Welcome to BAZflyer — a journey of adventure, aviation history, and human spirit.
For decades, Barry and Sandra Payne, known around the world as the Bazflyers, have lived a life above the horizon, driven by curiosity, courage, and a love of flight. From their trusted Piper Comanche ZK-BAZ, this remarkable couple has carried their passion across continents, oceans, and skies, inspiring people everywhere they go.
Our Story
In 2019, the Bazflyers embarked on a historic aviation achievement: flying their single-engine Piper Comanche ZK-BAZ around the world in a series of 50 flights over six months. Their journey took them to numerous countries, crossing oceans and continents while celebrating friendship, goodwill, and the joy of exploration. This expedition marked Barry and Sandra as New Zealand’s first official “Earthrounders” a designation for pilots who complete a qualifying global circumnavigation in a small aircraft.
Their 2019 flight was dedicated to the mentors, families, and friends who helped shape their lives and gave them wings to pursue this bold adventure. It also promoted friendship and respect across cultures, carrying the New Zealand spirit of “aroha” wherever they landed.
World Flight 100
In 2024, Barry Payne and long-time aviation partner Bob Bates OBE took to the skies again, this time for World Flight 100 a commemorative mission retracing the pioneering 1924 round-the-world flight route exactly 100 years later.
Departing from Mount Hagen in the Central Highlands of Papua New Guinea, this westward circumnavigation honours the centennial of the original flight and celebrates a century of aviation innovation, courage, and shared human achievement.
Wings Over Wild — The Book
Wings Over Wild is the official aviation biography of Sir Bob Bates, a pioneering aviator whose life was shaped by flight, endurance, and service. It tells the true story of a man who dedicated his life to aviation in Papua New Guinea, opening remote regions, connecting communities, and sharing the beauty of the country with the world.
Written by pilot and author Barry Payne, Wings Over Wild blends historical insight with the personal experiences of flight, capturing not only the technical achievements of decades in the cockpit, but also the character, vision, and spirit that defined a life lived above the clouds.
Printed in New Zealand to the highest standards, the book is presented in a premium trade paperback edition with a glossy cover and exceptional production quality that reflects its heritage and significance.
A Legacy of Flight and Friendship
While aviation achievement is at the heart of our journey, the real story of BAZFLYER goes beyond flight logs and circumnavigations. The foundation of all our adventures lies in connection, with people, with cultures, and with the world’s vast and varied landscapes.
From remote mountain airstrips to international airshows, BAZFLYER represents the idea that flying isn’t just about distance, it’s about what you experience and who you meet along the way.
Join Our Journey
Whether you’re here for the stories, the inspiration, the imagery, or to explore Wings Over Wild, we invite you to be part of the BAZFLYER community. Visit our:
Blog – Regularly updated tales from the flight deck
YouTube Channel – Visual stories and flight coverage
Live Tracker – Follow our flight paths and missions
Shop – Secure your copy of Wings Over Wild today