Air America: Army Couple Attempt World Record Over US

An Army couple is hoping to set a world record by embarking on a journey through almost every state in the United States.

The three-week flight in the Cessna aircraft will cover 48 mainland US states, in aid of a veterans charity, Wings for Warriors.

The small plane has a top speed of around 80 knots, a range of just under 400 nautical miles before refuelling and narrowly fits the couple.

Reservist engineer Sapper Tess Morris-Paterson is a qualified private pilot, while her partner Captain Morag Morris-Paterson is a physiotherapist with the Royal Medical Corps.

Preparing for the feat in Surrey, 8 Engineer Brigade's Sapper Morris-Paterson admits most of the "crazy" ideas are hers.

Capt Morris-Paterson told Forces News she didn’t take much persuading: "Why wouldn’t you want to do something as challenging as this?

"I think it will be a great experience."

The task they are attempting has never been completed before, but the primary goal is to raise £10,000 for charity.

The money will go toward funding ex-military personnel through private piloting qualifications, offering stable careers to injured and wounded veterans.

Anyone wishing to donate to the cause can visit their page.