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(photo: Alpine Ascents International Collection)

© 1998 The Zone Network.
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AAI Mount Vinson, Antarctica '98 Expedition
Mount Vinson Expedition Photo
The flight from Punta Arenas, Chile to Patriot Hills, Antarctica is considered by many to be the most dangerous part of climbing Vinson. The C-130 Hercules plane can only land on the natural blue ice runway if cross winds are under 18 miles per hour. To stop, the plane slows down over several kilometers by reversing thrust on the propellers. At right is a ski-equipped Twin Otter for the flight to Vinson base camp.