Giles is a serving HAF Logistics Officer He took up paragliding in 2009 and soon convened to paramotoring, In September 2014, using oxygen and sophisticated planning involving military and CAA cooperation to clear high-level controlled airspace. he set the UK paramotor altitude record at 13,305tt
In 2015, building on what had worked and what hadn't on the 2014 flight, Giles and his team aimed to go still higher. A new custom built oxygen system and a complex radio fit were employed, but the same Bailey Hornet engine from the earlier record was used, this time fitted with a custom climb propeller. An elaborate heated suit and numerous layers of high-performance clothing were required to ward off hypothermia
The target was 26,000ft, which would take around two hours of climbing in temperatures down to -40 degrees C. Medical coordination on the day included the facility to contact the staff of a hyperbaric chamber for advice in case of decompression sickness, Again extensive liaison with the CAA and Swanwlck Military controllers was sought and timed high-altitude slots arranged. A weather window finally presented itself and a decision was taken to make an attempt on October 3rd.
The checklist of FAI requirements to secure a record involved weigh-ins and data-logger verification and activation. After more than an hour of final preparation and careful checking, Giles launched with full fuel at a take-off weight of 129kg. He was escorted to just over 12.000ft by Paul Mahony (Sqn Ldr Retired) in a CTSW microlight, at which point it could no longer climb, Checking in with Swanwick Military ATC confirmed the clearance to continue the attempt.