Mark Rutherford, a pilot who landed in Nairobi's Wilson Airport aged just 16, engraved his name in the Guinness Book of World Records.
Rutherford was on Thursday, August 25, recognised as the youngest male pilot to circumnavigate the world on an aircraft and as a solo pilot.
He was also crowned as the youngest person to circumnavigate the world by microlight solo (male), completing the fete aged 17.
"Aged 17 years and 64 days, expert aviator Mack Rutherford (UK) is officially the youngest person to circumnavigate the world by aircraft solo (male)," the Guinness Book of World Records noted.
Rutherford completed his trip around the world on August 23, six months after he left the Sofia Airport in Bulgaria covering 52 countries in five continents.
The teenager modestly celebrated his world record, reiterating his passion for flying. He advised the youth that age should not be a limiting factor to achieving their dreams.
"No matter what background you have, I believe it is never too early to work towards your dreams and you shouldn’t limit yourself by others’ expectations," Rutherford remarked
He broke the record set by British pilot, Travis Ludlow in October 2021. Ludlow circumnavigated the globe at 18 years 150 days, covering 24,900 miles.
The young navigator admitted to facing challenges including adverse weather conditions which forced him to make emergency landings owing to the size of his aircraft. Furthermore, he only flew during the day.
The 17-year-old travelled for six months, adjusting to last-minute route changes and several challenges, and also got to meet people whenever he landed.
The world record holder joins his sister Zara Rutherford, who also made history in the aviation industry earlier this year.
On January 20, Zara was officially recognised as the youngest female pilot person to circumnavigate the world by aircraft solo at the tender age of 19 years and 199 days.
