A remarkable achievement in aviation has taken place, as Shannon Russell, a 20-year-old student from the Sling Pilot Academy, has set a new world altitude record for women in her class of aircraft. On October 30, 2025, Russell reached a staggering altitude of 32,049 feet during her flight from the Torrance Municipal Airport in California, a feat that has not been accomplished by a woman since 1936.
Russell, originally from South Africa, has become a beacon of inspiration in a field where women are significantly underrepresented, making up approximately 5% of all airline captains. Expressing her motivation for this record-breaking flight, she 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?”
With support from her mentor, Jean d’Assonville, who is also the co-CEO of Sling Pilot Academy, Russell meticulously prepared for this ascent. Her training involved not only mastering the Sling TSi aircraft but also physical conditioning to ensure her oxygen levels remained high and her heart rate low at high altitudes.
Consultations with aviation doctors were essential in determining the amount of supplemental oxygen required to prevent hypoxia, a condition caused by low oxygen levels. On the day of the flight, the team carried three oxygen tanks and maintained communication with another pilot flying at a lower altitude to ensure mental clarity throughout the endeavor.
Empowering Women and Honoring Legacy
The successful completion of this flight not only represents a personal triumph for Russell but also serves to honor her late father, Sean Russell, who was a former chief test pilot for Sling and died in a tragic aircraft crash in January 2023. She carried his ashes with her on the flight, emphasizing the personal significance of the achievement. “It was very personal taking his ashes up there,” she reflected. “He taught me how to fly in the Sling and he was also Jean’s best friend.”
The Sling Pilot Academy is committed to fostering a supportive environment for students to pursue aviation. Jay Price, the director of marketing and enrollments, highlighted the academy’s mission. “Sling Pilot Academy engages in many activities to inspire people to enter a career in aviation,” he stated. “Our pillars are Safety, Efficiency, and Community.”
Russell’s extraordinary journey began at the age of 16 when she earned her Student Pilot License. After moving to the United States at 18 to attend the Sling Pilot Academy, she quickly established herself as a skilled pilot. Her recent altitude record cements her status as one of aviation’s promising young leaders and serves as a role model for future generations of aviators.
Future Aspirations and Advocacy
After her record-setting flight, Russell returned to South Africa for a well-deserved break but remains focused on her long-term goals. She aspires to build her own Sling TSi and undertake a global flight, aiming to carry on her father’s legacy through aviation. “Flying is the best way to feel free. It’s a stress reliever. When I line up on the runway and take off, I visualize all stress and issues staying on the ground,” she shared.
In addition to her personal ambitions, Russell is dedicated to advocating for women in aviation. She has served as a Young Women in Aviation Ambassador and a Female Youth Leader in Aviation with Aeronautical Aviation, mentoring young women pursuing careers in this field. “This flight was about expanding the performance envelope of the airplane and showing what’s possible for women in aviation,” she stated. “I hope young girls see this and realize that the sky isn’t the limit – it’s just the beginning.”
As Russell continues to break barriers and inspire others, her story exemplifies the potential for young women in aviation and the importance of representation in the industry.
