History holds a certain fascination for me. Hours can be lost dreaming and trying to place my in the position of others in history. What emotion must have been felt by Ben, Maxie, and Larry as they saw the French coast and realized they were first to cross the Atlantic by balloon! We may relive history through our many museums which, after all, are meant not only to commemorate the accomplishments of others, but to help us understand how such history was accomplished. Thus we present our special report on lighter-than-air museums. If your travels carry you near any of the institutions, we would encourage a visit, for each offers a unique look into the world of aerostation.
Every two years the best balloon pilots from Fédération Aéronautique Internationale member nations meet to determine who is the World Hot Air Balloon Champion. The first championship was held in Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1973. Janne Balkedal of Sweden was one of the competitors. He has competed in every championship sincethis year capturing second place. Only two other people are known to have attended every world championship. One is Jim Winker, retired Vice-President of Aerostar (Raven) and Dick Stamberg. Dick has photographed every championship. In our August 1993 special report Balloon Life featured his work inA 20 Year Retrospective of the World Hot Air Balloon Championship.
Dick returned to Saga, Japan in November on assignment for Balloon Life and has once again captured the people and events as they unfolded. His report begins on page 22.
Using the Internet I recently booked my airplane ticket, hotel room and plotted my route from the airport to downtown San Francisco on public transportation for a computer show. I half jokingly told my wife that I could probably just stay home and do the show in cyberspace. I have no doubt the day will come when it can be accomplished in virtual reality.
As I write this the reality outside is rain, cold, snow, and wind. Ballooning is only a distant dream. However, there may be hope for future winters. Like the computer show, I may not have to leave the warm comfort of home to "fly" my balloon against the best of the best. Maybe even a World Championship.
In response to the dramatic rise in interest world-wide in simulated flying using personal computers (with programs such as Microsoft Flight Simulator), the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale invited leaders of simulated flying organizations to an historic meeting in Paris on December 8. Four FAI founder membersFrance, Germany, Italy and Spainwere represented and the Netherlands submitted a detailed report.
The meeting, held at the prestigious headquarters of the Aero Club de Francewhich this year celebrates its centenary as the world's oldest national aero clubagreed that the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale should help develop international contest rules for simulated flying and should encourage the formation, within its national member organizations, of simulated flying groups.
A FAI Simulated Flying Working Party was established comprising representatives from FAI Air Sport Commissions (to ensure that simulated flying competitions remain as close to reality as possible) and leaders of national simulated flying federations. The group will assist in developing contest rules and defining levels of personal achievement. A report will be made to the FAI Council in May 1998.
Yes sir, forget the quad burners, high temperature buffalo hide fabric, and quick deflations system. All I need to be world champion is a quad 200 MHz processor, T-3 line, and multiple monitors (and yes, you can do that on a Mac today). OK programming geeks, start writing that code. I can virtually see the Gold medal ceremony.
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