Pilot news

The pilots and the complete team of the BELGICA II want to congratulate Sébastien and Vincent (FRA1) and all the competitors at this 53th Gordon Bennett for their achievements. It was an unbelievable exciting race with plucky landings on difficult places. Our pilots would be happy to be in Spain or Portugal too but at the same time they are proud to be within the first pilots who did fly to Africa with a normal gas balloon… and it ‘s very warm in Algeria also. BEL 1 want to say ‘thank... Read more ....

All teams safely landed now. FRA 1, Sébastien Rolland and Vincent Lëys, just confirmed safe landing in Portugal, Lagos Airport area. Congratulations to all teams!

08.09.2009 11:56 (tuesday): New Female World Record with 60:48h?! British pilot Janet Folkes is about to break the World Record for Women this very minute. The rules of the FAI require a 1% increase versus the previous record. That record was performed by Lesly P. Davies (USA) with passenger Carol Davis on Oct 10, 1995 in Albuquerque. Her flight... Read more ....

05.09.2009 10:00 loc (saturday): Briefing A bright clear sky welcomed pilots and crews this morning on their way to the launchfield at Vessy. During the briefing at 10:00 local time the event director reported on the current and forecast meteo-situation. The trajectories still do confirm a southerly heading. A high flight path at 4.000 m AMSL will... Read more ....

During the general briefing the launch sequence has been drawn. The teams will start in this order:

Today we have news from one of the participating teams. The team Eimers/Seel is the first to introduce the Gordon Bennett witch arrived today by the GER1-team. Only 100 of them are available there for free sale. The pin is a round ‘GroundPin’, and a ‘Ballonpin’ on it. When you want to order one ore more, sent an email to gb2009@ballon.org .... Read more ....

News from the organisation We are getting back to you regarding the accomodation during the Gordon Bennett 2009. The hotel is the Ramada Encore and there are 2 rooms booked for each team starting the 4th September 2009. However, if you wish to arrive 1 day before. Please send us an email as soon as possible. Moreover, Those of you who would like... Read more ....