While helicopters can fly near Mount Everest, landing directly on its peak is impossible primarily due to the challenging terrain and the extreme conditions at such high altitude.
Based on the provided reference, the main reasons helicopters face significant limitations flying to and operating at Mount Everest, particularly concerning landing at the summit, are:
- Difficult Mountain Terrain: The entire mountain terrain is difficult for both walking and flying. This rugged environment complicates navigation and maneuvering for helicopters operating in the vicinity.
- Steep Peak Prevents Landing: Even if a helicopter can fly near the mountain, the steep peak makes it impossible to land a helicopter on Everest's top. There isn't a suitable flat area at the summit for a helicopter to safely touch down.
Essentially, while flying in the surrounding area near Everest is feasible with difficulty, the physical characteristics of the summit itself, specifically its steepness, prevent any possibility of landing a helicopter directly on top.
