MODEL aircraft enthusiasts look set to smash a world record for the most planes in the air at any one time.

Pilots at the North Berks Radio Model Aircraft Society were among those to take part in the world record bid at their airfield between East Hanney and Marcham in mid-May.

READ MORE: Enthusiasts take to the skies in model aircraft record breaker bid

Held to mark the centenary of the British Model Flying Association, the event saw 3,109 model aircraft take to the skies nationwide at midday on Sunday, May 15. The NBRMAS, one of 263 clubs involved, got more than 30 models in the air.

The new world record is yet to formally be declared. However, given the current record is held by a group of US pilots who managed to get 179 models airborne at once in 2016, it seems only a matter of time before the title is declared.

NBRMAS chairman James Penman said: “It is fantastic. It was a great day. The club really pulled together and we had such fun doing it.

“Record or not we’re over the moon with it, but it will be the icing on the cake to actually get the record.”

Among the planes involved last month were fuel-powered models capable of top speeds of 70mph along with ‘chuck gliders’ of the type beloved by children.

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This story was written by Tom Seaward. He joined the team in 2021 as Oxfordshire's court and crime reporter.  

To get in touch with him email: Tom.Seaward@newsquest.co.uk

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