A remarkable achievement in aviation was recorded on October 30, 2025, when 20-year-old Shannon Russell became the youngest woman to break the world altitude record for her class of aircraft. Taking off from the Torrance Municipal Airport in California, Russell soared to an impressive height of 32,049 feet in a Sling TSi aircraft, marking a significant milestone in her burgeoning aviation career.
Russell, originally from South Africa, has become a symbol of empowerment for women in aviation, a field where they are notably underrepresented. According to the Sling Pilot Academy, women account for only about 5% of all airline captains. Russell’s motivation for attempting this record was clear: “The main reason I did this was purely for empowering women,” she stated. “How can women be inspired nowadays if no one’s done it recently?”
With the support of her mentor and co-CEO of Sling Pilot Academy, Jean d’Assonville, Russell underwent rigorous training. This preparation included flying the Sling TSi, earning her sport pilot instructor certification, and training her body to manage oxygen levels and heart rate effectively. To ensure both pilots remained clear-headed during the flight, they consulted with aviation doctors and brought three oxygen tanks on board.
Russell’s flight planning was meticulous. She coordinated with the Federal Aviation Administration and Los Angeles International Airport to avoid conflicts with other air traffic, demonstrating the careful considerations necessary for such an ambitious endeavor.
The completion of her flight not only set a new record but also highlighted the ongoing efforts of the Sling Pilot Academy to inspire future generations in aviation. Jay Price, the academy’s director of marketing and enrollments, remarked, “Sling Pilot Academy engages in many activities to engage with our communities and to inspire people to enter a career in aviation.”
Russell’s record-setting flight also held personal significance. She dedicated the achievement to her late father, Sean Russell, a former chief test pilot for Sling who tragically passed away in a crash in January 2023. “It was very personal taking his ashes up there,” she reflected. “He taught me how to fly in the Sling and he was also Jean’s best friend.”
Having started her flying journey at the age of 16, Russell quickly progressed through her training, earning her Student Pilot License and completing her first solo flight in the same year. With her extraordinary accomplishments at such a young age, she has solidified her place as a promising leader in aviation, inspiring others with her journey.
After her record-setting flight, Russell returned to South Africa for a well-deserved break. However, her aspirations in aviation continue to drive her. She aims to build her own Sling TSi and embark on a global journey. “I would love to carry on my dad’s legacy through Sling aircraft and I want to promote aviation for young people,” she stated.
In addition to her flying ambitions, Russell remains committed to advocating for women in aviation. She has served as a Young Women in Aviation Ambassador and a Female Youth Leader with Aeronautical Aviation, mentoring others who wish to enter the field. “This flight was about expanding the performance envelope of the airplane and showing what’s possible for women in aviation,” she said. “I hope young girls see this and realize that the sky isn’t the limit – it’s just the beginning.”
Through her extraordinary achievements, Shannon Russell not only sets records but also paves the way for future generations of female aviators, encouraging them to reach for the skies.
