First Transatlantic Balloon Crossing Achieved
August 17th, 1978
August 17th, 1978
How Long Ago?
46 years, 6 months, 26 days ago
Location
Miserey, France
Category
Exploration & Discovery
People
- Ben Abruzzo
- Larry Newman
- Maxie Anderson
Links & References
Tags
First Transatlantic Balloon Crossing Achieved
Double Eagle II, piloted by Ben Abruzzo, Larry Newman, and Maxie Anderson, successfully crossed the Atlantic Ocean, landing in Miserey, France. This remarkable flight began from Presque Isle, Maine, lasting 137 hours and showcasing the potential of ballooning for long-distance travel. The crew navigated across challenging weather conditions and made history with their adventure, inspiring future explorations.
Piloted by Ben Abruzzo, Larry Newman, Maxie Anderson
Journey lasted 137 hours, spanning Atlantic Ocean
Launched from Presque Isle, Maine, landed in France
Historical achievement in ballooning and aviation
What Happened?
Double Eagle II was a hot air balloon that made headlines when it became the first balloon to successfully cross the Atlantic Ocean. The journey was embarked upon by an experienced team comprising Ben Abruzzo, Larry Newman, and Maxie Anderson, who took off from Presque Isle, Maine. Their adventure began on the 17th of August, when they launched into the skies with the goal of reaching Europe. Throughout the flight, the crew dealt with various challenges, including changing weather conditions and the complexities of navigating across vast oceanic distances. Despite these obstacles, they were able to maintain their course and utilize their resources effectively during the 137-hour journey. The landing in Miserey, near Paris, was not only an achievement of skill and determination but also a significant milestone in the realm of ballooning.As the Double Eagle II landed in France, it captured the fascination of people worldwide and showcased the capabilities of human innovation and perseverance. The journey was the culmination of extensive preparation and pioneering spirit, as the crew utilized a combination of scientific knowledge and conventional flying techniques. This achievement opened new avenues for exploration and inspired many others to take to the skies in various types of aircraft, thus further advancing the field of aviation.
Why Does it Matter?
The successful transatlantic flight of Double Eagle II is considered a landmark event in aviation history, highlighting the potential of ballooning and expanding the horizons of exploratory travel. It captured public imagination and spurred interest in aeronautics, leading to further advancements in balloon technology and safety. The accomplished crossing demonstrated that with determination and teamwork, significant challenges could be overcome, inspiring generations of adventurers.
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