Discovery Channel has set the date for its live coverage of the first wingsuit flight off the summit of Mount Everest.

The network plans to air Everest Jump Live on May 11 at 9pm, weather permitting. It will also be telecast globally.

High-altitude climber Joby Ogwyn will make the attempt. Discovery will air a live two-hour broadcast showing the California native as he battles conditions on the way to the summit of the world’s tallest mountain, then takes the plunge. His custom-made wingsuit will be equipped with cameras to capture the descent of more than 10,000 vertical feet at speeds exceeding 241km/h.

The event will be preceded by five nights of live programmes from Everest covering Ogwyn’s training and preparation. They begin on May 5.