Aeronaut in the Spotlight: Soaring with Bert Padelt

In the enchanting realm of ballooning, where dreams soar as high as the skies themselves, Bert Padelt’s name resonates with innovation and adventure. Padelt’s ballooning odyssey commenced in the late 1980s when he crafted his first gas balloon. An accomplished balloon pilot himself, Padelt has introduced a dazzling array of balloons, each destined for epic […]
“I feel humbled and honored to fly with Bert Padelt,” Sir David Hempleman-Adams

In an insightful interview with Sitara Maruf, illustrious British explorer, aviator, and trailblazer, Sir David Hempleman-Adams, emphasized the invaluable role played by dedicated teams throughout his endeavors and offered his unique perspective on the world of exploration. Beyond his adventures, he passionately discussed his philanthropic initiatives and the guidance he imparts to young enthusiasts, inspiring […]
Sir David Hempleman-Adams: Epic Exploits from Poles, Peaks, to Oceans and Skies.

In the world of exploration and aviation, Sir David Hempleman-Adams is a pioneer and modern-day adventurer who has etched his name in the annals of history. Born on October 10, 1956, this British adventurer has set the bar high, shattering records and pushing boundaries in the realms of lighter-than-air flight, mountaineering, polar exploration, and sailing. […]
Bert Padelt Talks About His Atlantic Explorer Balloon

Acclaimed US balloon manufacturer and balloonist Bert Padelt talks with Sitara Maruf about the Torabhaig Atlantic Explorer Gas Balloon which he will copilot with Sir David Hempleman-Adams, a renowned British explorer and balloonist. Dr. Frederik Paulsen, a Swiss explorer, scientist, and entrepreneur who sponsors the flight, will also join them on this epic journey. They […]
Invention of the Hot Air Balloon

Joseph-Michel Montgolfière was born on 26th August 1740. The Montgolfières had 16 children, and Joseph was their 12th child. Joseph had great opportunities to study and contribute to the flourishing family business, but he did not like school or work. His parents owned the well-known Montgolfière paper manufacturing company in Annonay, France. Though Joseph was […]
A Japanese War Weapon and Don Piccard’s Famous Flight

Historic Balloon to Become Museum Exhibit in Michigan (Part 1 of 2) During World War II, the Japanese used knowledge of atmospheric science and lighter-than-air technology to attack US mainland from November 1944 through April 1945. About 9,300 balloons strapped with explosives, called FU-GOs, were launched from Japan to ride a jet stream –30,000 feet […]
Arctic Air: Andrée’s Balloon Flight to North Pole | New Exhibition at Balloon Museum

Source: City of Albuquerque ALBUQUERQUE, NM – When the bold balloon flight of S.A. Andrée began on July 11, 1897, no one had yet reached the North Pole. There had been other attempts, all unsuccessful, but this expedition intended to fly there by balloon from Danes Island, an icy outpost at nearly the top of […]
Balloon Museum Celebrates High-Flying Pioneers

Model of the first flyers’ (animals) aircraft at AAAIBM. (Credit: Balloon Journal) Who were the first test pilots in aviation? A sheep, a duck, and a rooster. On September 19, 1783, the animals took off in a balloon built by the Montgolfier brothers. The aircraft floated to 1,700 feet and, after an eight-minute journey, landed […]
British Tourist Dies in Hot-Air Balloon Crash
South Africa–A British woman has died after being seriously injured in a hot-air balloon crash in the North West. Two other people–a four-year-old girl and her mother have also been injured. The girl was airlifted to a Johannesburg hospital, and her mother was taken to a Brits hospital with suspected spinal and internal injuries. The […]
Helium-filled Airship, the Largest Aircraft, Makes Historic First Flight

17Aug.2016,Bedfordshire,UK—The world’s largest and futuristic aircraft, as tall as a nine-story building and almost the length and breadth of a football field, rose slowly but majestically over the Cardington airfield in central England at 7:40 p.m. Airlander10 during take off for first flight from Cardington Airfield, Bedfordshire, UK, 17 August 2016; Credit: Hybrid Air Vehicles […]