Who knows of a helicopter (& pilot) in the US Midwest that can achieve an altitude of 23000' (in level flight)

Question

Cost is of some concern, as it would be for a skydive record attempt as part of a fund raiser.

Answer 1

If cost is a concern use an airplane.

Answer 2

I think you need to consider a Balloon.  The record skydive of, 102,800 feet (31,300 m), was set in 1960 from a Balloon.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_Exc...

If you are doing this for charity or as a fund raiser I think you need a different approach.  This site has a lot of information on high altitude skydives, http://www.google.com.sg/search?hl=en&q=...

Answer 3

Most helicopters have a service ceiling between 10,000 and 14,000 ft - Also ,given the fact the pilot would need to be on oxygen above 14,000 feet and that helicopters are not usually oxygen equipped, will make this a close to impossible task. Nevermind the fact that aircraft performance at such an altitude would make it most certainly impossible to conduct safe skydiving operations. There have been altitude records set above 14,00 t but I am sure at an extremely high cost, that woul be most likely impractical for your cause.