Freddie Montigny, a 44-year-old French adventurer, brought his childhood dream of becoming a real-life Aladdin to life by flying off the 2,400-meter-high Croix de Tot mountain using an “airplane carpet.” This daring stunt, reported by The Daily Star, was the culmination of years of training in extreme sports. Montigny began paragliding at 25, skydiving at 30, and hang gliding at 35, mastering the skills necessary to attempt this unique feat. His “flying carpet” was designed to mimic the iconic magic carpet from Aladdin, but with modern innovations and safety features.
Years of practice, combined with his engineering know-how, allowed Montigny to develop a lightweight “carpet-plane,” blending aerodynamics and fantasy. Despite its whimsical appearance, Montigny relied on a crucial safety measure—a parachute—to ensure his well-being during the flight. He explained that although the flying carpet couldn’t magically zip in any direction, it was a thrilling experience that tested the boundaries of reality and fiction.
Montigny reflected on how close this stunt brought him to his lifelong fantasy. While it didn’t possess the supernatural qualities of the legendary carpet, it was an incredible way to blend creativity with extreme sports. His efforts stand as a testament to pushing limits, combining technical expertise with imagination, and creating a tangible manifestation of a childhood dream.
