Axis Vega II. Photo: Fred Gustafsson
The pair are heading to Pakistan for the end of April and will attempt to fly the length of the fabled Silk Route, from Pakistan to China.
The route will take them across some of the most inhospitable terrain on Earth. The duo will start in Islamabad and fly north to Hunza in the heart of the Karakorum mountains. This section of the route will take between four days and two weeks, depending on conditions, says Eddie.
”From Islamabad to Hunza we pass peaks in excess of 8000m so we expect to be going in excess of 7000m,” he said. “Last time I was there we flew around 7500m and crossed cols of over 5000m.”
The pair will not use supplementary oxygen as it is too heavy.
From Hunza, depending on conditions and time, the pair hope to continue to Kashgar, in China.
“The two biggies are Rakaposhi (7789m) – it is the worlds highest elevation, that is, valley to peak – and Nanga Parbat (8125m), the ninth highest peak in the world.”
“Evaluating the second part of the trip is very difficult other than to say the passes get higher and then it gets even more remote.”
Eddie will fly a purpose-built lightweight Axis Vega II.
“They’re beautifully made with a wonderful form,” Eddie said about the Vega II.
“The first flight I had on the Vega II, I had to top land on a cliff top to help someone who’d been blown back. Fortunately all was well, but the experience convinced me that the Vega II was a great wing for my Karakorum adventure.”
He added: “Axispara UK and Axispara CZ have been brilliant in developing a lightweight yet robust version which I now believe is available for all pilots.
“The lightweight is essential because although not racing like in the X-Alps, this trip might be very grueling on the ground as well as the air.”
Axis UK importer Nicky Moss said she was delighted to be sponsoring Eddie. “Eddie is a great pilot. We’re glad he’s chosen the Vega II for what is surely to be an epic trip. Good luck Eddie is all we can say! “
The pair expect to return to the UK June 9, 2008.
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