<strong>Pierre Carter: </strong>The South African man is the first person to legally paraglide off of Mount Everest. Here are some photos of his journey.
Pierre Carter: The South African man is the first person to legally paraglide off of Mount Everest. Here are some photos of his journey.
Courtesy Pierre Carter
<strong>Top of the world:</strong> Carter was the first person ever granted a government permit to glide off of Everest, but a few thrill seekers have done the feat in the past.
Top of the world: Carter was the first person ever granted a government permit to glide off of Everest, but a few thrill seekers have done the feat in the past.
Courtesy Pierre Carter
<strong>Chasing a dream:</strong> Carter, 55, is a Johannesburg native who has glided off of six of the world's highest peaks.
Chasing a dream: Carter, 55, is a Johannesburg native who has glided off of six of the world's highest peaks.
Courtesy Pierre Carter
<strong>Viewing range:</strong> Carter departed from Everest's South Col, 8,000 meters (about 26,000 feet) above sea level.
Viewing range: Carter departed from Everest's South Col, 8,000 meters (about 26,000 feet) above sea level.
Courtesy Pierre Carter
<strong>Crash landing into you:</strong> Landing at Everest Base Camp was too risky, so Carter opted to land in a village about 7 km (4.3 miles) away and walk back.
Crash landing into you: Landing at Everest Base Camp was too risky, so Carter opted to land in a village about 7 km (4.3 miles) away and walk back.
Courtesy Pierre Carter
<strong>Gearing up: </strong>His gliding gear weighed 2.2 kg (about five pounds).
Gearing up: His gliding gear weighed 2.2 kg (about five pounds).
Courtesy Pierre Carter
<strong>All in the timing:</strong> The descent took about 20 minutes.
All in the timing: The descent took about 20 minutes.
Courtesy Pierre Carter
<strong>Speed of flight: </strong>Carter was traveling at about 50 miles per hour.
Speed of flight: Carter was traveling at about 50 miles per hour.
Courtesy Pierre Carter
<strong>Gliding away:</strong> Carter believes that "climb and fly" packages could become the next big trend in Everest tourism.
Gliding away: Carter believes that "climb and fly" packages could become the next big trend in Everest tourism.
Courtesy Pierre Carter
<strong>A view to a thrill: </strong>Carter sums up his 20 minute trip from the top of the world in a few words: "It was just unbelievable."
A view to a thrill: Carter sums up his 20 minute trip from the top of the world in a few words: "It was just unbelievable."
Courtesy Pierre Carter