A new Fossett record!

[ozzy72]

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

[Chris_F]

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

[beefhole]

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.

[Jakemaster]

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

[Rifleman]

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

[jb2_86_uk]

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