FedEx (USA) is the world’s largest carrier of air freight in the world, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). In 2004 the company flew 14,579 million freight tonne kilometres. Korean Air Lines (South Korea) is in second place with 8,264 million, and Lufthansa (Germany) is in third with 8,040 million.

The largest afro measures 18.5 cm (7.3 in) high, 19.6 cm (7.7 in) wide and 132.1 cm (4 ft 4 in) in circumference and was achieved by Aevin Dugas (USA), in New Orleans, USA on 4 October 2010. Aevin entered and won the competition run by www.nappturality.com, a hair care website.

Nasa’s (USA) Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy is a Boeing 747SP fitted with an infrared telescope with a 2.7m-wide (8.85 ft) primary mirror. ‘First light’ for the telescope occurred on 18 August 2004. ‘First light’ is the term used when a scientific observation instrument, such as a telescope, is first tested – ie the first light hits the detectors.

The largest air guitar ensemble was 2,377 participants, and was organized by San Manuel Indian Bingo & Casino (USA) at San Manuel Indian Bingo & Casino in Highland, California, USA, on 22 September 2011. The attempt was led by professional air guitarist Dan Crane (aka Bjorn Turoque), and was held during the casino’s annual “Rock n’ Roll Bingo Night” held in conjunction with local rock station KCAL-FM.

The largest ever biplanes were four aircraft built for the US Navy in 1918 by the Curtiss company (designated NC 1-4). They had a wingspan of 38.4 m (126 ft), were 20.8 m (68 ft 3 in) long and had an operational weight of around 12,000 kg (26,400 lb). The aircraft were powered by four 300 kW (400 hp) Liberty engines and had a top speed of 137 km/h (85 mph). They were designed as long-range anti-submarine aircraft, intended to sink German submarines in WWI, Continue reading →

Of the 22 aircraft carriers currently in service worldwide, the US Navy accounts for 11, the USS Enterprise and ten Nimitz-class carriers. Enterprise, commissioned in 1961, was the world’s first nuclear powered aircraft carrier. The other nations which operate carriers are Russia, France, UK, Brazil, India, Italy, Spain and Thailand.

The world´s largest albino plants are the albino coastal redwood trees (Sequoia sempervirens) presently numbering between 25 and 60 in total that exist in secret sites within four separate localities in California. These are: Henry Cowell State Park; an unspecified locality near Aptos; Big Sur State Park; and Humboldt Redwoods State Park. Some are only the size of large bushes, but others are up to 21 m tall. Totally lacking chlorophyll (and hence known as everwhites rather than evergreens), they are a pallid white colour, Continue reading →

The most people ever carried aboard an airship was 207, in the 239 m (785 ft) long US Navy Akron in 1931. The massive rigid airship had a maximum width of 40.36 m (132.5 ft) and was 46.5 m (152.5 ft) high. Tragically, Akron crashed and sank into the Atlantic off the coast of New Jersey in April 1933, killing 74 of the 77 crewmembers on board. The largest number of people carried on a transatlantic flight is 117, by the German Hindenburg in 1937. Continue reading →

James C. (Jay) Justice III (USA) harvested 19,196.59 bushels of corn using a Caterpillar 485 Lexion Combine at Catfish Bay Farm, Beckley, West Virginia, USA on 14 September 2001.

With a full load displacement of 36,500 tonnes (80.5 million lb) and a length of 257 m (844 ft), the US Navy’s Wasp class vessels are the largest amphibious ships afloat today. Capable of carrying aircraft, landing vessels of various kinds, and large numbers of troops, their primary role is to put troops onto enemy shores. The ships have crews of 1,100 and can carry up to 1,894 marines. They are typically equipped with 42 Sea Knight helicopters and five Harrier jump jets. Although they Continue reading →