40,400 feet.....
in a Lama SA 315 helicopter
The a/c weight was reduced as much as possible, the battery and starter were removed, centre fairing horizontal stabiliser, second seat, tail skid, too!!.
All non essential instruments were removed and the oil cooling system. Total weight of finished a/c: 950kg
Min temp experienced: -62 degrees.
At max alt, the engine flamed out and the helo commenced the highest, longest descent ever, on record. The flight entered cloud at 36000 feet and the pilot had to glide blind using the halo of the sun through the cloud to maintain wings level
At 21000 feet he broke cloud and saw the Istres airfield which was just within auto range.
Jean Boulet / Gerard Boutin, 19.6.1972.