Mumbai, November 26
Industrialist and aviator Vijaypat Singhania today set a new ballooning world record flying on a hot air balloon to break the world record of 64,997 feet set by Per Lindstrand of Sweden in June, 1988, at Texas.
The balloon attained 69,000 feet at 8.55 am, thereby breaking the existing world record, Gautam Singhania, son of Vijaypat Singhania, said.
The elder Singhania was to attempt breaching the 70,000 ft barrier but came down after touching 69,000 feet on the advise of his technical team.
The balloon took off from Mahalaxmi Race Course at 6.40 am and reached 69,000 feet at 8.50 am. Singhania, who has several flying expeditions before him, took off from the race course polo grounds. If they were not nervous, I would be very worried!, Singhania said of his family shortly before take off.
The patch-work multi-coloured balloon, was brought to the venue last evening and was readied for the epic flight shortly after 4 am. It was fully inflated by 6 am.
Im very excited but very nervous and confident I'll make it, Singhania said before taking off.
The balloon, called Envelope and designed by Don Cameron, is around 160 feet high. It is made of 67,250 square feet of specially made light nylon, allowing it to gain altitude without much difficulty.
