Simviation Forums

US tycoon and adventurer Steve Fossett, well-known for sailing and solo ballooning records, claims to have soared to new heights in an engineless glider over the Argentinian Andes.
The 62-year-old Chicago investment mogul issued a statement that he and co-pilot Einar Enevoldson, 74, rode powerful rising air currents above the remote Patagonia region on Tuesday, reaching a record 15,453 meters (50,699ft).
Fossett's claim, which could not immediately be independently verified, will be subject to scrutiny by the world aviation authority, the F

Don't you need to file an IFR plan above 10,000?

Don't you need to file an IFR plan above 10,000?

18,000 in the states, don't know how it works where he was.

Thats cool, but I dont think Id want to be in a glider at 50,000 feet!

Wave soaring is the only way to get to these extreme altitudes.......it's very dangerous......

60,000ft! wowzer! Can you get pressurized gliders!? If so i bet they weigh alot, and even if not, carrying oxygen and required apperatus would have added considerable weight to the glider! Mmmm Maybe hthey held their breath....

JB