Two hot air balloon pilots have set a new record for the longest distance travelled by humans in a gas balloon.
In order to break the official world distance record for human flight in a gas-powered balloon, the duo had to beat the existing best of 5,209 miles, something that they did with ease.
The team consisted of Troy Bradley and Leonid Tiukhtyaev, who were known as The Two Eagles. They smashed the current record for distance in a helium balloon as part of their efforts to fly across the Pacific Ocean.
This was not the only record they managed to beat, as the team also managed to top the 1978 duration record of five days, seventeen hours, five minutes and fifty seconds in a helium balloon, by enduring six days, sixteen hours and thirty eight minutes in the air. This achieved what is known as the “holy grail” of ballooning achievements.
Luckily for them, the pilots had a toilet on board the craft, while they were able to get up and stretch their legs by climbing onto the capsule occasionally.
However, Bradley, speaking to KNPR News, admitted that he did get seasick on the trip. His co-pilot was on hand to help him though, making Bradley keep his eyes on the straight horizon. Thanks to their teamwork, they were able to complete their mission and smash existing records.
Anyone who wants to experience a little of what these two skilled pilots did will find hot air balloon rides in Bath, Bristol, Taunton, and many other locations.
