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The Everest machine - an update! 8/4/2007

Well we have flown the Everest machine for the first time at last! It was an emotional, and quite scary feat just flying it in perfect conditions in the UK! Instead of a normal 20hp parajet we have a 100hp one...it is like running off a mountain with a racing car strapped to your back! But I took off and it is unbelieveably powerful. Gilo then took off and flew it to 17,500ft!

We are so excited to have proved that this Everest mission is possible now...we have a machine that can work as high as the summit of Everest (we have tested it at 30,000ft in the hypobaric chamber) and we have proved we can take off with it strapped to us...just!

The next stage is to ship all the kit out to Nepal this week then finish the second machine, then follow the kit out to the Himalayas and make this thing happen! In country it is then a question of timing our attempt with when the jet stream winds lift off the upper faces of Everest, as the warm monsoon air hits the mountains. Then we will go for it, God willing.

It is all becoming quite real and quite scary now...I know first hand how dangerous Everest can be.

Bear x

Tate (09/04/2007 21:50:01)

Bear, Could the parajet be used for high altitude rescues? All the best man. -T

Hi Tate, I believe Terry has posted a response to this query. It has not been tried to his knowledge but it's worth looking into the possiblity of doing so.

cat (09/04/2007 22:50:00)

hey Bear,great to hear that everything is going well with your machine!it's all very exciting what pushes you forward,beyond doubt&fear in this attempt?xo

Thanks Cat

kristina johnson (10/04/2007 00:50:01)

prayers and best of luck to all of you. . . with the weather so strange these days i wonder what it will be like at everest in may. how long is your window open?

Hi Kristina, Thanks for your message. The window in May is only a very small one. We will have to assess weather conditions constantly whilst we are there. We are looking for the point at which the Monsoon winds start to rise up the mountain. That will give us our window of opportunity.

Ann (10/04/2007 03:50:00)

Hi Bear and team, The above question is really interesting, as there are so many high altitude places that such a machine could be useful to rescue climbers/trekkers with.Great ideas! Best of luck to all and safe return from "the Ceiling of the impossible"! Ann and Graham

Hi Ann and Graham, It is an interesting one. The equipment is quite light but in order to take off and land you do need to have the correct conditions. There is also the added complexity of requiring the paraglider wing to be laid out with enough room around you to take a run to get the wing in the air. It could work but only in certain instances.

Peter Stefanick (10/04/2007 20:50:00)

Hi Bear, Really loved your entrance on the Oprah show, it has to be a classic. I see you wear a Breitling Emergency watch on your "Man Vs Wild" TV show. I never miss the show, and I can't wait to buy the episodes on DVD. What watch are you going to wear and use on your Everest Adventure. Thanks Please Be Safe, Peter S.

Archie Reed (10/04/2007 21:50:01)

Hello, I am Archie, I wish you good luck, I hope that you suceed in flying over Everest, it is hard to imagine. I know that it is a very big mountain, and I hope that you are not too heavy for your machine! (I am typing this on behalf of my 5 year old son, the above is all his own words, with help from Oli who is 7. Sorry if it seemed a strange thing to read!) I have just finished reading your Everest story and have been telling the boys about your adventures, so they are worried that your back will get hurt again, and that you will run out of oxygen, so please be carefull! Love two GIANT Fans

Thanks for the message Archie

Derek (10/04/2007 22:50:01)

Bear,it must be pretty scarry. I just recently finished your book The Kid Who Climbed Everest,and I was wondering how do you think it will feel to see the summit under feet again?

Denise Wilden (12/04/2007 15:50:00)

Hi Bear and all the team. My hopes and prayers are with you all for this "challenge". I read 'Facing Up' - amazing, also your inflatable boat trip. I also watched your Foreign Legion one and am currently watching Ultimate Survivor on UK Channel 4. I feel sure that the Beautiful Goddess will let you and your team float across her head. Stay safe guys.

