Father and Son break looping glider Record

March 31, 2025

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A father and son from Australia have soared into the record books by completing 45 consecutive inside loops in a glider.

David Scutchings and his 16-year-old son, Max, performed the stunt on Australia Day, setting a new Guinness World Record in the skies above Gawler.

The previous record was 24 loops, set in 2001. The Scutchings more than doubled that number in a twin-seat DG-1000 glider, a special plane that has no engine and relies on rising air currents to fly.

David, who turns 50 this year, said he wanted to do something big to celebrate the milestone and inspire others. “I’ve always tried to be a role model for my family,” he told Guinness World Records. “Setting goals, working hard, and staying disciplined really works.”

David works as a helicopter pilot for the South Australia Police, but this world record was a personal mission. He also hopes their achievement will inspire more young people to consider flying. “Aviation is one of the best things you can do in your life,” he said.

Max, who joined his dad for the challenge, showed calmness and courage throughout the record-setting flight.

Article written by Milli Banbury

This article was written using AI as an assistive tool for research, writing, and proofreading.
The te reo Māori version of this article was translated with AI assistance. While care has been taken to keep it accurate, if you spot anything that doesn't read quite right, please let us know

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On the edge of the South Island, a coastal sanctuary has become a safe place for sea birds to nest. Years ago, the area was disturbed by pests, rubbish, and too much foot traffic. To protect the birds, conservation workers cleared litter, fenced off nesting zones, and monitored the beach during breeding season.

The results have been encouraging. More eggs have survived, and several species now return each summer in larger numbers. Visitors are still welcome, but they must stay on marked paths and keep dogs away from protected areas. The sanctuary manager explained that the project works because people and nature are both given space to thrive.

Which is the best summary of the passage?

Visitors are being allowed to walk anywhere if they are careful. The beach was closed because too many birds were nesting there. Conservation work has helped protect a coastal sanctuary for nesting sea birds. Dogs are the main reason more eggs have survived this season.