Pilots set unbroken record flying Cessna nonstop for two months before landing in Nevada
- A world record set by a Cessna 172 in 1959 still stands in 2025
- The record was for the world’s longest continuous flight
- In total, pilots Robert Timm and John Cook flew for over 60 days
Published on Mar 23, 2025 at 2:02 PM (UTC+4)
by Henry Kelsall
Last updated on Mar 20, 2025 at 12:53 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Kate Bain
Two pilots in the 1950s set the world record for the longest continuous flight aboard a Cessna 172 aircraft.
Pilots Robert Timm and John Cook set the record in 1958/1959, with the aircraft staying in flight for over two months.
The record required a lot of innovation, so they could keep the aircraft topped up with fuel and the pilots fed and hydrated.
The aircraft now hangs on display in the Las Vegas Airport.
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The Cessna refueled while on the move
To keep the Cessna flying constantly, the aircraft had to be refueled on the move.
To do this, the pilots had a car following them below that had a fuel tank on the back, attached to a fuel line.
That fuel line was also connected to the aircraft.
It allowed them to refuel on the move, without having to land the Cessna at an airfield.
To make sure the refueling went smoothly, the pilots only attempted it on straight bits of road.
One of the other issues was how to get food, water, and other supplies to the two men in the cockpit.
For this, the pilots would lower a bucket to a following truck.
The bucket would then be filled with what they needed, and then hoisted back up for the pilots to grab it.
The record still stands in 2025
The Cessna also had a mattress, a small steel sink, and an extra fuel tank.
These changes made the aircraft more suitable for the non-stop flight.
The two men took off on December 4th, 1958 for their record attempt.
It wasn’t until February 7th, 1959, that the pilots landed the Cessna.
Timm and Cook only landed due to a buildup of carbon in the spark plugs and combustion chambers.
The pilots both had to be lifted out of the Cessna upon landing, such was the length of time they were in the aircraft.
Incredibly, the record still stands in 2025.
The aircraft itself is now in the baggage carousel area of the Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport.
Timm died in 1976, while Cook passed away in 1995. What an incredible legacy they left behind.
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Henry is a content writer with nearly ten years experience, having written for various publications since 2017. Qualifying with a Sports Journalism degree from Staffordshire University, Henry loves all things automotive but has a particular soft spot for classic Japanese cars and anything Lancia. He also has a curious passion for steam locomotives.
