18 June 2025
UPDATE There are ambitious plans for Pooley’s annual Dawn to Dusk Challenge, and there are some verging on the impossible. Can world record pilot Steve Noujaim fly 2,135nm around the coast of the UK in 12 hours and 45 minutes?
Think about that. The average speed needs to be 167.45 knots (193mph). But Steve, and his friend, photographer and pilot Rhody Sims, are only human so they plan to make three pitstops meaning the average will need to be considerably more.
The plan is to make the flight on 21 June, making the most of the Dawn to Dusk criteria. They’ll be flying the same homebuilt Vans RV-7 that helped Steve break a world record back in 2010 when he flew from London to Cape Town and back in just over 3 days and 11hr.
Rhody will create a photographic story of the flight, not just about the flight, but also the coastal heritage and its associated history, particularly in relation to WWII in VE80 year.
Steve and Rhody will be flying Steve’s homebuilt Van’s RV-7
Steve and Rhody hope the story will help inspire others to consider what they may be able to achieve through the world of aviation and all the associated STEM opportunities.
With this thought in mind, Steve and Rhody want to raise funds for fly2help, the aviation charity based near their home airfield in Gloucestershire.
fly2help provides ‘Air Smiles’ experiences – the gift of a flight to families or individuals who find themselves in a position where they are facing adversity either through illness, disability or some form of trauma.
fly2help also inspires the younger generation into considering aviation as a career through their ‘Aim High’ Programme. The team go above and beyond to create fun and interactive aviation-based activities dependent on what the beneficiary needs.
The route! Keep land to starboard, sea to port… easy really!
“It truly is a wonderful programme and seeing the way the individuals respond to the idea of being around aviation is the best reward possible,” said Steve.
“Every mile flown and every pound you donate will help us to help someone connect with the world of aviation; to live those moments of joy that most of us sometimes take for granted. Donate today and be part of the story.’
Like to support Steve and Rhody’s flight and help fly2help?
