The Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett is the most prestigious event in aviation and the ultimate challenge for the balloon pilots and their equipment. The goal is simple: to fly the furthest distance from the launch site. The international balloon competition was initiated by adventurer and...
Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett
Video of 2010_1st_fai_womens_european_hot_air_balloon_championship Hot Air Balloon competition Hot Air Balloons are totally dependent on the wind for their movement and interpreting the potential changes of wind direction at various altitudes requires great skill and judgement. In hot air balloon...
Video of 2010_9th_fai_world_hot_air_airship_championship_part_12 In Hot Air Airships vertical movements are achieved by heat control from propane burners attached to the pilot cabin to which also a propulsion engine is fitted assuring forward movement. Rudders mounted on the back of the airship...
It all began with balloons... The history of humanity is full of myths and tales of dreamers wishing to fly like birds – some of them claiming success, with precious little supporting evidence. It is generally accepted, however, that actual aerial navigation started with the brothers Montgolfier –...
Further Reading (National Geographic - 1998): Article Issue ACROSS THE ALPS IN A WICKER BASKET Walker, Phil National Geographic January, 1963 ACROSS THE PACIFIC BY BALLOON Abruzzo, Ben National Geographic April, 1982 BALLOON KITTY HAWK ACROSS AMERICA Anderson, Maxie and Kristian National Geographic...