"It gets late early out there." - Yogi Berra

        Yes, winter ended too early in the Midwest this year.  After two years of planning, designing, and preparing the Adventure of the Heart balloon, an AX-4 duration record challenger, I was able to make a maiden flight and only one challenge flight before Nebraska’s temperatures moderated and ended the winter season’s opportunities.  But one flight of 13 hours 13 minutes was enough to overtake the existing duration records held by Dr. Coy Foster, AX-4 of 8 hours 39 minutes set in 1986, and Bill Cloninger’s, AX-5 of 12 hours 21 minutes set in 2001.
        The 93 mile flight, from Blair, Nebraska to Tarkio, Missouri began at about 3:25 A.M. under the headlights of a dedicated chase crew and the national television cameras.  Like all balloon flights, this was an adventure with many stories and highlights.  Unlike the typical hot air balloon flight, the balloon flew for a long, long time, well beyond the usual hour or two.  The preparations were an adventure in ballooning history, engineering, and technology.

The Beginning of the Adventure

        The story of this adventure really began at the end of my successful BFA Long Jump flight of 333 miles in April, 2000 (see “2000 Long Jump Report,” Ballooning, July, 2000).  I sought a new set of ballooning challenges and experiences to satisfy the need to continue improving my “personal best” and keep ballooning an exciting personal growth activity.  During 34 years and about 2,000 hours as pilot in command in ballooning, I have maintained my interest by continually changing my challenges and types of involvement in the sport.  Ballooning for beauty, competition, camaraderie, profit, and contribution have all been in the mix of activities.
        The challenge in this project was to apply 40 years of engineering skills acquired in the nuclear power industry to develop a balloon system capable of world record achievement.  An interesting and satisfying study of and experience in “World Record Ballooning” began.  It has been a wonderful journey!  The process engaged friends and peers in hot air ballooning and experts in many fields of science and engineering.
        In November 2003, I met with the project’s meteorologist, Lou Billones, of Windsong Weather Services.  He reviewed the current technical and metrological issues associated with his many experiences gained during his support of over 50 world records.  The learning process then continued as I assembled articles and publications on previous world record successes, interviewed record holding pilots and their support staffs, and helped with and observed other world record challenge flights.  Record holders Andy Cayton and Bill Cloninger taught me well: in Bill’s mind, I suspect, too well.
        I was able to engage in discussions with engineers, metallurgists, chemists, and even hang glider enthusiasts. Many experts and leaders in today’s balloon industry gladly contributed their time and advice.
        In the winter of 2004-5, I realized it was time to make actual design decisions.  This need led to lengthy discussions with Bruce Comstock, balloonist extraordinaire, formerly an associate and friend, now a very good friend and associate.
        From the beginning, Bruce’s avid interest in the project inspired and sustained the project at times when some in the balloon community were “too busy.”  In committing to this project, we agreed to minimize compromise in order to achieve the very best duration possible for a small balloon.  Our discussions resulted in selection of the concepts, configuration, and components to be used.
        In July of 2005, when I unexpectedly found myself without a designer or builder for the balloon, Bruce stepped in and designed the envelope based on the criteria we had developed in collaboration.  Cameron Balloons US agreed to build the envelope for delivery in October.  Bruce even managed to put a little “red” fabric into the parachute to accommodate the Polish pilot from Nebraska who had previously flown only “red and white” balloons.

The Aerostat

        The system is composed of: 1) two separate concentric envelopes; 2) an Aerostar Zone Five single burner modified to incorporate redundant and isolatable blast valves and a solenoid valve controlled by a Comstock Autopilot; 3) a heated instrument package containing the autopilot, DigiTool instrument package, temperature sensors, clock, and GPS; 4) a paraglider harness extended to accept head and foot rests for the pilot, who is protected from the cold by a Mountain Hardwear down suit and sleeping bag, arctic mitts, and, if needed, snowmobile helmet; and 5) three 20-gallon fuel tanks suspended beneath the harness from the two-point suspension spreader bar.

