Balloon World Records

This page presents the results of your database search. Please read the following information before proceeding down to the data :

  • the information published on this page is updated daily.
  • we indicate for each pilot his/her nationality at the time of the record flight. Do not therefore be surprised to see mentions of countries which no longer exist as such.
  • similarly, the manufacturer name for each balloon corresponds to the name of the company which built it. This may not correspond with the current name of a company which may at a later date have been involved in mergers. We have tried to minimize errors and welcome any correction of this type of information.
  • all current records are available for consultation online. However, only recent past records have been researched from our archives and added to the database at this stage.
  • Persons intending to attempt world records are advised that figures shown for record performances should not be relied upon as being the latest information. They should contact their National Airsport Control Organisation or the FAI Office (by email or fax: +41 21 345 1077) for the latest authoritative information before making any record attempt.

Current Absolute Balloon World Records

   more = click on this icon, when available, to get more information about a record (pictures, *.igc file, etc.)


additional documents available Altitude : 34 668 m

Date of flight: 04/05/1961
Pilot: Malcolm D. ROSS (USA)
Crew: Victor A. PRATHER
Course/place: USS Antietam, Gulf of Mexico

Balloon:
Winzen Research, "Lee Lewis Memorial"
Registered 'ONXR290WRP-1'

Database ID 2325
Links to other records set by Malcolm D. ROSS
Links to other records set for Absolute Altitude
Links to other records set with the Winzen Research, "Lee Lewis Memorial"

additional documents available Distance : 40 814 km

Date of flight: 21/03/1999
Pilot: Bertrand PICCARD (Switzerland)
Crew: Brian JONES (UK)
Course/place: Chateau d'Oex (Switzerland)

Balloon:
Cameron Balloons Breitling Orbiter
Registered 'HB-BRA'

Database ID 5960
Links to other records set by Bertrand PICCARD
Links to other records set for Absolute Distance
Links to other records set with the Breitling Orbiter

additional documents available Duration : 477 h. 47 min.

Date of flight: 21/03/1999
Pilot: Bertrand PICCARD (Switzerland)
Crew: Brian JONES (UK)
Course/place: Chateau d'Oex (Switzerland)

Balloon:
Cameron Balloons Breitling Orbiter
Registered 'HB-BRA'

Database ID 5961
Links to other records set by Bertrand PICCARD
Links to other records set for Absolute Duration
Links to other records set with the Breitling Orbiter

Shortest time around the world : 320 h 33 min

Date of flight: 03/07/2002
Pilot: Steve FOSSETT (USA)
Course/place: Northam, WA (Australia)

Balloon:
Cameron Balloons R-550
Registered 'N277SF'

Database ID 7402
Links to other records set by Steve FOSSETT
Links to other records set for Absolute Shortest time around the world
Links to other records set with the R-550