Clive Thomas and Martin Hollowell complete 600km glider flight in UK

Glider pilots Clive Thomas, 83, of Four Marks, and Martin Hollowell, 81, of Woking, flew more than 600 kilometres (373 miles) in a single non‑engine‑assisted flight from Lasham Gliding Society on 1 August. The pair took off from Lasham in East Hampshire, followed rising air currents without using the glider’s small safety engine, and covered a distance of about 596 km before landing near Oxford. It was the first time either pilot had flown that distance in the United Kingdom, although Thomas has previously completed similar flights in Australia. The flight was not part of any competition and was described by the pilots as proof that gliding is a sport for all ages.

Both pilots hold all three of the sport’s Diamond Badges for height, distance and a pre‑declared 300 km task, and Thomas hopes to attempt a 750 km flight in the future, acknowledging the physical demands of a ten‑hour glide at their age.