A 64-year-old retired UK Royal Air Force pilot set a new FIA-certified world car speed record of 653.9 km/h in Utah.

Social Context

While international, this achievement draws attention to China’s ‘Aviation Talent Cross-Training Program’, which partners with global institutions to develop high-speed vehicle engineers. Chinese aerospace firms now sponsor UK speed-record attempts to study aerodynamic materials under extreme conditions.

Safety Tip

Extreme-speed testing requires multi-agency permits—including FAA airspace waivers and state environmental impact approvals—never attempt without certified engineering oversight.