site.btaAttempt at New World Record at Gorna Oryahovitsa Airport Draws Thousands of Aviation Enthusiasts

Thousands of aviation enthusiasts gathered at Gorna Oryahovitsa Airport on Saturday to witness an attempt at a new world record by military pilot and aerobatics competitor Nikolay Kalaydzhiev.

The event was organized under the auspices of the Gorna Oryahovitsa Municipality, in partnership with the Bulgarian Aviation Industry Association, and hosted by Gorna Oryahovitsa Airport.

Kalaydzhiev's goal is to complete 1,000 take-offs and landings within 15 consecutive hours. A professional military pilot and aerobatics competitor, he is a five-time world record holder recognized by the World Air Sports Federation and Guinness World Records. The official Guinness World Records attempt is being conducted under the supervision of a specially appointed judging panel.

The challenge is not only a sporting feat but also a demonstration of exceptional concentration, preparation, determination, discipline and professionalism, members of his team said.

After each landing for refuelling, Kalaydzhiev would step into an ice bath before returning to the cockpit and resuming the flight cycles. He explained that the measure is necessary because cockpit temperatures eventually approach 50 degrees Celsius, making cooling essential.

The record attempt spans 15 hours. Kalaydzhiev, who is also a licensed civil aviation pilot, noted that he has accumulated 680 landings over the past nine years and is now aiming to complete 1,000 within a single 15-hour period.

He said his ultimate ambition is to travel to space and that flights of this kind serve as preparation for future space missions. Challenging oneself, he added, is the best way to achieve one's full potential.

Speaking to BTA, Bulgarian Aviation Industry Association Chair Todor Ivandzhikov said the flight serves several objectives.

"This is not only about setting a world record and strengthening Gorna Oryahovitsa's place on the global aviation map. It is also about motivating young people and showing them pathways into aviation, whether piloted or unmanned," he said.

"Once they experience the thrill of flight, they will start dreaming of becoming pilots, engineers or air traffic controllers. It is important for young people to understand that this profession offers both dreams and adrenaline," Ivandzhikov added.

Gorna Oryahovitsa Mayor Nikolay Rashkov expressed hope that by the end of the year the airport would become fully operational for civil aviation.

Visitors explored exhibition and educational zones featuring aviation and drone companies, educational institutions, technology organizations, innovators and representatives of high value-added professions.

One of the attractions was a presentation of modern Bulgarian space food. Neli Simeonova, representing the manufacturing company, said the products are based on achievements of Bulgarian scientists from the 1980s and that production was resumed five years ago.

Families with children, young people and aviation and space enthusiasts watched the pilot's demonstration with keen interest throughout the day.