Ron Watts, a pilot and National Bequest Manager with Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF), took off and landed 102 times from Illawarra Regional Airport near Wollongong on Saturday May 7.
The record-making effort marked the 60th anniversary of MAF's first flight - in Madang Papua New Guinea on May 7 1951 - and aims to raise at least $10,000 for the organisation in sponsorship donations.
Watts said he was pleased to reach the target he set for himself and the challenge was now 'out there' for others to take on. But he is not likely to give up the title without a fight.
"If someone hears about it (the record) they might think they can beat it," he said. "Then the challenge will be for me to beat that."
On Saturday, Watts carried out the first flight at 7am and completed five sessions of 20 circuits. After each session he took a short break to re-fuel then set off again, finishing at Bankstown Airport at 5pm.
"For some people, their passion might be horses or fishing but for me it's aviation and always has been, all my life," said Watts.
Concerned these days with raising funds for MAF and lifting the organisation's profile, the 40-year flying veteran said he would turn his hand to whatever was needed to help 'spread the message' of MAF.
He has spent much of his career with MAF, first joining the organisation in 1975. Now based in Wollongong, he is keen to let as many people as possible know what MAF does and what it stands for.
"We are in the business of reaching isolated people to see them physically and spiritually transformed in Christ's name, to help them receive the things they need and to provide transport in times of emergency," he said.
"These are people who are living in the world's most remote locations where transport by any other means except aviation is impossible.
"Often, a MAF flight saves lives. In Papua New Guinea last year we carried out 495 emergency medical evacuations (medivacs) many of which undoubtedly saved lives. Mothers experiencing childbirth difficulties or victims of snake-bite are common among the medical emergencies that we attend."
Saturday's record-making flights were sponsored by many organisations and individuals. Shellharbour City Council waived all landing fees and Air BP supplied fuel.
MAF is a Christian (aviation) organisation operating almost 130 aircraft in over 30 countries around the world. In the Asia Pacific region, MAF has bases in Papua New Guinea, Arnhem Land, East Timor and Bangladesh. MAF flies to more destinations than any other airline - 2500 worldwide.
To contact MAF, visit CTindex