"Mike Rapoport" wrote in message
k.net...
It would be interesting to know what the conditions were, after all
gliders have been over 49,000'

That's true. A wave could have gotten the helicopter above the summit, at
which point it could have simply glided there. However, I think it's
noteworthy that it did remain at the summit (whether it landed or hovered)
for a couple of minutes.

Besides, folks who pilot gliders over 49,000' are noteworthy too. That's
hardly a "walk in the park" accomplishment, even with good mountain wave
around!

Pete