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Chinese Paraglider Given Six-Month Flying Ban After 8,589m Updraft

Officials penalized him for flying in restricted airspace after social media footage prompted an investigation.

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Overview

  • A 55-year-old pilot testing a used wing in Gansu’s Qilian range was swept from roughly 3,000m to 8,589m by powerful updrafts.
  • He lost consciousness in subzero temperatures and low oxygen before regaining control to descend and alert his team.
  • Video footage posted on social media spurred local aviation authorities to launch an investigation.
  • Regulators imposed a six-month flying ban on the pilot and suspended a companion who shared the footage without approval.
  • Chinese state television later removed references to the sanctions from its online coverage without explanation.