A remarkable achievement occurred on October 30, 2025, when **Shannon Russell**, a 20-year-old student from the **Sling Pilot Academy** in Torrance, California, set a new world altitude record for women flying her class of aircraft. Russell ascended to an impressive height of **32,049 feet** during her record-breaking flight, marking a significant milestone in aviation history.
Russell, originally from **South Africa**, took off from the **Torrance Municipal Airport** with her instructor and mentor, **Jean d’Assonville**, co-CEO of Sling Pilot Academy. This flight not only highlights her personal dedication to aviation but also serves as an inspiration to women in a field historically dominated by men. The last altitude record set by a woman was in **1936**, emphasizing the importance of Russell’s accomplishment.
Motivated by a desire to empower women, Russell stated, “The main reason I did this was purely for empowering women. How can women be inspired nowadays if no one’s done it recently?” Her determination resonated throughout her training, which included not only flying the Sling TSi but also rigorous physical preparation to manage oxygen levels and heart rates at high altitudes.
In preparation for the flight, Russell and d’Assonville consulted with aviation medical experts to ensure they had adequate oxygen supplies to prevent hypoxia, a condition caused by insufficient oxygen. They brought three oxygen tanks on board and maintained communication with another pilot flying at a lower altitude to ensure their mental clarity throughout the flight.
Russell’s achievement involved extensive planning, including coordinating with the **Federal Aviation Administration** and **Los Angeles International Airport** to establish a safe flight route. On the day of the flight, all preparations came together successfully, culminating in her record-setting ascent.
According to **Jay Price**, director of marketing and enrollments at Sling Pilot Academy, the institution prioritizes helping students achieve their goals. He stated, “Sling Pilot Academy engages in many activities to engage with our communities and to inspire people to enter a career in aviation.” Price highlighted the academy’s commitment to safety, efficiency, and community involvement, reinforcing its role in promoting aviation careers.
Russell’s flight also held personal significance, as she dedicated the achievement to her late father, **Sean Russell**, who was a former chief test pilot for Sling. Tragically, he passed away in a Sling aircraft accident in January 2023. Shannon took his ashes with her on her record-breaking flight as a tribute to his influence on her life and career. “It was very personal taking his ashes up there,” she expressed. “He passed away in a Sling aircraft, he taught me how to fly in the Sling, and he was also Jean’s best friend.”
Despite the challenges she faced, Russell’s aspirations remain high. At just 20 years old, her aviation journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. She began flying at **age 16**, completing her first solo flight and earning her Student Pilot License that same year. Her trajectory has been described as meteoric, and with her latest record, she solidifies her place among aviation’s promising young leaders.
After taking a well-deserved break in South Africa following her record flight, Russell plans to continue pushing boundaries within aviation. She aims to build her own **Sling TSi** and embark on a global flight, stating, “I would love to carry on my dad’s legacy through Sling aircraft, and I want to promote aviation for young people.”
Russell has taken on roles as a **Young Women in Aviation Ambassador** and a **Female Youth Leader in Aviation** with Aeronautical Aviation, mentoring young women interested in pursuing aviation careers. “This flight was about expanding the performance envelope of the airplane and showing what’s possible for women in aviation,” she remarked. “I hope young girls see this and realize that the sky isn’t the limit – it’s just the beginning.”
Shannon Russell’s journey serves as both an inspiration and a call to action for future generations of female aviators, proving that with determination and support, new heights can be reached.
