The Unmanned Hot Air Balloon was First
The first true hot air balloon was launched in France by Pilatre de Rozier on September 19, 1783
and lasted about 15 minutes. Of course, Mr. de Rozier was smarter than most... the only lives
risked were a few farm animals.
Manned Hot Air Balloon Flight Begins
The first true manned attempt at hot air ballooning came about later on the 21st November, 1783
with a balloon made by 2 French brothers, Joseph and Etienne Montgolfier in Paris, France.
Although the flight lasted only 20 minutes, a new industry had emerged.
Begin YOUR hot air balloon flying... Contact us today!
Long Distance Hot Air Ballooning
Just 2 years later in 1785 a French balloonist, Jean Pierre Blanchard, and his American co pilot,
John Jefferies, became the first to fly across the English Channel. In these early days of
ballooning, the English Channel was considered the first step to long distance ballooning so
this was a large benchmark in ballooning history.
Washington Watches First Hot Air Balloon Launch in America
In 1793, President George Washington was in attendance when as Jean Pierre Blanchard
became the first to pilot a hot air balloon in North America.
Civil War Balloons
From 1861-1865, hot air balloons were used to spy on enemies and to direct battles from the air.
Thaddeus Lowe sent messages to the ground accurately directing artillery fire over 4 miles.
How did he do this from 100 feet up? His balloon was tethered to the ground, and he used a
telegraph.
You'll want to "telegraph" your friends after you book your hot air balloon ride now!
Hot Air Balloon Altitude Record
Auguste Picard of Switzerland set the first Hot Air Balloon Altitude record with a flight which
topped out at a still incredible 52,498 feet (over TEN MILES HIGH!). Of course, after he set the
record, many people after him went higher and higher.
The current Hot Air Balloon flight altitude record is held by Vijaypat Singhania of Bombay, India.
He achieved a height of 68,986 feet (21,027m) on November 26, 2005.
First Hot Air Balloon Flight Across the Atlantic
The first Atlantic crossing in a true Hot Air Balloon occurred in 1987, accomplished by Richard
Branson and Per Lindstrand. (Per Lindstrand went on to set a solo altitude record in 1988)
Records Being Set Common Now
With all the advancements in technology, hot air ballooning has come a long ways and is a
very safe and exciting sport. Shane Cory has a lifetime of experience in hot air balloons
and will make sure your hot air balloon ride is as memorable as it is fun.
Aerogelic Ballooning
Hot Air Balloon History
Hot Air Balloon History
Outside Phoenix Call:
1-866-Fly TDay
1-866-359-8329
1-866-Fly TDay
1-866-359-8329
Schedule your hot air balloon ride today!
Call Shane now:
Call Shane now:
Phoenix Metro Area:
1-480-247-7813
1-480-247-7813
