Russian pilots Fyodor Konyukhov and Igor Potapkin set the altitude record for a two-person paralet crew the other day.
The pre-flight training and record-breaking fight against the elements were organized with the participation of rescuers of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia. The order was given personally by the head of the department, Alexander Kurenkov.
"The training and setting of the record took place with the participation of rescuers of the North Caucasian Regional Search and Rescue Squad of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia. Five rescuers were ready to respond at the foot of Mount Elbrus. They also duplicated the communication signal between the pilots and the camp due to weather conditions and difficult terrain," Alexander Kurenkov said.
The previous achievement of 4,575 meters, belonging to Hungarians, no one could surpass for almost 20 years. Russian pilots climbed 4,728 meters from a plateau in the foothills of Elbrus in Kabardino-Balkaria.
According to the rules of the International Federation of Aeronautics (IFA), pilots are required to improve the current record by 3%. The Russians surpassed this condition: Fyodor Konyukhov and Igor Potapkin reached a height of 16 meters higher instead of the minimum mark of 4,712 meters for the new record.
The preparation of the unique expedition took about 1 year. New records and achievements are ahead.
