Military veteran and world record pilot Steve Noujaim alongside his fellow pilot friend and photographer, Rhody Sims, will take to the skies as part of the Pooleys ‘Dawn to Dusk’ Challenge in the same home-built Vans RV-7 that helped Steve break a world record back in 2010 when he flew from London to Cape Town and back in just over 3 days and 11 hrs.

Steve and Rhody’s Flight Plan!

On 21st June, Steve plans to take on the challenge of flying 2135nm, around the UK coastline, in approximately 12 hrs and 45 mins with three ‘pit stops’ as part of the Pooleys Dawn to Dusk Challenge. Through this flight experience, they want to acknowledge VE80; the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII in Europe and honour the sacrifice so many made for their country. Rhody plans to make a photographic log of the journey so that they can create a story, not only about the flight, but also the coastal heritage and its associated history, particularly in relation to WWII. They hope the story will help inspire others to consider what they may be able to achieve through the world of aviation and all the associated STEM opportunities.

With this thought in mind, they would like to dedicate this flight to raising vital funds for ‘fly2help’, an aviation charity based near their home airfield in Gloucestershire, who provide ‘Air Smiles’ experiences - the gift of a flight to families or individuals who find themselves in a position where they are facing adversity either through illness, disability or some form of trauma. The ‘fly2help’ team expertly create a bespoke and compassionate experience that is centred around a local flight and can also include other fun filled activities that help to create lasting memories for all the family members and close friends involved.

‘fly2help’ also inspire the younger generation into considering aviation as a career through their ‘Aim High’ Programme. The team go above and beyond to create fun and interactive aviation-based activities dependent on what the beneficiary needs. They range from bespoke career discussions for individuals who find themselves outside of normal educational settings to a travelling airport initiative for mainstream school enrichment programmes and schools dedicated to Special Educational Needs and Disability students to offer everyone the opportunity to discover and discuss all the possible roles you may find in aviation. It truly is a wonderful programme and seeing the way the individuals respond to the idea of being around aviation is the best reward possible.

Every mile Steve flies and every pound you donate will help us to help someone connect with the world of aviation; to live those moments of joy that most of us sometimes take for granted.

Whether you're an aviation or STEM enthusiast, a supporter of mental wellbeing, or simply someone who believes in the power of compassion, your donation will help make a positive difference to someone’s life.

Join Steve on this incredible journey. Donate today and be part of the story.

Thank you ✈️