Maynard HILL honoured by Aviation Week & Space Technology / New World Record Claims for Parachuting, Aeroplanes and Free balloons

Maynard L. HILL honoured
On 15 August and 27 October 2003, the FAI-News reported on the World Record set by Maynard L. HILL and his crew as their Model Plane crossed the Atlantic Ocean; this outstanding performance has been honoured by Aviation Week & Space Technology.

At the beginning of February, the Aviation Week & Space Technology Magazine presented its 47th annual Aeropspace "Laurels" selections. Each year, the magazine's editors nominate individuals and teams who made significant contributions to the international field of aerospace during the previous year. 

In the category "Aeronautics / Propulsion", Maynard L. HILL has been honoured for "designing and being the first to fly an 11-lb model aircraft across the Atlantic Ocean, re-creating the flight of Alcock & Brown. Hill displayed remarkable tenacity in achieving this goal, making such a small craft have both the range and reliability required while on a shoestring budget, and overcoming poor weather and other hazards. Hill's lifelong efforts in support of model aviation have inspired generations of people attracted to aerospace".

For further information on this World Record, please consult :
FAI - News 16/03 (15.08.03) and FAI - News 25/03 (27.10.03) / Photos /
FAI World Records - Aeromodelling / Other FAI World Records established by Maynard L. Hill

New World Record Claims
FAI has received the following World Record Claims :

Class G - Parachuting) / Claim number : 8429 
Sub-class : G-2 (Group jumps) / Performance / Team records / General Category
Type of record : G-2-C - Largest freefall formation 
Course/location : Takhli (Thailand) 
Performance : 357 parachutists 
Team : International team
Date: 06.02.2004
Current record : 300 parachutists (13.12.2002 - International team)
For further information : The World Team

Class C - Aeroplanes / Claim number : 8430
Sub-class : C-1 (Landplanes) / Group 3 : turbo-jet
Type of record : Speed over a Commercial Air Route 
Course/location : Melbourne, VIC (Australia) - Sydney, NSW (Australia)
Performance : 784 km/h 
Pilot : Jack DAVIDSON (USA) 
Airline : United Airlines
Date: 10.02.2004
Aircraft : Boeing 747-400
Current record : new

Class A - Free ballons / Claim number : 8455
Size category : AX-02 (Hot-Air Balloons : 250 to 400 m³) / General Category
Type of record : Duration
Course/location : Carbon - Trochu, ALB (Canada)
Performance : 4 hours 39 min 50 sec
Pilot : Steven Wayne GRIFFIN (Australia)
Balloon : Griffin Mylar Magic
Date: 11.02.2004
Current record : 4h 08mn 20s (16.02.1997 - Oscar LINDSTRÖM, Sweden)
For further information : Project Yeti 2004

The details shown above are provisional. When all the evidence required has been received and checked, the exact figures will be established and the record ratified (if appropriate).

For further information on World Records,
please consult the latest news, including all claims pending ratification, at :
- Parachuting World Records 
- General Aviation World Records
- Balloon World Records