Aussie teen sets round the world flight record

An Australian teenager has made history by becoming the youngest person to complete a solo circumnavigation of the world in a single engine aircraft.

Lachlan Smart, from Queensland, touched down yesterday at Maroochydore Airport on the Sunshine Coast, where he had first taken off from on July 24.

At 18 years, 7 months and 21 days, Smart is a year younger than the previous record holder, American Matt Guthmiller.

Smart was greeted by a brass band on the ground alongside an emotional crowd, including young people holding banners saying "Welcome home, Lachie."

The teenager stopped in 24 locations and 15 countries during his seven-week trip and had an inspirational message for other young people inspired by his achievements.

Smart said dealing with the weather and communicating with foreign air traffic controllers were his biggest challenges.

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