It’s up and away in a balloon

Press, 15 August 1978, Page 17

It’s up and away in a balloon

The ignominious end of the sixteenth attempt to cross the Atlantic by balloon — the two man British crew in the most recent bid had to splash down in the sea 110 miles from land — has not dampened a worldwide revival of interest in ballooning as a sport. Don Cameron and Christopher Davey have already said they are readv to make another attempt if they are not beaten by two Americans from Boston, and if their sponsor will put up anothei $280,000. According to trade sources, orders for balloons —in Britain, America, and Europe — are continuing to soar. Most enthusiasts in Britain and America favour hot air as the lifting medium. Two firms in Britain aione produced 150 such balloons last year, many for export. Most hot air balloons in Britain carry wicker baskets, favoured for their shock-absorbing qualities. Americans prefer aluminium. The basket hangs from the envelope by stainless steel wires; and below the envelope is the propane gas burner that heats the air. Fuel for the burner is carried in aluminium pressure canisters in the basket and taken to the burner, above the pilot’s head, bv rubber tubes. Ascent and descent is controlled by a hand valve that increases or lowers the flame. The envelope is made

from very strong nylon fabric, with nylon webbing along the seams for attachment to the steel wires. At the top of the envelope is the rip panel, which can be opened by a cord to deflate the balloon

on landing. On some balloons the panels can be closed as well as opened, providing an additional means of controlling descent and ascent. The principle of the hot-

air balloon, discovered by the Montgolfier brothers in the late eighteenth century and “rediscovered” in America in the 19605, is that warm air is lighter than cold air.

In Europe, particularly West Germany, Belgium, and Switzerland, enthusiasts prefer helium for lift. This can give more control — but it is also more expensive.

The Zanuss! balloon that Cameron and Davey used was a combination of both. A central envelope was filled with the gas, while an outer envelope was filled with hot air in

controllable quantities and at controllable temperatures. The hot air provided vital additional lift when a sudden pressure change caused an eightfoot gash to occur in the helium envelope. In Britain, as in most other countries, a pilot’s licence is necessary for flying balloons. The licence is issued by the Civil Aviation Authority on a recommendation of the British Balloon and Airship Club, which supplies an examiner with whom the applicant for a licence must make at least two flights. fin New Zealand, licences are issued by the Civil Aviation Division of the Ministry of Transport, which supplies its own examiner. There are only 10 pilots licensed to fly balloons in New Zealand.) Figures unearthed by the British magazine ‘‘Flight International” show that the safety record of ballooning has been excellent up to now. In the United Kingdom there have been only two fatalities in 12 years. But the picture could change as the sport becomes more popular. Meanwhile, technical developments promise greater endurance in the near future. The main aim is to replace the present noisy burner and reduce the weight of fuel needed. The most important development could be in America, where a solar-powered balloon is now flying, — O.F.N.S. Copyright.