Yosko Cvitanic (12/04/2007 22:50:01)

Hi! first off all i want to congratulate you for this incredible adventure!!! Now, i would like to know what engine is this parajet using. Not the paramotor, just wich engine! Thanks a lot!!!! and greetings from argentina!

Rachel (13/04/2007 07:50:00)

Just wanted to send prayers for you and your team. Also I wanted to thank you Bear. I have had a back injury and have to have surgery. You give me hope. Although not in as good as shape as you . I enjoy man vs. wild I have found out I have a brain tumor and watching the show help with the time. God speed and please be safe

Tim Hall (13/04/2007 14:50:00)

I'm guessing that you've already experienced this but when I was flying in Antarctica in 2005 the biggest problem I faced at launch was that if I didn't get airborne 1st or 2nd attempt that I suffered heat exhaustion & had to power down & strip off to cool down due a combination of the physical effort, the weight of the kit etc. & clothing required in that environment. I don't think my ground crew ever really appreciated what I went through on occasions. You're a brave crew to attempt such a flight as what's required is on the edge or perhaps over it! Watching with interest, good luck from Tim Hall

Good point and it is what we experienced last week in the wind tunnel at -65 degrees! Sweating getting kit in there, freezing 2 mins later!

may (13/04/2007 15:50:01)

How do Shara, Jesse and Marmaduke feel about the risks your work entails? It must be nerve-wracking for them but at the same time must have 100 per cent confidence in what you do. Good luck in your future endeavors and stay safe! A Huge Fan

Andrea (14/04/2007 13:50:00)

Hi Bear, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your team for this amazing adventure. I have just read your Everest book and now I've moved on to your North Atlantic crossing. They so inspirational and a joy to read - and now you make me want to Sagarmatha for myself - just not from the summit! Stay safe x

Oliver Reed (aged 7) (14/04/2007 14:50:01)

Hi Bear, I see you are having another exciting adventure, what do your children think, are you a huge hero or just Dad? How long will it take to fly over Everest, do you have to do it when the winds have died down like you did when you were climbing? I want to ask you loads of questions, but know that you must be busy getting ready and looking after your family. My Mum said that I am not allowed to climb Everest, I do wish she would not treat me like a baby! Bye for now Love Oliver

Gary Peck (15/04/2007 04:50:00)

Hey Bear, You're awesome! Been thinking about you and Gilo just about every day, waiting for the big day! You've done so many great things already, I know God's love will be with you both to ensure a successful trip. I wish you all the best. I read above that you were on Oprah! I had written her a while back suggesting that they put you and Gilo on her show to help promote your upcoming flight and your charity work for African kids. When were you on her show? (They never informed me you were going to be on.) Gary Peck Westfield, NY

Nick Prestel (15/04/2007 05:50:00)

Hi Bear, I'm a big fan and I have great admiration for your accomplishments. I've heard you say a few different times in interviews that you considered yourself lucky having survived Everest once and that you probably wouldn't return if given the chance. What was it that changed your mind on this?

Collin Haney (15/04/2007 18:50:01)

You said Gilo got the machine to 17,500ft, when do you plan to go for the 30,000ft mark? And have you gotten a chance to fly the machine that high yet?

Stefanie (15/04/2007 19:50:00)

I think that you're all incredible, and maybe a little bit crazy. *grin* But much respect, and lots of love to you all! Your charity is also incredible and will do so much good. Be careful, but most importantly, HAVE FUN! WHOO!

Case (16/04/2007 05:50:00)

Bear, I'm just curious that if your machine somehow malfunctions (knock on wood) that you would be able to get down safely without too much damage to yourselves and the machines. By the way, I love "Man vs. Wild" here in the US.

