SA cop Dave Scutchings and son set new world record for number of consecutive loops during flight

A father and son duo have set a sky-high record after completing the most number of consecutive loops in one flight.

A thrillseeking cop has set a new world record on Australia Day after completing almost four dozen loops in his glider at Gawler.

Superintendent Dave Scutchings and his teenage son, Max, have carved their names into history after successfully setting a new Guinness World Record for doing the most number of consecutive loops in a glider during one flight.

The father and son duo took to the sky on Sunday morning, and after climbing to the awesome height of 12,500 feet, the pair began their descent while completing dizzying loops.

Although they didn’t reach their goal of 50; they still managed an impressive 45 loops.

This number is almost double the previous record, which was only 24 rotations.

Mr Scutchings said he felt a wave of “elation” when he realised he set a new record.

“It was just quite an exciting and emotional day to be honest,” Mr Scutchings said.

“And I’m feeling of fair bit of pride for having done it with my lad, Max.

“We’ve committed a lot of time to this after setting out to set a new Guinness World Record about six months ago … since then there’s been a lot of planning and training, and risk assessment, and consulting experts.”

Their efforts were also for the purpose of raising money for a charity, SA Police Legacy, which offers support to officers in hardship, and helps the children of deceased officers.

Mr Scutching aims to raise $20,000 – and promises the highest donor a flight in the glider.

You can donate here.

‘Crazy, absolutely excessive’

Many people experience feelings of trepidation about turning 50 – but not Superintendent Dave Scutchings who celebrated his fifth decade by setting himself the extraordinary task of completing 52 challenges.

Over the course of last year, Mr Scutchings has had a raft of amazing adventures and achievements, including crossing the Simpson Desert, swimming across the Coorong, and wakeboarding at Murray Bridge.

He has also climbed the highest peaks in each state and territory.

He also committed himself to spend time with family and friends, including celebrating 30 years in SA Police with his Course 64 mates and taking his mum out to lunch.

But there’s still one last challenge in the works.

Dave Scutchings APM will be attempting to break the Guinness World Record for most loops done in a glider on Australia Day. Picture: Tim Joy

Max, 16 will be joining his father in the attempt. Picture: Tim Joy

On Australia Day, Mr Scutchings – and his 16-year-old son Max – will attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the most consecutive loops completed in a glider during flight.

Their aim is to do 50 loops, as well as raise money for SA Police Legacy, an independent charity supporting officers during hardship.

Although Mr Scutchings is an experienced pilot, after taking the skies as a teenager and later flying as a tactical flight officer on the police helicopter for 12 years, he said he knew this challenge would be different.

“When my family suggested I do 50 loops in a glider, I thought it was crazy, absolutely excessive,” he said.

“But after learning that the current record is only 24 loops … that seemed achievable.

“In the end, I just thought – ‘why not try to break a Guinness World Record and raise money for a good cause in honour of turning 50?’” he said.

Scutchings will begin at a height of 12,500 feet. Picture: Tim Joy

Mr Scutchings said his flight would begin at the height of 12,500 feet instead of the standard 4500 feet. He said they’ll have to be cautious of several things during their descent.

“From that height, maintaining situational awareness will be key,” he said.

“You’re also under negative G-force when you’re at the peak height of the flight and then during the flight you alternate between positive G-force on and off.”

“We’ll also have to be careful about not increasing speed too much whenever we turn out of a loop.”

So far, the duo has completed more than four different training flights where they’ve done more than 20 loops.

Mr Scutching aims to raise $20,000. If you want to help, you can donate here.

He’s hoping the money can support SA Police Legacy mission in supporting police officers who are facing health or welfare issues, or helps the children of deceased officers.

SA Police Legacy president Kellie Watkins said she’s grateful for Mr Scutchings' support.

“The funds that he’s raising allow us to continue to provide the much needed support to police families that are going through difficult circumstances,” she said.

“Dave understands the true nature of our work – and we’ve both witnessed the benefits that our services provide to grieving families involved with South Australian Police.”

Originally published as SA cop Dave Scutchings and son set new world record for number of consecutive loops during flight