Youngest Pilot Ever to Fly Solo Across the World

April 4th, 2020: 
Australian Youth Sets Record as Youngest Pilot to Fly Solo Across the World -
A 16-year-old pilot by the name of Wade Harris has become the youngest person to fly around the world entirely by himself - and he did it in a homemade airplane. Harris's flight took him across 27 countries in just over 8 weeks. In that time, he flew through such unstable conditions as snowstorms, sandstorms, monsoons and even one cyclone. The worst scare came when he was fired upon by an Indian Cruiser stationed off the coast of Mumbai; the incident was deemed entirely an accident, as Harris unknowingly flew his unmarked plane over a top secret naval facility.
The youth, who has had his commercial licence since his fifteenth birthday, finished his two month trip when he landed this morning in Perth. He told the press that, despite delays, he was determined to make it home for Anzac Day. His mother, Linda Taylor, stood beside him beaming with pride, as he addressed the crowd gathered outside of Perth International Airport.
From most humble underdog beginnings, Wade Harris has risen to become an emblem of national pride. The audience was moved to tears as he spoke this morning, commending his mother for her support. "It's hard being a single mum," Harris said with his arm around Ms. Taylor, "but it's even harder when your boy won't keep his own two feet on the ground!" 
Wade Harris is a first-year student of Aerospace Engineering at the University of Western Australia, one of the youngest students ever admitted to the program. He has been taking flying lessons since the age of 9, under the direction of his uncle, Cooper Harris, a licensed instructor. The plane he flew this amazing feat with - named "Sheila" - he built alone with his uncle, using $600,000 worth of donated parts. 
When asked why he decided to make the record-setting journey, Harris laughed. "All that money mum's been saving for my education? Well, now she knows it won't go to waste!" He added, "Most importantly I wanted to show other kids like me what can happen when they put their mind to something. Everyone should be given the chance to follow their dreams."
Category:Rook 9
Category:Linda Taylor