US adventurer's bid to cross the Atlantic using helium balloons

Telegraph ^ | 11-8-12

[DeoVindiceSicSemperTyrannis]

Jonathan Trappe, 38, plans to fly 2,500 miles across the pond next summer in a seven-foot lifeboat carried by the balloons.

Mr Trappe has harnessed the huge public interest in his previous adventures to launch a $300,000 (£186,000) appeal to crowd-fund online the expensive helium and special UV resistant balloons he will need for his record-breaking flight. He has already invested $170,000 (£106,000) into the mission.

The Atlantic crossing has presented a challenge to balloonists for decades. Five others have died attempting it, and none have achieved the crossing attached to cluster balloons.

In 2010, Mr Trappe made global headlines when he flew from England to Belgium dangling from scores of helium balloons – just like the Disney character Carl Fredricksen from the film Up.

[DeoVindiceSicSemperTyrannis]

Video at link

[VanDeKoik]

That’s going to be one expensive suicide.

[SMARTY]

He can go to “O” for help...”O” now has ALL my money!

[Oztrich Boy]

and none have achieved the crossing attached to cluster balloons.

Actually, that has already been done by 8 RAF officers and 22 men, one stowaway, two carrier pigeons and a kitten, kanding on Long Island New York 6 July 1919.

The balloons were just inside a metal and fabric basket