http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/4467766.stm
http://www.mi70k.com/
Indian businessman Vijaypat Singhania has flown a hot air balloon to 70,000 feet, some 5,000 feet higher than the previous altitude record. His balloon is now on descent for a landing north-east of Mumbai. It certainly sounds like a great achievement. I think it is a great thing to see this coming from a country where aviation is expected to develop in leaps and bounds over the coming years - hopefully this will spark even more interest in all fields of aeronautics in India.
I particularly like what he is quoted as saying: "The father of Indian aviation, JRD Tata used to say, 'You don't have to be crazy to get in to aviation, but it helps'... you could say the same for me,". I think it sums up the universal fascination we have with aviation, and how it does become a great (and positive) obsession for all who get involved with it.
Congratulations to Mr Singhania and his team on this achievement!
V/F
[Edited 2005-11-26 07:20:49]