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Mack Rutherford (born 21 June 2005) is a British-Belgian aviator. On 24 August 2022, under the name Macksolo, he became the youngest person ever to fly solo around the world and the first minor (under eighteen years old) to achieve this feat. He holds four Guinness World Records,[1] including the record for the youngest person to fly solo around the world, previously held by Travis Ludlow, and the record for the youngest person to fly a microlight solo around the world, previously held by his older sister Zara Rutherford. His successful record attempt received significant global exposure, highlighting his mission to demonstrate that young people can make a difference.[2][3][4]

Key Information

Early life and education

[edit]

Mack Rutherford was born in Belgium and is the son of a Sandhurst-trained British ex-Army helicopter pilot, Sam Rutherford and a Belgian recreational pilot and lawyer Beatrice De Smet.[4][5] As a young boy, Rutherford would accompany his parents on many flights. At the age of 14, he began training to become a pilot and gained a French ultra light pilot's license in 2020, which at the time, made him the youngest pilot in the world at the age of 15 and 2 weeks.[6][7]

Besides their parents, Mack and his sister Zara come from a long line of aviators going back five generations. His grandfather and great-grandfather on mother’s side where private pilots and his great-great-grandmother on his father’s side, Margaret Jean Thomas, was amongst the first South-African women to learn to fly.[4] His great-grand uncle, Rae ('Tommy') Thomas, Margaret's son, flew a Catalina during the last World War and died as a war hero, at the age of 23. His story is recounted in the book "The most dangerous moment" by Michael Tomlinson.[8][9]

Mack grew up in and around airplanes, as his father, organised adventurous flying rallies and expeditions such as the Crete2Cape Vintage Air Rally in 2016.[10]

He studied A-levels at Sherborne school[4][11] in Dorset and just like his sister, is reading at Stanford University, in Palo Alto, California. He is also a professional ferry pilot[12] and a public speaker signed up with Kruger Cowne.[7]

Solo flight

[edit]

Rutherford flew a Shark, a high-performance ultralight aircraft which can hit a cruising speed of around 186 mph (300 km/h).[4]

His planned departure in March 2022 and solo flight were significantly complicated by the outbreak of the Ukrainian-Russian war in February 2022. His initial route took him through Kazakhstan and across Russia, but this intended route and permits had to be altered multiple times to adapt to the new geopolitical circumstances.[13]

His longest and most difficult flight lasted 10 hours over the icy waters of the Northern Pacific Ocean, from Kushiro, Japan, to Attu Island, USA, an uninhabited island where he had to land due to unexpected headwinds and the setting sun.[14][15][16] He spent the night in an abandoned shed on the runway of this former US Coast Guard station before continuing his journey over the Aleutian Islands to mainland Alaska.[17]

The journey was originally expected to take about 2.5 months, but in the end, it took 5 months and 1 day. He left on the 23 March 2022 from Sofia West, an airfield near the capital of Sofia, Bulgaria, where his, and also his sister's, main sponsor, ICDSoft, is based, and landed back at his starting point on 24 August of that same year.[6]

Awards

[edit]

On 12 September 2022, the Honourable Company of Air Pilots announced that Mack Rutherford, jointly with his sister Zara Rutherford, also a world record holding pilot, had been awarded the Master's Medal "in recognition of his amazing feat of flying and endurance."[18][19] Previous recipients, include Sir Richard Branson, Bertrand Piccard, Polly Vacher, André Borschberg, Tim Peake, and James Ketchell, among many others.

On 20 January 2023, Mack was honoured at the annual Awards of the Living Legends of Aviation with the "Barron Hilton Aviation Inspiration Award."[20] The event took place at the International Ballroom of The Beverly Hilton, where the Golden Globes are awarded, and was hosted by pilot and aviation enthusiast John Travolta.[21] He received his award from Living Legend Julie Clark. Other attendees included, among others, aviators and "Living Legends of Aviation" Buzz Aldrin, William Shatner, Shane Lundgren, and Hamish Harding.

