Long Distance Flights
The upcoming winter season provides weather patterns that balloonists love for making long distance flights. The Balloon Federation of America sponsors a long jump contest during this time. Around-the-world hopefuls stand by for just the right weather patterns to develop.
Balloon Life went to two of the experts in the field of long distance flights to find out some of their secrets. Bruce Comstock is always thinking about how can a balloon accomplish more. Earlier in his career he set a duration record by flying for more than 24 hours. Two years ago he looked at the long jump flights and thought he could do better. He proved his point by making a 645 mile flight on 37 gallons of fuel in a stock balloon.
Jetta Schantz took up the challenge from her husband to go out and set new distance, duration, and altitude records in the feminine category. This past month she made a presentation on pilot decision making based on her experiences. If you are looking for a speaker at a seminar I would heartily recommend Jetta Schantz. Her presentation is to the point and you will leave with many tidbits of information to improve your flying skills.
Bruce is working with Steve Fossett on Steve’s around-the-world attempt. This past September they made a test flight in preparation for an attempt this winter. As you read this, Fossett is in St. Louis waiting weather. He could even be in the air. Bruce takes Balloon Life’s readers inside the test flight for an up close look at some of the difficulties that can be encountered.
In Long Distance Weather Bruce provides the inside tips of how to find that perfect weather pattern for that perfect long winter flight.
Finally, Jetta shares some of the important planning points for long flights, tips that each pilot can also use for their everyday pleasure flight.
While checklists, planning, and practice are important components that go into a successful adventure, so is making sure all the equipment is there. Bill Bussey, who has been setting new distance, duration, and altitude records, tells of the importance to check and double-check everything. He and his crew showed up at the launch site for his very first attempt at a record setting balloon flight. Unfortunately they had to go back home without even inflating. They forgot the balloon.
October NOTAMs
The photo caption and credit on page 3 of the October issue for the cover photograph were incorrect. The photograph was of Ogopogo giving tether rides during The Great Reno Balloon Race. Photograph by Paul Hiffmeyer.
In Balloonmeister Bill Murtorff’s named was misspelled in the headline.
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