Lindstrand Balloons

Lindstrand Ballons, Hanover, Illinois, announced that they are the first U.S. manufacturer to offer the Flytec 3040, an advanced remote temperature instrument. Fully Federal Communications Commission and Federal Aviation Administration approved, the Flytec offers a radio transmitted temperature display, operates on 9-volt batteries, and has an automatic power-down after 30 minutes of last use (to conserve batteries). With a convenient velcro strap to attach the instruments to an upright, you can fly with a "heads-up" profile.

At the touch of a button, you can display your altitude in feet or in meters, barometric pressure, envelope or ambient temperature, or utilize a clock/stopwatch function displayed side-by-side in digital or analog format.

The Flytec 3040 is available on all Lindstrand systems as an optional substitution for the standard M55 instrumentation.

In a separate announcement Lindstrand Balloons USA now offers the Kavanagh Smart Vent on A-series balloons with volumes of 69,000 cubic feet and larger. This quick deflation system is fully reversible which allows the operation to be checked on the ground prior to take-off, and is as easy to rig as a standard parachute top. The Smart Vent offers the same ultra fast deflation of the previously offered Lindstrand SuperChute but without the necessity of re-rigging after each flight. With the ability to stop in a very short distance, both the sport and competition pilot will find the Smart Vent a welcome addition to the high performance they expect.

For more information, contact Phil Thompson, Lindstrand Balloons USA, Box 686, Hanover, IL 61041, phone 815-591-2200.

FAI Art Contest

A student from the United States has placed first in his age category in the 1998 FAI International Youth Artists Contest.

Adam Liddell, age 17, of Fort Davis, Texas, was chosen as the best artist in the 14-17 age category for his piece based on the "Air Sports in the Olympics" theme. Adam is this year's only American winner in the contest which includes participants from dozens of countries around the world. Adam was one of nine international entrants from the U.S. who were chosen from more than 10,000 entries. The entrants were first judged on a state level and three winners from each category from every participating state were forwarded to the National Association of State Aviation Officials for national judging. Three national winners from each age group were then forwarded to the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale for international judging.

Next year's contest is based on the theme, "Flying is Fun." Individuals age 6 to 17 interested in entering the contest should visit the NASAO web site at http://nasao.org or contact their state aviation officials. The deadline for entries to NASAO will be February 5, 1999.

Kittinger Honored

On the 95th anniversary of the Wright Brothers' first powered flight, men are still pursuing aviation adventures as they start assembly of an International Space Station. Back on earth, one of the pioneers of our nation's space program will follow in the footsteps of the Wright Brothers to be inducted into the First Flight Shrine at the Wright Brothers Memorial, North Carolina.

Retired, red haired Col. Joe Kittinger is widely known for his many world record blue sky aviation adventures. Kittinger was at the center of many early space experiments involving high altitude balloons in the late 1950's. On August 16, 1960, he took a first step into space and fell 102,800 feet to establish a still current world record for the highest parachute jump in history. Kittinger told Balloon Life "The advance of civilization has always been measured by men's footsteps over time and space. I'm honored that one of my footsteps will be remembered as I join this memorial to the Wright Brother's aviation contributions to mankind."

On the evening of December 16, 1998, Kittinger will attend the annual meeting and banquet of the Man Will Never Fly Memorial Society Internationale, a slightly less than serious celebration presented by the group which has the motto "Birds fly, men drink."

On December 17, at 9:30 a.m. at the Wright Brothers Memorial site at Kitty Hawk, General Ralph Eberhart, vice chief of staff of the Air Force, will introduce Joe Kittinger during the First Flight Society induction ceremonies. Dr. John Paul Stapp, another pioneer in early space experiments, will also be inducted. A fly-over featuring the B-2 bomber, "Spirit of Kitty Hawk" will cap the 95th anniversary celebration.

FAI

The Fédération Aéronautique Internationale has received claims for a number of Roziere (AM - Mixed balloons, gas and hot air) records. The flights were flown near Reno, Nevada on November 4.

Janet Folkes, United Kingdom, flying a Lindstrand LBL-14M Roziere balloon filled for new records in the following categories: AM-2 (volume 250-400 cubic meters) altitude 6400 meters, AM-3 (volume 400 to 600 cubic meters) distance of 46 kilometers and duration of 1 hour and 35 minutes. The existing altitude record is 5,816 set by G. Schabus, Austria, set in 1994. No current records exist for the AM-3 claims.

Per Lindstrand, conducting tests for his upcoming around the world attempt, made a flight in a Lindstrand AM2200 and has filled for a new altitude record in the AM-8 (volume 2200-3000 cubic meters) of 11095 meters. Lindstrand holds the current record of 10589 meters set two years ago.

Lindstrand also conducted flight tests for a new autopilot that he hopes to use on the upcoming ICO Global around the world flight attempt.

5 Years Ago in Balloon Life

* Earthwinds Hilton was being prepared for a RTW attempt when one of four bolts holding the system to the ground broke loose. The gondola, a cryogenic tank, and ballast envelope were all damaged.

* Ed Heltshe, Conestoga, Pennsylvania, attempted to recreated Malcolm Forbes transcontinental odyssey of October 1973.

* Balloon Life published a candid interview with then BFA President Mike Wallace. Topics covered included disbanding the competition division, Austin Tanner's $15,000 contract to promote the BFA, coming Flight Instructor rating for ballooning, and hiring an Executive Director.

10 Years Ago in Balloon Life

* Balloon Federation of America announced that Ruth Ludwig would be the new editor of Ballooning - The Journal of the Balloon Federation of America.

* The BFA changed its bylaws to allow all members to vote. Previously, only private and commercial pilot members could vote.

* Galaxy Balloons announced that they have completed FAA certification for an AX-9 model.