Just Wind: Tales of Two Pilots Under Pressure - Hardcover

Armstrong Jr, William G

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0595612539 ISBN 13: 9780595612536

Publisher: iUniverse, 2003

Synopsis

Two pioneer balloonists, Tom Gatch in 1974 and Larry Newman in the early 1990s, led widely reported stratospheric expeditions that nearly earned them a place in aviation history. They both used pressurized balloons, a dangerous and sophisticated type of aircraft, and sought the swift wind of the jet stream to carry them forward.

In the first story, a determined, self-financed and self-reliant Tom Gatch in his Light Heart tries to become the first man to conquer the Atlantic Ocean alone by balloon. Ascending under a 10-balloon cluster, he makes it halfway across before disappearing, and the Department of Defense mounts a massive but futile mid-ocean search. What happened to him? Why did he do it?

In the second story, Larry Newman leads an international crew in Earthwinds, the most expensive and heavily marketed balloon expedition ever undertaken, attempting to become the first to fly around the world non-stop. He often said that his 354-foot tall aircraft was more complicated to fly than the Space Shuttle. He makes three ascents, each with a different crew.

With amusing, anguishing and astonishing frankness, the aeronautical adventures of Light Heart and Earthwinds are presented for the first time from a true insider's perspective.

About this title

From the Back Cover:

Praise for Just Wind:"Brilliantly chronicles two of ballooning's magnificent failures." - Malcolm Browne, The New York Times"The definitive and detailed inside story of two aerial expeditions and the men and women behind those dreams." - Akron Beacon Journal"Sometimes shocking, occasionally saddening, even funny." - Greenwich Magazine"A must read for any student of lighter-than-air flight for its historical value alone." - Ballooning Magazine"Fills an important gap in the chronicle of balloon history in America." - Buoyant Flight"Takes us behind the scenes . . . a tale of loft ambitions, of people who have bitten off too much but who are driven by their dream to be the first, no matter what the cost." - The Aerostat"The rare glimpse from inside is what makes Just Wind a riveting read. Add this book to your balloon library. You will not regret it." - Balloon Life Magazine

About the Author:

William G. Armstrong Jr., a balloon pilot for 30 years, has been involved with lighter-than-air activities all of his life. A former newspaper reporter, he is a public relations executive and serves as a Captain in the U.S. Naval Reserve. He lives in Greenwich, Connecticut, and has three children.

About this edition

• Publisher: iUniverse
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 0595612539
• ISBN 13: 9780595612536
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 368