Handicaps

        Although we did break several world duration records on this first attempt, several factors caused this flight to be shortened by three or four hours.  Unavailability of fabric delayed completion of the envelope from late October to early December, resulting in the loss of an opportunity to perform test and learning flights in the late fall and early winter of 2005-6.
        After a mid-December delivery of the envelope, record high temperatures in Nebraska and/or low level nocturnal jets allowed only one test/learning flight.  This limited flying experience resulted in me making the challenge flight without being fully knowledgeable in the operation of the balloon or completely prepared to optimize system performance.
        Further, unexpected adverse weather conditions the morning prior to the Nebraska launch aborted a planned 2 A.M. launch from Bismarck, North Dakota, necessitating another twelve-hour drive back home to Blair, Nebraska in pursuit of flyable weather.  This cost both pilot and crew two nights’ sleep before the 3:25 A.M. launch of the record flight from Blair, Nebraska.  Fatigue definitely affected pilot decision making and reduced my tolerance for continuing to deal with the pesky thermals in the last six hours of the flight.

Challenges

        During the flight I encountered many first-time experiences.  I had never: 1) flown at night, 2) set down emptied fuel tanks, 3) flown more than five continuous hours, or 4) flown in the afternoon’s continuous thermals.  My preference would have been to have met these new conditions one or two at a time during test or practice flights.  However, all of these first-time challenges were considered prior to the flight and successfully overcome during the flight without consequence.
        Two nights without sleep was a first-time experience for the pilot and most of the crew which, as previously mentioned, did result in early termination of the flight when almost two hours more fuel and sunlight were available.
        The most distracting, and embarrassing, equipment failure was the loss of the catheter at 8 hours into the flight.  The several layers of clothing and sub-zero ambient temperatures necessitated the use of a catheter, the failure of which resulted in the wetting of the down insulation and threatened termination of the flight.  The chase crew, after enjoying a few giggles and remarks, obtained the medical advice that I should apply heat to the wetted equipment.  Exothermic chemical hand warmers were liberally applied, which allowed continuation of the flight.  My thanks to my daughter, Dr. Pam Jaworski, for the advice and to Mr. Bell, no relation, for the cell phone!

The Bases for Success

        A very successful part of the project were the communications orchestrated by Adventure’s Communications Center, which posted flight status on the Adventure of the Heart website, and by the Media Center coordinated by the American Heart Association.  Two individuals, Tom Peterson, of Dreamtime Balloon Adventures, and Joanne Ragle, 34-year friend and crew chief, both worked around the clock to update the web page, notify the International Aeronauts League of flight status, fulfill information requests from the media, and handle information and requests made in incoming emails from around the world.  The web space, provided by HunTel Communications, allowed the flight to be followed worldwide in real time. Maybe our little AX-4 site was not as fancy as other major league aviation record sites, but it was certainly as effective.
        After finding the personal funds to finance the world record challenge project, a search was made to find an organization that could benefit from the possible media attention the flight would generate.  Brook Matthews, Nebraska Communications Director – American Heart Association (AHA), volunteered to coordinate all media for the project flights.  I was happy to facilitate press coverage and interviews in a way that would not interfere with flight preparations or execution. The American Heart Association motto, “ Learn and Live” fit well with the aspirations of a 63 year old balloonist aspiring to set a world record while dangling from a hot air balloon in a sleeping bag at -20°F.  Hence, one of the aims of Adventure of the Heart was to enhance public awareness of heart research and science education.
        My science and engineering background, along with a family history of heart disease, resulted in a natural interest in raising funds and increasing public awareness about heart disease and heart research in Nebraska and Iowa.  The American Heart Association programs and research funding were included in press releases Brook prepared and distributed.  Subsequent news stories about flight preparation and execution carried the AHA message too.  It was indeed surprising and rewarding to have over half a dozen media representatives at a 2:30 A.M., -8°F launch on a Saturday A.M. without the pilot making a single call to the press.
        The local TV stations carried flight status updates during hourly news breaks.  The flight was also featured on national TV as an item in a news break during the Olympics.  And what was even better, the chase crew had “celebrity” status at every Iowa snack shop and gas station they visited during the chase.
        The contribution by the crew was more than what is usually connotated in the term “balloon crew.”  They were all involved in the planning and preparations for the adventure over the last two years.
        Pat Ragle, Crew Chief, provided a willing spirit and hands to lead the tasks of preparing for flights and operated the hot inflation burner.  Sean Kelly, Logistics Coordinator, developed the lightweight position indication lighting system for night flight, and interfaced with the FAA and the Omaha aviation community.  He also planned transportation for many trips that didn’t happen.  Matthew Grote, Attitude Coordinator and Traveling Photographer, maintained the crew’s spirit and provided pictures for the web page. Dr. Jane Jaworski, Envelope Preparations Specialist and Pharmaceutical Consultant, assured the complicated systems for envelope deflation and landing were properly installed.  Other chasers were Wayne Mohring, Chase Navigator, Duane Waack, Backup Photographer, and Pam James, Assistant Observer.  Orv Olivier, the official NAA Observer, provided counsel, critiques, and inspiration throughout preparations, during, and after the flight.  Orv is a person whose capabilities are unbounded.
        Others also helped in unique ways to make the flight possible.  Area meat and ice cream processors allowed the use of their cold storage facilities for equipment testing.  The Blair Public Schools, Blair Fire Department, and St. Francis Borgia Church let us use their buildings to prepare and pre-stage equipment when we needed to escape the cold outdoors.  Various FAA folks provided timely advice and support so that regulations never became show stoppers.  Flight Surgeon Dr. Michael Haller, medical advisor Dr. K.C. Baby, and “frozen husker” Brad Anderson, Nebraska’s ice fisherman, all provided sound advice and warnings on cold weather physiology.

