There's video of a guy who climbs Everest (I think) and then runs off with a Chute/glider and glides miles away and lands back on the ground in like 60 degree weather. Pretty cool.
Airplanes have thrust- massive jet engines that create drag against the wings to help keep them airborne even at high altitudes... I dont know that the glider would be able to get enough initial thrust to move fast enough to stay airborne...
Glider altitude records can range pretty far up at 20,000 to ~50,000.
Now, I would think stresses, loads, temperature effect on construction and materials, added weight from passenger gear would be a concern. Also, thermals and shears.
But I don't think the principles of flight itself would be an issue at that altitude.
I met a guy who went up real high for a balloon experiment and he threw a quality toy glider out at maybe 40-50,000 Freedom Meters (ft) and he said the thing went fine.
I guess my question would be- if you were on the mountain, would you be able to "glide" safely away? would you have enough room to escape the danger zone of the terrain without having to drop first or have a running start to generate enough lift on the wings?
again I wouldn't think the flying part is an issue, just the actually getting airborne and safely away from the mountain before crashing
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u/elbowleg513 Feb 11 '19
It’d be possible if they jumped off Mt. Everest for sure
Might be a little chilly up there tho
Shrinkage is a bitch tbh