LOGIN

Elite pilots prepare for ‘camping out in the sky’ as they compete in prestigious ballooning race

by Lucas Garcia
0 comments
Ballooning Competition

Elite aviators brace themselves for an extraordinary aerial odyssey as they prepare to participate in the renowned ballooning competition, the Gordon Bennett race. Pilots Barbara Fricke and Peter Cuneo, both distinguished ballooning experts from Albuquerque, will find themselves in a compact basket, leaving little room for stretching their legs. Alongside them, essentials such as a solar panel, Cheez-Its, and a GPS unit will occupy valuable space. However, to ease any discomfort, the basket includes a convenient trap door, allowing them some respite during their journey.

As Fricke aptly puts it, these aviators must mentally prepare for an extended stay within their 4 feet by 5 feet (1.22 meters by 1.52 meters) wide basket, akin to camping in the sky. Their commitment to this endeavor is remarkable, considering they will be living in this airborne capsule for three days during one of the world’s most prestigious ballooning races.

The 2023 Gordon Bennett competition holds a special significance as it marks a rare gathering of elite gas balloon pilots in the United States, a phenomenon that has not occurred in 15 years. Hosted by the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, an event that captivates hundreds of thousands of spectators each year, this race is truly a spectacle to behold. Only 13 times in history has the race been held in the United States, and this year will be the fifth occasion it graces Albuquerque.

The race is set to commence on Saturday evening, with participants vying to cover the greatest distance in the sky. While some express concerns about the large balloons being potentially mistaken for espionage devices, the pilots’ primary focus is navigating through the skies safely, avoiding adverse weather conditions, and finding optimal wind currents to propel their hydrogen-filled balloons towards victory.

Notably, there are no pit stops for refueling or resupplying. These intrepid aviators must rely on their meticulously planned provisions to endure the high altitudes and arduous journey. The prevailing winds are expected to carry them across the Midwest and potentially into Canada, with the aim of surpassing the record of just over 2,112.9 miles (3,400 kilometers) set by a Belgian team in 2005.

In addition to the international competitors, American teams like Fricke and Cuneo, boasting four wins in the America’s Challenge long-distance gas balloon race, are poised to make their mark. Another U.S. entry, the team of Mark Sullivan and Cheri White, brings impressive credentials, with Sullivan holding the record for the most competition gas balloon flights and White being the most prolific female pilot in Gordon Bennett history.

This year’s event holds added significance as it marks a collaboration between the fiesta and hydrogen company BayoTech to develop a system for filling race balloons with high-pressure gas. Hydrogen has been a precious resource, given its scarcity and cost.

As for the pilots themselves, their dedication to this sport is unwavering. They have witnessed remarkable advancements in technology, including the use of carbon fiber for baskets, advanced mapping and tracking apps, and lighter, more compact equipment. However, they still meticulously manage their weight, as every pound shaved off allows for the addition of ballast, crucial for maintaining altitude.

Gas ballooning, in contrast to the colorful hot air balloons seen at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, involves envelopes filled with lighter-than-air gases like hydrogen. Pilots must constantly adjust ballast to compensate for gas loss due to temperature fluctuations. Their attire includes layers of clothing to combat the frigid overnight and morning hours, with the intensity of the sun becoming a concern as the day progresses.

For these seasoned aviators, each flight is a unique adventure. The unpredictability of their landing locations and the inherent risks only add to the allure of the sport. As Mark Sullivan aptly states, “It’s the adventure,” and once they’re up there, the experience of flying is nothing short of extraordinary.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Ballooning Competition

What is the Gordon Bennett competition?

The Gordon Bennett competition is a prestigious and long-standing gas balloon race where elite pilots compete to cover the greatest distance in the sky.

Where does the Gordon Bennett competition take place?

The 2023 Gordon Bennett competition will take place in the United States, hosted by the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in New Mexico.

How long do the pilots stay in their balloons during the race?

Pilots must be prepared to live in their small baskets for three days, enduring the challenges of high-altitude travel.

Are there any pit stops or refueling during the race?

No, there are no pit stops for refueling or resupplying. Pilots must carry everything they need to survive for the duration of the race.

What is the record for the longest distance covered in the Gordon Bennett competition?

The record for the longest distance covered in the Gordon Bennett competition is just over 2,112.9 miles (3,400 kilometers), set by a Belgian team in 2005.

What makes this year’s competition special?

This year’s event is noteworthy as it marks a rare gathering of elite gas balloon pilots in the United States after a 15-year hiatus. It also includes a partnership with a hydrogen company to fill race balloons, addressing the challenge of hydrogen scarcity.

What challenges do the pilots face during the race?

Pilots must navigate through changing wind currents, avoid adverse weather conditions, and manage their provisions and ballast meticulously to maintain altitude.

How do gas balloons differ from hot air balloons?

Gas balloons have envelopes filled with a gas lighter than air, typically hydrogen, while hot air balloons use heated ambient air for ascent. Gas balloons require careful ballast management due to gas loss with temperature fluctuations.

What attire do the pilots wear during the race?

Pilots dress in layers, including long johns, hats, gloves, and hand warmers to endure frigid overnight and morning hours. They also consider sun protection as the day progresses.

What motivates these pilots to participate despite the inherent risks?

For these pilots, it’s all about the adventure and the unique experience of flying. The unpredictability of landing locations and the allure of the sport drive their commitment to the Gordon Bennett competition.

More about Ballooning Competition

You may also like

Leave a Comment

BNB – Big Big News is a news portal that offers the latest news from around the world. BNB – Big Big News focuses on providing readers with the most up-to-date information from the U.S. and abroad, covering a wide range of topics, including politics, sports, entertainment, business, health, and more.

Editors' Picks

Latest News