A father-and-son duo from Australia has soared into the record books, accomplishing a breathtaking feat that had stood unchallenged for more than two decades. On January 26, 2025, a special Australia Day flight saw David Scutchings and his 16-year-old son Max perform a staggering 45 consecutive inside loops in a glider, officially earning them a Guinness World Records title.
The pair, flying a twin-seat DG-1000 glider, took to the skies above Gawler, South Australia, and obliterated the previous record of 24 loops, which had been set in 2001. The idea for the daring attempt came from David, a South Australian police superintendent and a passionate pilot, who sought to celebrate his 50th year with a unique and unforgettable challenge.
During the flight, which reached an altitude of 10,000 feet, David controlled the aircraft while Max was responsible for counting the loops and monitoring their surroundings. “There were probably about 40 or 50 people watching, so there was a lot of pressure,” Max confessed. “The most exciting part of the flight was the landing, coming down knowing we’d broken the record.”
Beyond the personal achievement, the flight had a charitable purpose, raising more than $18,000 for South Australia Police Legacy, an organization that supports police families in need. David hopes their success will inspire other young people to pursue their dreams. “Throughout my whole life I’ve been trying to set myself as a role model for young people, in particular my family, to show that goal setting, working hard, having discipline and really trying hard is the way to get what you want to achieve,” he said.
By combining their passion for aviation with a noble cause, the Scutchings have not only secured a place in history but have also created a lasting legacy of courage and determination.