D (16/04/2007 07:50:00)

Bear, This is definatley a crazy stunt here. Flying a paraglider over Everest?? I won't believe it until I see it in the news. I watch your show on Discovery all the time, and I am a huge fan. I almost WANT to get lost somewhere and test your skills! Anyway, best of luck with the Everest attempt and God Bless. -D Wisconsin

Guy Hoogewerf (16/04/2007 09:50:01)

Great to hear the machine is flying... can we have updates from the others, you are the only one writing this thing...lol

Matthew Colley-Banks (16/04/2007 21:50:00)

Good luck with your mission. You guys are an inspiration! Are there any 'special' helicopters that could perform a rescue, if you guys hit a problem? Best of luck with the mission. Regards. Matthew

Amanda (17/04/2007 05:50:01)

Is there any difference in the time it will take your body to adjust to the elevation since you have already been to Everest before?

Rick (17/04/2007 14:50:00)

Bear, i was wondering if you are flying directly above the sumit or what part of everst with it being so big. And if you are going directly over the summit how high above it? good luck and god bless, you are very brave.

Pete (17/04/2007 14:50:00)

Hi Bear, best of luck again, just saw your rendition of Bear Necessities on Harry Hills TV Burp, was brilliant! Good to see you can take a joke! As always best of British for the coming months, take care. Pete.

Christin (17/04/2007 17:50:00)

Best of luck to all of you!Bear - I hope you're planning on writing another book on your lastest adventure. Christin

Russell (18/04/2007 08:50:00)

Bear, first of all...great performance on Harry Hill's TV Burp at the weekend! Another fine example of not taking things too seriously...along with the classic from Born survivor - "I always try to carry this flint with me...well...not at home...that would just be weird"...anyway enough of that. This post was really just to wish everyone involved in GKN Mission Everest the very best of luck...look forward to following your progress online.

Prasit S. (18/04/2007 09:50:01)

Hi Bear, Just got the news of your mission. By the way I'm working in Thailand, never experience the cold and dangerous from Everest. Anyway, I very wish you best of luck on this attempt. God Bless you, please.

anu basnet (18/04/2007 10:50:01)

Dear Bear, I wish you and your team all the best for GKN Mission Everest. We are all eagerly looking forward to your arrival in Kathmandu, Nepal.

Miss Thistle (18/04/2007 18:50:01)

'Facing Up' was a great read and shows the real dangers of Everest, so I couldn't quite believe it when I read what you're up to now!! All the best, praying for you & your team.

william mcdonald age 10 (21/04/2007 13:50:01)

its a very long flight so do you wear a nappy or is it bombs away?

Christin Greenland (21/04/2007 17:50:00)

Best of luck to all of you. Bear - I've just finished your first two books and hope you're planning on writing another about your latest adventure.

Joe (23/04/2007 01:50:01)

Hey Bear. Thanks for being an inspiration to me to make life an adventure. I'm just getting started. I'll be praying for your safe return home, and as always that Jesus himself takes you under his arms and protects you. God Bless you, the team, and your family!

Spencer (23/04/2007 10:50:00)

I'm not sure if Bear will read this, but i just wanted to say how big an inspiration he is to myself. the guy is a living legend. Iv just finished watching Born Survivior, and have ordered his book about the raft crossing. I am eager to find out when his next talk will be as id love to finally meet him, as just a chat about his experence would be worth the journey. Anyhow, all the best, and i look forward to reading and watching your exploits in the future. All the best and thanks for your time Spence

Sharon Forston (24/04/2007 16:50:01)

I'm sending you and your team the best of luck and keeping all prayed up. This is an exciting adventure, but from all that I have read about you Bear, you have an "I can" attitude and with that and God's hand lifting you up, we'll celebrate you and your team after the fly-over. Thank you for your inspiration.

mike williams (24/04/2007 22:50:01)

Hi bear i`ve been watching "born survivor" and "man vs wild" they`re well good,i`m hopefully joinin the royal marines when i`m 16.Most of all i hope that get home safely and have a great time,best of luck mike.P.S cheers for takin the time to show us how to survive in the wild.

