Cluster Ballooning:
The Oshkosh Cluster!
Launching from one of the great gatherings in aviation: AirVenture Oshkosh!
July 26 - August 1, 2010
We have been tremendously lucky to have launched some interesting flights: the Chairway to Heaven, the 14-hour overnight flight of the Spirit Cluster, and, most recently, the Channel Cluster-- where we floated through the quiet skies above the cold waters of the English Channel on our first international journey by cluster balloon.
Now, one of the great events in aviation is in front of us: OSHKOSH AIRVENTURE! Trappe has been invited to fly his gas cluster balloon system at this influential and classic annual gathering. The event has featured tremendously prestigious aircraft (The Concorde, the F-22 Raptor, SpaceShipOne, the Lockheed U2 spy plane) and has hosted aviation dignitaries the likes of Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Burt Rutan.
It is a pleasure and honor to attend.
Launch Schedule:
AirVenture runs from July 26 - August 1st. With good weather and help from our larger team at the event, the "Oshkosh Cluster" will ascend into the skies above AirVenture and float off towards destinations unknown. Won't you join us?
Cluster ballooning is tremendously weather sensitive; our flight window at AirVenture opens Tuesday, July 27th. We will fly the first day that weather allows for a safe, enjoyable flight. The goals of the flight are simply to fly with for our friends and colleagues at AirVenture; if the weather allows, we may have the opportunity to do something really outstanding together. We will see!
Presentation & Flight Schedule:
Trappe will present a series of sessions on cluster ballooning, and the spirit of flight.
Tentative schedule:
Cluster Balloon Voyages:A media-rich presentation on flying under a cluster of helium balloons.
Tuesday, 7/27/2010 at 8:30 am; 1-hour 15 minutes Honda Main Stage Forums 7 |
Description: Jonathan Trappe will present on the art and science of travel by helium balloons. Video and discussion of his flights including the crossing of the English Channel attached only to a giant cluster of helium balloons. The presentation is centered around the voyages and adventures Mr. Trappe has undertaken: altitude shots to 17,930 feet, record setting overnight flights, and the visually stunning voyage across the English Channel-- all under a beautiful cluster of toy balloons. Time and Venue: Tue 7/27 8:30 Honda Main Stage Forums 7 |
|---|---|
Cluster Balloon Science:Safe and Legal: Cluster Ballooning and Experimental Gas Balloons
Thursday, 7/29 @ 10:00am; 1-hour 15 minutes Homebuilders Hangar |
Description: Jonathan Trappe will present on the technical details of safe and legal flights, under a cluster of toy balloons. Mr. Trappe flies the only cluster balloon system to be issued an airworthiness certificate by the FAA: Experimental/Exhibition Manned Free Balloon N878UP. Trappe will discuss the flight characteristics of cluster balloon systems, and some interesting items unique to cluster ballooning, such as: What exactly gets the N-Number if you’re popping your balloons (aircraft!) in flight? Time and Venue: Thursday 7/29 10:00 Homebuilders Hangar |
Cluster Balloon Hands-On:Can you really fly, using only helium balloons? Come find out!
Saturday 7/31 12:30 pm ; approx. 45-minutes KidVenture Hero Stage |
Description: Jonathan Trappe will bring some of his helium balloons for a hands-on presentation. What does it take to for a person to fly under helium balloons? What does it feel like to hold onto one of those giant balloons? Will just one lift you off the ground? How do you learn how to do this, safely and legally? What happens if one of those balloons…pops!? We will explore all of these topics! (Kids & Family Oriented) Time and Venue: Saturday 7/31 12:30pm KidVenture Hero Stage |
FLIGHT!The Oshkosh Cluster
This is a tentative schedule for our flight, mostly relevant for pre-confirmed crew.
First launch opportunity: Tuesday, July 27th. Then, 24-hour rolling-hold, trying again Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday ...until we fly, or Oshkosh is over. |
SCHEDULE:
If we are Go: update website (if possible) with GO message.
Crew Meet Time: 3:00pm
Venue: There are 4 potential launch spots at AirVenture; we'll evaluate the four spots and then communicate the actual inflation point. |
Contact Us for more information!
