Teenager Lachie Smart returned to Sunshine Coast Airport on Saturday morning to become the youngest person ever to fly solo around the world.
The 18-year-old departed Sunshine Coast on 4 July, and arrived back there on Saturday to a hero's welcome.
Smart has lowered the age record to 18 years, 7 months and 21 days, beating American Matt Guthmiller's mark by almost a year.
After arriving from Bundaberg, Smart taxied his SR22 VH-IBC under the traditional water bridge to a waiting crowd that included his parents and a large media contingent.
“What a welcome,” Smart said on touching down.
“The support I have received from family, friends, the local Sunshine Coast council and community and people around the world that I have never even met has been incredible from the first moment we spoke about this journey.
“To actually be here, having flown around the world, for over 24,000 nautical miles is just a great relief.
“I can’t wait to spend some time with my family and sleep in my own bed.”
While setting the Guinness World Record was key to his journey, Smart also has altruistic reasons for taking such a mammoth task.
“I have always, for as long as I can remember, wanted to inspire others, particularly young people, to chase their dreams,” he said.
“Until a few years ago I wasn’t sure how, or what, I was going to do to make that happen and then the idea of this flight came along and my team and I have dedicated almost every waking moment to it for those two and a half years.
“Age is just a number, and really, if we want to achieve something, in most situations it shouldn’t be a barrier to success."
The teenager left Sunshine Coast on 4 July and flew via Fiji, Hawaii, USA, Canada, the Azores, UK, France, Crete, Egypt, Oman, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Indonesia, Broome, Darwin, Longreach and Bundaberg.
His plans now include a flight debrief and some well-earned rest before announcing the next stage of his plans to inspire young people.