On 3/26/07, Alan B. Pearce <A.B.Pearce@rl.ac.uk> wrote:
> >(*** 2499m ??? !!! Who measured that ?)
>
> Sounds like there was some civil aviation set ceiling at 3000m he couldn't
> fly above ;)

There's always the possibility there's a much simpler solution here...

They may have taken along a "calibrated" altimeter certified by ICAO.

Yes, the device has limitations that mean the "measurement" isn't as
accurate as the final number makes it appear to be... but...

When you're shooting for records, the ONLY thing that counts is the
so-called "certified"  altimeter.   If it reads a max of 2499m... then
that's your record.

Doesn't matter if the number is silly or makes it appear like the
instrument can actually measure accurately to within a meter with no
errors... it's what the certified instrument said.  End of story... at
least as far as the ICAO is concerned.

But... I'm just guessing here... I have no idea if he was carrying a
so-called "certified" instrument or attempting to set any official
records.

Another possibility... an analog altimeter with a high altitude
needle... they land, look at it and say, "Well... you can see that's
not exactly 3000m... it's a hair lower..."... [pause]... "Oh hell,
just call it 2499m and let's go home.  We did something no one else
has ever done today... that's good enough.  Let the PICList argue as
much as they want about it later."

:-)

Nate
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