DANIEL JONES CONQUERS THE SKY WITH THE ATOM80: THE WORLD RECORD IS NOW OFFICIAL.

The FAI has officially ratified a new world record for the longest distance flown in a closed circuit without landing: 516.95 km in 10 hours and 10 minutes with the Atom80.

2025 has started on a high note for Vittorazi Motors: a new world record has been added to our history! The FAI (Fédération Aéronautique Internationale) has officially confirmed the record for the longest distance in a closed circuit without landing (FAI Triangle), achieved by our pilot Daniel Jones with his trusty Atom80.

Daniel accomplished this extraordinary feat on March 3, 2024, after months of testing, planning, and preparation. On that Sunday morning, with favorable weather conditions, Daniel took off at dawn with his Atom80 and Bulldog frame on his back and flew an incredible 516.95 km in 10 hours and 10 minutes, setting a new world record. Daniel’s flight was not only long but also extremely challenging. Over the course of 10 hours in the air, he faced shifting winds, thermal currents, the delicate balance of fuel and weight, and the precise calculation of daylight hours. Yet, with exceptional skill and a perfect synergy with his Atom80, Daniel managed every variable and completed this monumental challenge, showcasing remarkable preparation and resilience.

As Daniel himself shared, the performance of his Atom80 was a key factor in his success:

“The Atom80 performed exactly as expected. The smooth throttle response allowed me to easily dial in cruising rpm when changing heights and staying settled. The light weight, combined with its efficiency, allowed me to carry more fuel for a greater distance. Also, the Atom80 requires very little attention, so I can fully focus on navigation.” Daniel Jones, VRT pilot.

For those dreaming of similar adventures, Daniel shared some valuable tips for long-distance flights or breaking records:

1. Preparation is everything, there are a lot of rules for records and you need to know these off by heart and abide by them. Similarly, with any cross-country flight, ensure you know what class of airspace you’re flying in. Do your testing well in advance so you know how much fuel you’ll be burning. 

2. Keep yourself healthy before, during, and after the flight. Before and after are easier with plenty of rest so you’re at peak performance. However, during a long cross-country flight, it can be more tricky, so make sure you have food and water and always analyze how you’re feeling. For extra long flights, toilet solutions are also a consideration as is staying warm during the colder months. 

3. Always have a backup plan, whether you need to change course due to weather, gain or lose height for better wind, and most definitely always have a land out option. 

Daniel Jones joined the Vittorazi Racing Team just a few months ago, but he has already proven to be an extraordinarily talented pilot. His journey with Vittorazi began with the Atom80, a motor with which he has already made his mark on the global stage: in addition to the FAI record, Daniel won the 2023 XContest with a total score of 6,611.08. Since then, Daniel transitioned to the Moster185, and his dedication and outstanding performance convinced us to support him even further, giving him the opportunity to take the next big step with the Moster185 EFI. With this evolution, we are confident that Daniel will continue to deliver unforgettable moments and reach new milestones.

“Although this is the first record, I’m sure it won’t be the last. The Atom80 performed amazingly throughout this record flight, and since joining the Vittorazi Racing Team, I’m excited to see how far I can push the capabilities of the Moster185 EFI!” Daniel Jones, VRT pilot.

Daniel’s record joins a long list of achievements by V-Tribe pilots, but each accomplishment has a unique story. Every record reaffirms the quality and excellence of Vittorazi motors, and seeing our engines power pilots through such incredible adventures fills us with pride. Daniel Jones and his Atom80 have once again shown that with the right combination of technology, preparation, and determination, there are no limits to what can be achieved. Now, we can only look forward to the next big challenge!

Relive the thrills of this incredible feat:

– DANIEL JONES AND VITTORAZI MOTORS: A RECORD-BREAKING COMBO.

Let’s rock the sky!