In July 2023, the Royal Automobile Club's Segrave Trophy for the year 2022 was awarded to Mack Rutherford and his sister Zara, the youngest person and youngest woman, respectively, to circumnavigate the globe.[22][23] The Segrave Trophy is awarded to the British national who demonstrates "Outstanding Skill, Courage, and Initiative on Land, Water, and in the Air." The trophy is named in honour of Sir Henry Segrave, the first person to hold both the land and water speed records simultaneously.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Mack Rutherford

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Mack Rutherford (born 21 June 2005) is a -British aviator recognized as the youngest person to circumnavigate the world by aircraft solo, a World Record he set at the age of 17 in 2022. Rutherford, who holds dual and British nationality and was raised in by a British father who is a professional ferry pilot and a mother who flies recreationally, earned his microlight pilot's license at age 15 years and 3 months, making him the youngest pilot in the world at that time. Inspired by his older sister , who in 2021 became the youngest woman to fly solo around the world, Mack undertook his own record-breaking flight to promote and inspire youth in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Departing from , , on 23 March 2022 in a modified Shark Aero ultralight aircraft equipped with extra fuel tanks, he traversed approximately 33,000 miles (53,000 km) across 52 countries on five continents over five months, facing challenges such as mechanical failures, , and geopolitical restrictions that forced route adjustments around due to the ongoing . He completed the eastward journey on 24 August 2022 by landing back in , surpassing the previous male record held by British pilot Travis Ludlow, who was 18 at the time of his 2021 flight. Prior to this achievement, Rutherford had accomplished two transatlantic crossings in microlight aircraft, further demonstrating his early prowess in . As of 2025, he continues to hold the record and engages in public speaking and motivational activities to encourage young people to pursue and STEM careers.

Early life

Family background

Mack Rutherford was born on June 21, 2005, in , where he grew up, and holds dual British-Belgian citizenship due to his parents' nationalities. His father, Sam Rutherford, is a British former army helicopter pilot who served in the Army Air Corps and later became a professional ferry pilot, transporting aircraft internationally. Mack's mother, Beatrice de Smet, is a Belgian private pilot and former lawyer, who flies recreationally and has supported the family's aviation pursuits. This parental background created an aviation-centric household, with both parents actively involved in flying, exposing Mack to aircraft and operations from an early age. Mack's older sister, , further embodied the family's passion for by becoming, at age 19, the youngest woman to fly solo around the world in a microlight , completing a 155-day journey across five continents in 2022. Growing up in this environment, Mack logged hundreds of flight hours alongside his father before obtaining his pilot's license at age 15, which fostered his lifelong interest in . The siblings' shared experiences, including Zara's record-breaking flight, reinforced a supportive dynamic that encouraged Mack's own aerial ambitions within the family's five-generation heritage.

Education

Mack Rutherford attended , a private in Dorset, , where he was an Upper Sixth former pursuing studies during his 2022 solo flight. As the flight spanned from March to August 2022, coinciding with his final year of , Rutherford balanced his academic commitments by managing schoolwork remotely while traveling, with plans to catch up upon his return to the . Following the completion of his A-levels, Rutherford enrolled at in , in the fall of 2023 as part of the class of 2027, pursuing an undergraduate degree in . His transition to university occurred shortly after leaving , marking a shift from to higher studies in a field that aligns with his interests in and . No specific academic awards or honors from his time at Sherborne or Stanford have been publicly documented in relation to his educational pursuits.

Aviation career

Initial training and licenses

Rutherford began his pilot training at the age of 14, drawing inspiration from his family's longstanding involvement in aviation. In 2020, at 15 years and three months old, he obtained his microlight pilot's license after training primarily with his father, a licensed pilot, which positioned him as the youngest person to hold such a certification at the time. The license, issued under French regulations for ultralight aircraft (), required him to meet specific criteria tailored to minors, including and a from a confirming fitness for flight. His training emphasized microlight aircraft handling, such as basic maneuvers, takeoffs, landings, and emergency procedures, culminating in a practical administered by aviation authorities. To qualify, candidates must pass a theoretical examination comprising 40 multiple-choice questions on topics like air law, , and , while accumulating sufficient flight time through dual instruction and supervised solo flights to build confidence in independent operation, typically involving 15-20 hours. These regulatory standards presented hurdles for young trainees like Rutherford, who navigated age restrictions by starting preparatory ground school and introductory flights before reaching the minimum licensing age of 15.