Nelsy (25/04/2007 19:50:01)

Hi. I met you at the NSA conference and that was really awesome. You probably don't remember me, but that was the highlight of my week! I went home and told all my friends about you and now my whole school loves MAn vs. Wild. its pretty cool. I saw that you were going to go on yet another adventure, and I thought i would offer my support and prayers! -Nelsy p.s. your talk at the conference was illuminating. p.p.s. i talk about how you jumped into the frozen lake in the Alps all the time. that was really cool. (no pun intended)

Carol (25/04/2007 21:50:01)

Bear, you have my prayers for your Everest adventure. I am concened about your TV program Man VS Wild, I corresponded with Discovery who said there is no future episodes planned. Where will it be aired? Please be careful on Everest.

Thanks…and new man vs wild shows atart to air on 15th June in US!

Martin Hewlett (26/04/2007 00:50:01)

Guys, When you get back you have to come to some fly-ins in the UK and show this beast of a motor off. I still cant get over the 17,000 ft that Gilo did last week, I thought 5000 looked high from my Volution! Anyway, best of luck and keep us posted. Martin

Polly (28/04/2007 00:50:36)

Hi Bear. I am a really big fan. I loved reading your book, The kid who climbed Everest. It was really inspiring. I really want to climb Everest one day. Its really amazing to see and hear of you doing all these amazing things after such a terrible accident. You most have some really stong will power! You are truly an inspiration! Keep doing what you do best. Best of luck. -Polly

Will Dunlop (29/04/2007 04:50:36)

Bear, I've become a big fan of yours this past year. Loved "The Kid who climbed Everest" Good luck on you're current mission and I owe you big time. I had a 1/2 day hike inadvertantly turn into a three day one and you're tips and tricks helped me survive. I know you're busy but I owe you and I'd like to tell you about it sometime. Be safe out there and God Bless!

Charlotte (29/04/2007 06:50:36)

Hi Bear, just wanted to wish you guys good luck, and take care... I pray you guys will bless with good weather. Hope your paramotor adventure over Everest is a success – btw, looking forward for more Man vs. Wild episodes! Be safe.

Jamie (30/04/2007 12:50:36)

Yo Bear and team.....sounds like a real adventure! Bear, embrace the views and experience that God gives you from up there. Your pretty wacy man, you've fullfilled most of my dreams...Everest above all. Still, will get my chance in heaven. God Bless. J

Trevor Hile (02/05/2007 07:50:36)

Hola Oso. I am almost through "The Kid Who Climbed Everest" and have been keeping track of you fellas on your newest adeventure. I am a Christian, and I know how much the Lord has His hands in all of the matters of our lives--including yours. So trust in Him and remember what Bernardo told you when you were 23 and standing beneath a mountain that you weren't too sure about: "Vaya con Dios Oso". Good Luck as well, I will be praying for all of you.

Br Charles Mary (02/05/2007 09:50:36)

Dear Gryllsy, I am praying for you. I ask Our Lady to send her angels to watch over you. In Mary, your brother Charles Mary

Thanks Charlie…did you get the present I sent you? Bearxx

Cieslaw (02/05/2007 11:50:36)

You all will be heroes, no matter if you will survive this challenge, or not. My family and I will pray for you. God bless you!

Melanie (03/05/2007 18:50:36)

Bear~Good luck and I hope you have a safe journey. I'm currently reading your book about your first trip to Everest and I love it! I've got a nice collection of Everest books and yours by far is one of the best I've read. Again, I wish you all the best and be safe! ~M

Rory (08/05/2007 16:50:43)

Bear, you clearly are quite mad to do this but it will help you and your crew succeed. Best of luck. Dont forget your piece of flint, knife and a water bottle ! Rory

Feli Hernandez (12/11/2007 00:54:44)

Praud of you, God bless you.

Did you know?

The oldest woman to summit:
Anna Czerwinska 22 May 2000

Named after:
Sir George Everest in 1865 the British surveyor-general of India. Once known as Peak 15

Source: mnteverest.net