On February 1st Klaus Ohlmann reported the first solo soaring flight above Mount Everest. In an e-mail that was quickly distributed around the world he explains: “In a measurement flight near Lukla I stopped the motor. Nearly no wind below 6000 m, difficult thermals. Between Pumori and the entrance of the Khumbu Glacier smooth lift on the ridge. It was unbelievable and wonderful to surf along the lowest part of Everest ridge. From 7500 m lift went better and  a sudden turbulence over Khumbu Icefalls indicated a small rotor in the blue sky. I could reach the summit in the wave and had time to descend and climb once again. As a result I could make very nice videos and pictures.”

Klaus’ flight is neither documented on OLC nor on SkyLines but in a new youtube video you’ll find the best part of his story. He shares an “amazing view from the top of the world into Tibet, where the MWP wanted to fly originally…” Soloing above the world’s highest mountains KO opens a new chapter in soaring history.

I recently contacted the Polish expedition “Everest Gliding” – Sebastian Kawa and his team – to find out about their plans. They were not as fortunate as the Mountain Wave Project. Slawek Piela, the editor of “Sky full of Heat” brings it to the point: “On his first/last flight Sebastian could have made it to Everest from Pokhara but he didn’t have the permit…” They are now back in Europe, looking for people who would like to contribute financially to the expedition in return for participation. Maybe a great opportunity to be second or third soaring above Mt. Everest?!