Highest in an Airplane New World's Altitude Record by British R.A.F.: Squadron-Leader Swain, who made the new world's altitude record for Airplanes, seen holding his sealed oxygen suit. Announcement of the record was made by the Air Ministry tonight September 29. Squadron Leader F. R. D. Swain of the Royal Air Force made a new world's altitude record for Airplanes of 49,967 feet here today. He made the record in a Bristol Monoplane. the largest single-seater ever constructed. He wore a specially constructed sealed oxygen flying suit, in which free movement for the controls was possible. October 19, 1936. (Photo by Associated Press Photo).