Pre-circumnavigation flights

Following his microlight pilot's license obtained at age 15 in September 2020, Rutherford completed two transatlantic crossings in microlight aircraft, accompanied by his father, Sam Rutherford, a professional pilot. These journeys, undertaken in late 2020 and early 2021, spanned from to and back, covering thousands of miles over the Atlantic Ocean and serving as critical training for long-haul navigation and weather management. The crossings marked Rutherford as one of the youngest pilots to accomplish such feats in ultralight category aircraft at the time, enhancing his resume with over 200 flight hours by early 2022. He flew ultralight models, known for their high-performance capabilities in extended flights, during these expeditions. Beyond the transatlantic efforts, Rutherford logged extensive regional flights throughout , including routes over the , , and surrounding areas, to further accumulate hours and test endurance in varied terrains and conditions. These outings, often in the same ultralights, focused on refining skills like and cross-country planning, preparing him for more ambitious endeavors.

Circumnavigation attempt

Preparation

In early 2022, Mack Rutherford announced the Macksolo project at , with the goal of becoming the youngest person to complete a solo of the world in a microlight , surpassing the existing record held by an 18-year-old pilot. The project was inspired by his sister Zara's similar achievement in and built on his prior experience, including two trans-Atlantic crossings with his father that bolstered his confidence for long-haul flights. Rutherford selected the Shark Aero, a high-performance ultralight aircraft known for its speed and efficiency, as the vehicle for the journey; it was modified specifically for extended range, including the addition of extra fuel tanks to increase capacity beyond the standard 100 liters and upgraded navigation systems for global tracking and communication. These adaptations were essential for operating under microlight regulations while covering vast distances without refueling infrastructure in remote areas. The project received primary sponsorship from ICDSoft, a Bulgarian web hosting company headquartered in that provided financial backing, aircraft loan, and logistical support, enabling the endeavor to launch from . Rutherford's family played a crucial role as the core support team, with his professional pilot father handling much of the technical oversight and his parents coordinating ground operations. Route planning focused on an initial eastward trajectory from , , spanning over 30 countries across , the [Middle East](/page/Middle East), , and beyond, designed to cross the twice and adhere to criteria for a valid of at least 24,856 miles along parallels no farther than 60 degrees from the . Contingencies were incorporated to address potential geopolitical risks, such as the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict that disrupted eastern paths, allowing for flexible rerouting through alternative countries while maintaining the overall directional integrity. To prepare, Rutherford escalated his training regimen, accumulating additional flight hours in diverse conditions like high winds and low visibility to simulate global challenges, alongside medical preparations that included survival training and health screenings for prolonged solo exposure. Securing regulatory approvals involved obtaining overflight permissions and visas for dozens of countries, coordinated through authorities and embassies to ensure compliance with international microlight regulations.

Route and execution

Mack Rutherford departed from Sofia, Bulgaria, on March 23, 2022, at the age of 16, embarking on his solo circumnavigation in a modified Shark ultralight aircraft equipped for long-range flights. The route proceeded eastward initially via and , then southward through the Mediterranean and Sahara Desert into , with stops including and before reaching . From there, he continued northward across the Gulf region and to , followed by legs through , , and . The journey then crossed the in a notable 10-hour nonstop leg from to Attu Island in , navigating remote waters near the . Continuing through the , Rutherford flew along the U.S. West Coast, , the U.S. East Coast, and , before crossing the Atlantic Ocean to and returning to continental Europe via and , completing a path across five continents and approximately 30,000 miles over five months. The flight traversed airspace over 52 countries, with landings and refueling stops in 30 of them to manage the aircraft's limited range of about 1,000 miles per leg. Daily operations involved meticulous management, relying on an auxiliary to extend endurance for longer segments, alongside continuous weather monitoring to avoid hazards like monsoons and sandstorms that caused delays. Rutherford also ensured compliance with diverse requirements and permits across jurisdictions, coordinating clearances for each sector. Due to the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war, the itinerary was adjusted to bypass Russian airspace entirely, rerouting the Asian and Pacific segments southward through rather than a direct northern path.

