Saturday, October 22, 2011

  Most consecutive formation loops: The Blades sets world record (Video)

 LONDON, UK -- The Blades Aerobatic Team, a civilian aerobatic team made up of former Red Arrows pilots, carried 26 consecutive loops - setting the new world record for the Most consecutive formation loops, according to World Record Academy (www.worldrecordacademy.com).

  Photo: The four Blades planes fly 26 consecutive loops to break a world record. Blind Mike Newman did the first one before his co-pilot took over the controls. PA photos ( enlarge photo )

  The Guinness world record for the most consecutive loops performed with a hang glider is 95 by Chad Elchin at the Highland Aerosports flight park at Ridgely, Maryland, USA.

Guinness World Records also recognized the world record for the most continuous loops with a paraglide is 108 and was achieved by Raul Rodriguez (Spain) in Passy Plaine Joux, France.

  The Blades Aerobatic Team are a civilian aerobatic team made up of former Red Arrows pilots. The team works closely with the RAF Association Wings Appeal, which supports RAF service personnel.

  Bank manager and blind pilot Mike Newman took the controls of one of The Blades aircraft for the first of the record-setting 26 loops before his co-pilot Myles Garland took over.

Photo: Mike Newman set a new world record for the most consecutive formation loops. ( enlarge photo )

  The record is the latest for thrill-seeking Mr Newman and puts him on the way to holding an air, land and water record.

  Mr Newman said: "It was brilliant, I could have happily stayed up there until tea time. We usually do our records on the ground but this was such a different experience and a wonderful experience.

 "It was great to fly with this prestigious group of pilots who are raising money for a very worthy cause."

   "James Cliff, Blades spokesman, said: 'It feels fantastic for the team to have set this unique record and to have Mike Newman alongside has made it even more special."