A Chinese paraglider has captured global attention after surviving a harrowing flight over the Qilian Mountains. Without any oxygen support, he was unexpectedly lifted to an altitude of 8,598 meters by a powerful cloud updraft, a rare phenomenon known as “cloud suck.”
“Cloud suck” occurs when a paraglider is drawn into rapidly rising air currents near cumulonimbus clouds. Aviation expert Wang Yanan explained that these updrafts can dramatically increase a flyer’s altitude, but they’re extremely dangerous due to their intensity and unpredictability.
“This kind of ascent carries serious risks,” Wang said. “Once inside the cloud, the pilot may face extreme cold, hypoxia, turbulence, or even lightning. At very high altitudes, these dangers multiply, making cloud suck potentially fatal.”
The paraglider, whose face was fully exposed and body covered in ice crystals, managed to stay conscious and in control throughout the ordeal. After eventually landing safely, he described suffering from oxygen deprivation and freezing hands due to prolonged exposure at high altitude.
Beyond the immediate dangers, experts warn that reaching altitudes over 8,000 meters brings paragliders close to the cruising levels of commercial airplanes.
“If the flight zone overlaps with civil aviation routes, the paraglider could suddenly appear in regulated airspace, posing a safety hazard,” Wang noted.
Zhao Jingwu, associate professor at the Law School of Beihang University, emphasized the potential for catastrophic consequences.
“Passenger planes travel at very high speeds. A small object like a paraglider is extremely difficult to detect or avoid, especially as onboard radar systems may not pick it up. Any collision at that altitude would be catastrophic,” Zhao said.
In China, paraglider flights are strictly regulated and require advance clearance from aviation authorities. The unpredictability introduced by phenomena like cloud suck makes such high-altitude flights particularly discouraged within the sport.
China operates a unified flight control system, dividing its airspace into various classes, each with different requirements. Class A airspace—above 6,000 meters—is the most tightly controlled and is typically reserved for long-distance commercial flights. All aircraft in this zone must follow instrument flight rules and receive air traffic control services.
This incident highlights both the dramatic possibilities and the serious dangers involved in extreme paragliding. While the pilot in this case survived, experts caution against attempting such high-risk maneuvers—especially without proper oxygen equipment and airspace clearance.
