Larry Dighera wrote:
http://www.teslamotors.com/

The world altitude record for propeller-driven aircraft belongs not to one
powered by an internal combustion engine but by...

.... a solar electric powered aircraft!

Specifically the NASA Pathfinder planes:

http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/n...-034-DFRC.html

"During 1998, the Pathfinder was modified into the longer-winged
Pathfinder-Plus configuration. On Aug. 6, 1998, the modified aircraft was
flown to a record altitude of 80,201 feet for propeller-driven aircraft on
the third of a series of developmental test flights from PMRF on Kaua'i."