Challenges and adaptations

During his solo circumnavigation, Mack Rutherford encountered significant weather-related obstacles that necessitated careful navigation and occasional diversions. In , he faced intense sandstorms that reduced visibility and complicated flight paths, while extreme heat in and caused practical issues such as the melting of glue on his . Over , rains soaked the and fuel tanks during heavy storms, leading to closures and extended ground time. Crossing the northern Pacific, Rutherford dealt with low clouds and rain upon landing on a remote island near the , where the absence of runway lights added to the difficulty of a 10-hour nonstop leg. These conditions forced real-time route adjustments, including a major diversion to bypass after prolonged weather delays. Mechanical concerns arose sporadically, requiring minor maintenance in remote locations with limited resources. Early in the journey over , the backup fuel tank malfunctioned, prompting Rutherford to prepare for an while troubleshooting mid-flight. Intermittent failures and an electrical issue affecting fuel transfer demanded manual corrections during extended flights, while a false landing gear alarm in required on-site checks. These incidents were addressed through basic repairs supported by his ground team, who coordinated parts and expertise from afar. Logistical hurdles compounded the physical demands, particularly as a 16- to 17-year-old pilot. Visa and permit delays were recurrent, including six weeks in and for approvals and over five weeks in and the UAE awaiting clearance for , ultimately leading to a route alteration across the Pacific. Airport restrictions in developing countries like further stalled progress amid disruptions. The isolation of solo travel amplified these challenges for a teenager, with Rutherford often sleeping in makeshift accommodations, such as a shed on an uninhabited Pacific , heightening the emotional strain of extended solitude. To overcome these obstacles, Rutherford relied on adaptive strategies honed through prior training. His ground support team played a crucial role in managing visas, , and technical advice, allowing him to focus on flying while they handled bureaucratic delays remotely. Personal resilience was key; he employed mental preparation techniques, drawing motivation from his sister's similar achievement, to maintain focus during high-stress situations like the failures. Health and endurance tested Rutherford most during the longest legs, such as the 10- to 11-hour Pacific crossing without reliable , where he manually piloted through and dealt with spoiled food from heat exposure. He managed this by pacing rest during stops, adhering to strict hydration and protocols, and using pre-flight conditioning to build tolerance for and physical strain.

Records and recognition

Guinness World Records

Mack Rutherford achieved four Guinness World Records on August 24, 2022, upon completing his solo of the world in a microlight aircraft, landing in , . At the age of 17 years and 64 days, he became the youngest person to circumnavigate the world by aircraft solo, surpassing the previous record held by Travis Ludlow () at 18 years and 150 days, set in October 2021. In addition to the overall record, Rutherford secured the title of youngest male to achieve the same feat, also at 17 years and 64 days. He further claimed the youngest to circumnavigate the world by microlight solo, eclipsing his sister Zara Rutherford's record of 19 years and 199 days for the female category, established earlier in 2022. The microlight-specific male record was likewise his at the same age. These accomplishments were verified by through examination of flight logs, documentation of the total distance of 29,225 nautical miles (54,124 km; equivalent to approximately 33,631 miles) across 52 countries on five continents, and confirmation of his solo status throughout the journey. As of November 2025, all four records remain unbroken, with Mack Rutherford listed as the current holder on the official site, and no successful challenges reported.

Awards and honors

In recognition of his achievement as the youngest person to fly solo around the world, Mack Rutherford received the Master's Medal in 2022 from the Honourable Company of Air Pilots, shared with his sister . The award was presented at the company's Trophies and Awards Banquet in in October 2022, where speeches emphasized the siblings' perseverance in overcoming logistical and environmental challenges during their respective flights. Rutherford was honored with the Barron Hilton Aviation Inspiration Award in January 2023 at the Living Legends of Aviation ceremony in , for inspiring young people in through his record-setting journey. The presentation highlighted his determination and the global impact of his flight on youth motivation in STEM fields. In 2023, Rutherford and his sister were jointly awarded the Segrave Trophy by the Royal Automobile Club, recognizing their groundbreaking solo circumnavigations as the youngest male and female pilots to achieve the feat. The trophy, first given in 1930 to honor British adventurers, was presented at a ceremony that celebrated their resilience and contributions to aviation exploration. Additional recognitions include a lifetime honorary membership in the First Flight Society in 2023, acknowledging Rutherford's role in advancing inspiration for future generations. These honors underscore the broader influence of his on promoting perseverance and accessibility in among youth.

