A PILOT hopes to smash one of the greatest world records ever set in the aviation industry in a plane he lovingly made with his wife.

Former RAF pilot Steve Noujaim, 47, has embarked on a 12,000-mile round trip from Southend Airport to Cape Town, South Africa.

The long-haul commercial pilot spent seven years building and specially modifying his 200-horsepower Van’s RV-7 with his wife Anna, who he named the plane after.

Steve now aims to smash the current light aircraft world record, set back in February 1939 by Alex Henshaw.

He landed his tiny Percival Mew Gull back in London after completing the round trip in four days, ten hours and 16 minutes.

Mr Henshaw MBE, 94, died in 2007 still the proud holder of that record.

Martin Barraclough, 74, project co-ordinator of the event, said: “This was an outstanding record in its day and it was considered to be the greatest long-distance flight of all time.

“For Steve to break this recording will be amazing. It will be a difficult undertaking, because there will still be problems such as weather conditions, but it is looking good.

“He has been a pilot for a long time, so in that sense he has had lots of training in long-haul flights and he has only taken two stops so far on his way to South Africa.”

Steve will spend an average of ten hours per day flying with a two-hour rest break at each stop and had a proper rest when he arrived at Cape Town yesterday afternoon.

On his return to the airport Steve, who lives in Cirencester, Gloustershire, and all the team will be treated to a champagne reception and buffet paid for and hosted by the Roslin Beach Hotel, in Thorpe Bay.

Jackie Harris, managing director of the hotel, said: “I am so excited about this record attempt and it is fantastic for Southend. The Roslin is really proud to be part of this.”