The highest altitude ever reached by a helicopter is 40,820 ft (12,439 m) by a Eurocopter AS350 B3e, a single-engine light helicopter. The flight took place on May 14, 2011, and it was piloted by Didier Delsalle, a French test pilot, who landed on the summit of Mount Everest.
The flight was intended to demonstrate the helicopter’s capabilities and its suitability for high altitude operations. The AS350 B3e is a versatile helicopter that is commonly used for a variety of missions, including emergency medical services, search and rescue, and aerial survey. It has a maximum altitude of 14,750 ft (4,500 m) and is powered by a single Turbomeca Arriel 2D engine.
The flight was a significant achievement in the history of aviation, as helicopters have traditionally been limited in their ability to operate at high altitudes due to the thin air and lack of oxygen. The AS350 B3e was equipped with special high altitude main and tail rotor blades, and its engine was fitted with a special high altitude governor to enable it to perform the flight safely. The pilot also had to wear a special suit with an oxygen supply during the flight.