American flies in a gondola lifted by 94 helium balloons in Albuquerque
At the annual balloon festival in Albuquerque, a man was filmed flying in a gondola held aloft by 94 helium balloons. The flight began in New Mexico and ended in Arizona.
A man was filmed flying in a gondola carried by 94 large, colourful helium balloons at the annual balloon festival in Albuquerque, in the United States, in early October.
Pilot Jonathan Trap travelled farther than it might first have seemed. After lifting off in New Mexico, strong air currents pushed him westward, and the unusual aircraft eventually landed safely in the neighbouring state of Arizona.
Three days of preparation
The pilot told local outlet KOB that the flight required three days of intensive preparation. A very large quantity of helium had to be delivered to the launch site.
On the morning of the flight, the team needed an hour and a half to inflate all 94 balloons. Shortly before 9:00 local time, Jonathan released the ropes and set off on his journey through the sky.
Comparison with an animated film
Many viewers and social media commenters compared the sight with scenes from the much-loved animated film “Up”, in which balloons carry a house into the sky.
