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Sailplane reaches 76,100 ft altitude
Airbus sponsored flight smashes previous record. Flight took advantage of a mountain wave where Antarctic winds hit the Andes Mountains in South America. (www.nbcnews.com) Altro...Sort type: [Top] [Newest]
To me, the airotow to 40,000 feet takes much of the glory out of this achievement. Glider pilot achievement for many years has been based upon altitude climbed, for SILVER, GOLD, and DIAMOND rankings, with absolute altitude of lesser importance. On January 5, 1979, I flew a sailplane to 37,500 feet, with an airotow of 2,000 feet, and the sailplane cost was nothing like 3 million dollars, the cockpit was not pressurized, and the cockpit temperature was -40 degrees at max. It was a 4 hours-plus flight and the oxygen gear was Korean War military vintage. When I landed I had a 1/2 inch layer of ice on my chest, as each time I exhaled, the mask vents allowed the moisture in my breath to "snow" on my chest. 1,500 to 2,500 FPM "lift" in some locations, and similar rates of "sink" in others. It was a magnificent experience though - you could see forever.
To me, the airotow to 40,000 feet takes much of the glory out of this achievement. Glider pilot achievement for many years has been based upon altitude climbed, for SILVER, GOLD, and DIAMOND rankings, with absolute altitude of lesser importance. On January 5, 1979, I flew a sailplane to 37,500 feet, with an airotow of 2,000 feet, and the sailplane cost was nothing like 3 million dollars, the cockpit was not pressurized, and the cockpit temperature was -40 degrees at max. It was a 4 hours-plus flight and the oxygen gear was Korean War military vintage. When I landed I had a 1/2 inch layer of ice on my chest, as each time I exhaled, the mask vents allowed the moisture in my breath to "snow" on my chest. 1,500 to 2,500 FPM "lift" in some locations, and similar rates of "sink" in others.
That is over 43 Kilometres great stuff
I got to 27,900 years ago above Pikes Peak an I thought that was awesome. 76,100 is just mind blowing. Congrats to everyone involved in this project, it is an amazing feat! I think a new Lennie pin is a must.
wow~~ amazing... but what does this benefit to normal people like us? lol
76,100 feet (14.4 miles)...what a rush, what an accomplishment. Beautiful picture and thank you for sharing.