VIDEO: Red Bull, Famed for Extreme Sports, Sees Stunt Pilot Break Guinness Record for Longest Tunnel Flight

Renowned for pushing the boundaries of human achievement through adrenaline-pumping exploits, Red Bull has once again demonstrated its commitment to extreme sports by orchestrating a groundbreaking feat. Dario Costa, a seasoned race and stunt pilot, etched his name into the annals of history.

He successfully executed the longest tunnel flight ever attempted, the video of which was released on September 4, 2021. The daring endeavor was accomplished within the dual Çatalca Tunnels on Turkey’s Northern Marmara Highway. Not only did this stunt shatter records, it also but epitomized the audacious spirit that defines Red Bull’s ethos.

A Maverick Takes Flight

Dario Costa, a 41-year-old professional pilot, boasts a flying career laden with remarkable achievements. This tunnel pass, however, would propel him into uncharted territory. Costa’s extensive aviation experience provides the foundation for this audacious venture. He has over 5,000 hours in the sky with more than half dedicated to high-performance aerobatics. Hailing from Italy, he had previously clinched the title of the first Italian to conquer the Red Bull Air Race Challenger Class.

On the dawn of September 4, 2021, Costa embarked on a heart-pounding journey that would challenge even his expert skills. The dim light of the first tunnel offered a surreal backdrop. He ignited his specially modified Zivko Edge 540 race plane at 6:43 AM local time with an overhead clearance that allowed mere meters between each wingtip and the tunnel walls. The importance of navigating changes in airflow and aircraft responsiveness cannot be understated.

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Costa’s reaction times were a mere fraction of a second. The most pivotal moment arrived as the plane raced through the 360-meter gap between the tunnels. The gap exposed the flight to crosswinds, demanding Costa’s swift adjustment to steer it into the second tunnel. The combination of split-second decisions, millimeter-precise movements, and 245 kph speed made this stunt a breathtaking display of skill.

Records Broken and Dreams Realized

Costa’s relentless determination and Red Bull’s unwavering support culminated in an awe-inspiring achievement that secured not one, but multiple Guinness World Records. The most illustrious among them, the Longest Tunnel Flown through with an Aeroplane, stretched over 1,730 meters, a testament to Costa’s unflinching focus and expert navigation.

This record-setting flight also encompassed the first-ever airplane flight through a tunnel, the longest flight under a solid obstacle, the pioneering feat of an airplane flight through two consecutive tunnels, and the audacious takeoff of an airplane from within a tunnel.

The achievement was the result of meticulous planning, a dedicated team of 40 professionals, and over a year of preparation. Costa’s mentor, Péter Besenyei, an aviation legend from Hungary, played an instrumental role. He guided him through the complexities of this audacious mission. In the words of Dario Costa, the tunnel flight marked the realization of a dream that was once deemed impossible. From the heart-pounding takeoff to the triumphant loop upon exiting the second tunnel, the flight covered a distance of 2.26 kilometers in less than 44 seconds.

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