Who's On First

Eight balloon teams are preparing to be the first to circumvent the world by balloon.

by Tom Hamilton

On the following pages each of the current around-the-world teams are reviewed. The challenges faced by each can be divided into four general categories.

The four barriers standing in the way for all attempts are: The first is weather, particularly in the northern hemisphere. Each team's meteorologist must be able to fine a succession of weather systems that will get the team around the globe. In any one season that may never happen. Weather stopped Steve Fossett this past summer. Second, the equipment must hold up for the entire flight. Most attempts have failed due to equipment problems. Third, the pilots themselves must be up to the taskmentally and physically. Fourth, the political environment in the northern hemisphere can be a bigger stumbling block then the first three.

To date there have been 16 around-the-world flight attempts. Three more that made it to the launch pad. Click here for a review of those who have tried to be the first.