That's quite a story about taking the Turbulent to 21,500'. The guy is very very lucky to have survived. The big problem was not the aeroplane but his ad hoc oxygen equipment! not designed for aircraft or high altitude use, it clogged up, and he nearly enjoyed the unplanned Final Exit of euphoria - the most comfortable method of suicide you can possibly employ....

I had all the experience and equipment and backup that Deeside gliding club could provide, and still nearly screwed up on my first attempts at the altitude flights, figuring that if I turned the indicator which gave a choice of 2 or 4, to half way between I would have a flow of 3, which should last nicely for the planned flight, but actually I was getting nada, because half way between 2 and 4 just shut the flow off altogether. Fortunately only got to 12,000 that day. And also who ever is supervising your altitude flying gives you a radio call from time to time. If you stop making sense in your reply, the chief says to come down now, and that's an order!

I was very happy to have achieved the diamond height after trying for it five times, because never felt entirely happy breathing oxygen from a mask clamped over my face. Reminded me of childbirth....breath deeply, and you pass out....
So these days, twelve thousand max, thank you very much.

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Lol mary.... Love the story love the experience of others.... More stories should be put on here to help others learn from mistakes that we make.... As they may not be so lucky

how high?
 

Actually i have bow opened a new thread on it so look forward to reading some