In a landmark achievement, two Polish aviators have etched their names in history by soaring above the 8,611-meter summit of K2 in a glider aircraft. Sebastian Kawa and Sebastian Kot Lampart have become the first individuals to fly a glider over the world’s second-highest mountain, marking a significant milestone in aviation.
Historic Flight Above K2
The extraordinary flight, conducted under challenging conditions including high-speed winds and strict flight restrictions in Pakistan, showcases the pilots’ exceptional skill and determination. The accomplishment was confirmed by Karar Haidri, Secretary of the Alpine Club of Pakistan, who hailed it as a pioneering flight above K2.
Preparation and Journey
The journey to this historic feat was arduous. Polish Aviators Kawa and Lampart transported their Ash-25 glider plane from Poland to Pakistan in a trailer. After securing a flying license from local authorities in the Shigar district, they undertook meticulous preparations to ensure the success of their mission.
On Friday, during a test flight from Skardu airport, the pilots reached an altitude of 4,600 meters. The following day, at 4:50 PM, they made history by flying over the summit of K2. Utilizing a two-seater Schleicher ASH 25 glider equipped with oxygen and a small emergency engine, the duo took off from Skardu airport. A car towed the glider into the air, enabling them to navigate the skies above the Karakoram range and K2.
Overcoming Challenges
Kawa and Lampart faced numerous challenges, including the high altitude, windy conditions, and the complexities of obtaining necessary permits. The stringent flight restrictions in the Karakoram range added another layer of difficulty to their mission. Despite these obstacles, their determination and expertise saw them successfully complete the flight.
Reactions and Reflections
The tour organizer, Mountain Challenger, celebrated the achievement, stating, “K2 is the biggest and highest mountain, but our team was higher than K2. This is one of the best days for us.”
In a Facebook post, Sebastian Kot Lampart shared his emotions and photos from the flight, highlighting the significance of their accomplishment. “It is!! First ever glider flight in Karakoram….” he exclaimed. Sebastian Kawa echoed these sentiments, describing the flight’s breathtaking views and the effort it took to achieve such a feat.
Expedition Team and Support
The expedition team also included Sławomir Makaruk, Przemysław Janusz, Krzysztof Strama, and Marcin Polar from Poland. Their collective efforts contributed to the successful completion of this historic flight.
Commendation from the Alpine Club of Pakistan
Karar Haidri of the Alpine Club of Pakistan praised the achievement, noting that Kawa and Lampart’s feat would inspire and promote the sport of gliding in Pakistan. “Sebastian Kawa and Sebastian Lampart achieved a remarkable feat by soaring over K2 and Masherbrum in a glider,” he said. “We commend their accomplishment and hope it will encourage gliding in our beautiful country.”
The first-ever glider flight over K2 by Polish Aviators Sebastian Kawa and Sebastian Kot Lampart stands as a testament to human ingenuity and perseverance. This historic event not only showcases the capabilities of modern aviation but also highlights the spirit of adventure and exploration that drives individuals to achieve the extraordinary.
Check live video taken by Sebastian Kawa in his instagram
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