Bob’s journey from the heart

YOUNG pilot Bob Bramley has a ticket to fly before he has a licence to drive.

And in January, the 16year-old will take off hoping to become the youngest person to circumnavigate Australia solo by plane.

Along the way, Bob will touch down in 30 regional communities as he uses his world record attempt to raise awareness about youth suicide prevention in partnership with Beyondblue.

The teenager, who has been flying since he was 14 years old, one day aims to be a commercial pilot. But his focus is on his planned 13,000km solo flight in his Cessna 172.

Dubbed Surviving Turbulence, the flight will take off from Devonport Airport on January 7. Westpac is supporting Bob’s mission with a $15,000 donation and any funds not needed for the journey will be donated to the suicide prevention charity.

Bob grew up in Kindred, a small farming community in the North-West. It, like many other small communities, has been touched by youth suicide.

“In late 2017, I almost lost two very close friends to youth suicide and depression. I helped both of them through the experience and both are now doing really well,” Bob said.

“A lot of people are afraid to talk about suicide and depression and don’t know what to do or who to turn to. Talking to your friends and family and asking them if they are OK can make a huge difference.”

Bob’s mother Sandy Bramley said she was often asked if she was nervous about her son taking to the skies. “I am not,” she said. “Bob is driven, motivated and that shows in the fact he’s worked hard from about age seven to save and pay for every flight lesson himself,” she said.

He has now racked up 50 hours solo flying.