World Record for a Gyroplane

On Sunday, November 8, 2015, Donatella Ricci set the world record for altitude with her Magni M16 gyroplane, reaching the dizzying height of 27,556 feet, equivalent to 8,399 metres. This record was established after eleven months of work, commitment and passion, and is narrated here step by step by the protagonist herself. The reader will feel the same emotions, share her courage and be infected by her contagious energy.

This exceptional feat was the result of perseverance, stubbornness and great willpower, the fruit of the commitment of many people, but especially of the courage and tenacity of a woman whose head and heart are «high above the ground».



Donatella Ricci, a degree in Astrophysics, currently works in the NH90 Military Helicopter Program as a member of the Helicopters Division Program Office of Leonardo SpA. She is a flying fanatic, and in 2001 became a hot air balloon pilot, then obtaining her license to fly ultra-lightweight air planes, helicopters and gyroplanes. She organises Fly Donna (Fly Woman), an important international gathering of female pilots and women working in the world of flight.