.

Tasmanian pilot Bob Bramley, 16, embarks on his circumnavigation of Australia in a Cessna 172 leaving from Devonport. Picture: CHRIS KIDD

A YOUNG Tasmanian pilot flying around Australia in an awareness-building world record bid has arrived in the Northern Territory both elated and disappointed.

Teenager Bob Bramley set off from Devonport earlier this month in an attempt to become the youngest person to fly solo around Australia.

The 16-year-old has arrived safely in the NT, but has been made aware of a technicality which has thwarted his world record bid.

Tasmanian Bob Bramley, 16, has arrived safely in the NT. Picture: CHRIS KIDD

Bob, who is flying alone, said he had been told Guinness World Records now recognised both supported and unsupported journeys.

As a result, Sunshine Coast Teenager Liam Morey will now be recognised for his flight around Australia in September 2018.

Bob was forced to delay his take off — planned for January — due to bad weather.

That delay meant he was then older than Liam when he finally hit the skies.

“It’s disappointing that after over a year of planning that I won’t be achieving the record, but it was a risk that I accepted from the beginning” Bob said.

“I congratulate Liam on his flight and wish all future pilots the best of luck”.

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With half the flight already completed, Bob will continue his journey to circumnavigate Australia solo while working with mental health organisation Beyond Blue to raise youth suicide awareness.

“This does mean I will now have more time to focus on breaking the stigma surrounding youth suicide,” he said.

In a statement from Teen Around Oz, Mr Morey said he wished Bob all the best in his flight and was proud to see other young members of the aviation community following their dreams.

“The message being promoted with ‘Surviving Turbulence’ is one that is extremely important, and we encourage all members of the community to support Bob in his journey,” he said.

You can support Bob’s flight by visiting https://chuffed.org/project/surviving-turbulence

All funds not needed for the flight will be donated to beyondblue.

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