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Record-Breaking Altitude in a Proudly South African Sling TSi

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A young South African pilot is soaring into the history books — and she’s done it in a proudly home-built South African aircraft.

At just 21 years old, commercial pilot and instructor Shannon Russell has smashed a world altitude record for women in her class of aircraft, taking a Sling TSi to 32 059ft — that’s higher than many passenger jets fly.

But behind her record-breaking achievement is a deeply personal story of a daughter honouring her late father’s legacy.

HOT1027’s Tara Penny has more...

14 Nov 2025 English South Africa Entertainment News · Documentary

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