Hey there, adventure seekers! Have you ever wondered what it would be like to soar higher than Mount Everest? 🏔️ Well, that’s almost what happened to a brave paraglider in China recently!
While gliding over the majestic Qilian Mountains, this paraglider was suddenly lifted to a staggering altitude of 8,598 meters—that’s higher than 28,000 feet! 😲 But how did this happen?
What is Cloud Suck? ☁️
The phenomenon behind this wild ride is called cloud suck. Imagine a powerful vacuum in the sky that pulls everything upward. It’s caused by strong updrafts near big storm clouds, known as cumulonimbus clouds.
These updrafts can be so strong that they lift paragliders and even birds to dangerous heights. While it might sound thrilling, it’s actually super risky!
Why is it Dangerous? ⚠️
Aviation expert Wang Yanan explains that when a paraglider gets caught in cloud suck, they can face extreme cold, lack of oxygen, and wild winds. At such high altitudes, temperatures drop below freezing, and the air gets really thin. This can make it hard to breathe and think clearly. 🥶
Our courageous paraglider felt his hands freezing and struggled with breathing. But he managed to stay calm and control his glider back to safety. Talk about nerves of steel! 💪
Sharing the Sky with Airplanes ✈️
Here’s another scary part: flying that high means getting close to where big airplanes cruise. Wang warns that paragliders could accidentally enter airspace where planes fly, which is dangerous for everyone.
Professor Zhao Jingwu adds that airplanes move super fast, and it’s hard for pilots to spot small objects like paragliders. Onboard radar might not detect them either. A collision could be disastrous. 😰
Staying Safe in the Skies 🌤️
In China, and many other countries, there are rules to keep the skies safe. Paragliders need permission to fly in certain areas and should always check the weather. Cloud suck is unpredictable, so it’s important to avoid flying near storm clouds.
This incredible story reminds us that while adventure is exciting, safety should always come first. If you’re interested in paragliding or any extreme sport, make sure to learn all the safety rules and never take unnecessary risks. Stay safe and keep exploring! 🪂
Reference(s):
What is cloud suck, the phenomenon behind the paraglider incident?
cgtn.com