Later activities

Public speaking and

Following his successful solo in 2022, which established him as the youngest person to achieve the feat, Mack Rutherford transitioned into a career as a and advocate, drawing on his experiences to inspire audiences worldwide. He is represented by the agency Kruger Cowne, which books him for inspirational talks, public appearances, and virtual events focused on determination and achieving ambitious goals. In 2023, Rutherford headlined the Career Day at the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE) in , , where he shared his journey with students and aspiring aviation professionals during a live question-and-answer session, emphasizing the pursuit of dreams in business . He has continued delivering engagements on themes of perseverance and encouraging participation in and STEM fields, highlighting how grit can lead to extraordinary accomplishments. Through these efforts, Rutherford advocates for greater access to aviation opportunities for young people, motivating them to overcome barriers in high-achieving pursuits. Rutherford has appeared in media interviews discussing his record-breaking flight and its lessons, including features with the , , and , where he reflected on the challenges and personal growth involved. His official website, macksolo.com, serves as a platform for sharing updates on his experiences, including posts from 2024.

Ongoing aviation pursuits

Following his record-breaking solo circumnavigation in 2022, Mack Rutherford enrolled as an undergraduate student in the Department of at , joining the class of 2027 in the fall of 2023. As of 2025, he is in his third year of studies. This academic pursuit allows him to balance rigorous coursework with his ongoing commitment to , where he maintains active involvement as a licensed pilot capable of international flights. As of 2025, Rutherford has not announced any major new flight projects or record attempts, focusing instead on integrating his aviation experience into broader personal and educational goals.

References

  1. https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/youngest-person-to-fly-solo-around-the-world
  2. https://macksolo.com/about-me/
  3. https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/news/2022/8/mack-rutherford-becomes-youngest-pilot-to-fly-solo-around-the-world-714440
  4. https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/24/us/mack-rutherford-teen-pilot.html
  5. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/mack-rutherford-17-youngest-pilot-solo-flight-around-world/
  6. https://krugercowne.com/mack-rutherford/
  7. https://english.news.cn/20220825/4cb9681bca4349bda77feff9ebcb9281/c.html
  8. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-62667543
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  11. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-hampshire-59899980
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  14. https://profiles.stanford.edu/mack-rutherford
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  16. https://www.cnn.com/2022/08/24/europe/mack-rutherford-youngest-fly-around-world-intl
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  24. https://www.irvinetimes.com/news/national/19924807.pilot-mack-16-aims-break-solo-round-the-world-record/
  25. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-hampshire-60849537
  26. https://www.newsweek.com/16-year-old-took-off-try-become-youngest-person-fly-around-world-solo-1692029
  27. https://avgeekery.com/17yo-mark-rutherford-flies-solo-around-world/
  28. https://apnews.com/article/bulgaria-sofia-492014c6da2432d92457021c0c97e70f
  29. https://nypost.com/2022/03/23/teenage-pilot-starts-around-the-world-flight-from-bulgaria/
  30. https://macksolo.com/
  31. https://www.usatoday.com/in-depth/graphics/2022/08/23/teen-pilot-round-the-world-flight/7874520001/
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  33. https://explorersweb.com/17-year-old-becomes-youngest-to-fly-solo-round-the-world/
  34. https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/62637550
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  37. https://www.airpilots.org/file/9d33bad92ee8171bc51139a7a915fa2c/october-2022-air-pilot.pdf
  38. https://www.sherborne.org/news/2022-09-27/mack-rutherford-awarded-the-master-s-medal-2022
  39. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/william-shatner-to-receive-the-inspiration-and-patriotism-award-at-annual-living-legends-of-aviation-event-301715266.html
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