A DAD-OF-THREE is attempting to break the world record for the greatest number of aircraft take-offs and landings in one hour.

Mark Hanson, 43, has more than 300 hours of flying experience and wants to beat the current figure of 36.

He will take to the skies in a German built ‘Extra EA 300L’, a carbon-fibre plane which can reach speeds of 253 miles per hour.

Mr Hanson, who owns a skip hire business in Burnley and lives in Padiham, will take on the challenge at the BAE Systems airbase in Warton.

He will use their mile-and-a-half long runway to complete the challenge.

The plane will have to reach 1,000 feet and land with all the wheels on the ground to count as one cycle.

The acrobatic pilot is trying to raise £3,000 for Pendleside Hospice, which tries to enhance the quality of life for people with life-limiting illnesses.

Mr Hanson said he was taught to fly by the current record holder, Marcus Furniss.

He said: “I hope I don’t just do 36, I hope I smash the record.

“The plane I will be using can gain height at 4,000 feet a minute, so we have a very fast plane.

“I will be able to go up and down very quickly which will help me save lots of seconds which could make the difference.

“I used to get butterflies when I first started flying, but now it feels very normal for me to do.

“I picked the hospice because I’ve had a few friends who have had family dealings with cancer and they do the most incredible work for people.

“They are an inspiration to us all and I want to be able to give them something that will hopefully make a difference to someone’s life.

“I would like to thank BAE Systems for their support and helping me get the runway to attempt the challenge.”

Mr Hanson is expecting to attempt the record attempt at the end of July, on a day with very little or no wind.

To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/mark-hanson6.