Future Plans

        Yes, winter ended too early this year.  A balloon with only two flights on it is not yet ready for the museum.  Hopefully the Adventure of the Heart will make a couple more flights and will achieve its best possible duration.  (To be continued)

Adventure of the Heart
Pilot’s Log: 2/28/2006

        It was indeed surprising to drive into my church’s parking lot in Blair, Nebraska, 30 miles north of Omaha, at 2:00 A.M. on February 18, 2006 to find about a dozen crew and press waiting the launch of Adventure of the Heart for her first attempt and challenge of the AX-4 duration record.  The ambient temperature was about -8°F, but this was a pleasant relief and much warmer than the -25°F we had faced at Bismarck, North Dakota the morning before. 
        As we assembled the system and did the preflight checks, we all forgot the fatigue from having been up all night preparing the equipment and tending the fuel for the flight.  The forecast winds of 350 at 6 knots overestimated the light drainage flow of air out of the south we had across the parking lot.  As the cold inflation increased the size of the balloon so did the number of people at the launch site, probably numbering over fifty by launch.
        After the press briefing, I harnessed myself to the balloon.  The crew hot inflated the balloon and attached the instrument pod and foot rest.  All progressed well despite the cold and the hour.  After Adventure reached buoyancy, I used Adventure’s burner to maintain neutral buoyancy while the autopilot performed its brief engagement routine.
        That completed, Adventure ascended to join the moon and Jupiter as a bright light in the winter sky.  It was a scene from a Disney Christmas movie -- peace and beauty.
        Frequent radio communication with the crew let me know they were enjoying the flight as much as was I.
        As the balloon approached Omaha, I increased my altitude from 500 feet AGL to 1700 feet AGL to assure minimum clearance over Omaha TV towers.  The crew confirmed permission from Omaha Approach Control for crossing the city.  The lit but deserted streets below were a fairytale painting.  I noted the intermittent wispy plumes of moisture condensation coming from the mouth of the inner envelope and watched them disappear up the outside of the outer envelope.  These plumes were not visible after the sun rose.
        After crossing Omaha, and in response to an email prompt from Bruce Comstock in Australia, I descended to less than 500 feet AGL.  The first fuel tank expired and was gently lowered by rope, slid across the ground, and the rope released without incident.  The second tank was easier to jettison, but because I inadvertently dropped the lowering rope, the tank was dropped from about ten feet AGL into a dusty picked bean field.  The ascent after releasing that tank was 1,000 feet per minute to 5,000 feet AGL.
        As I munched on a Danish roll I crossed the Missouri River into Iowa and watched the sun rise behind a high cloud.  Time for a little apple juice -- no malts on this flight.  The balloon was traveling nearly due east at speeds of 6 mph.  The crew was easily able to keep up with the balloon and we could talk during the frequent road crossings.  What a lovely morning!  There was no snow on the ground in southwest Iowa.  The sun felt nice and warm, but the apple juice would still freeze if left out.
        At about 11:30 A.M. the first wisp of thermal activity announced itself.  Thermals then continued to increase in frequency and strength throughout the afternoon.  They were a real nuisance.  Their continual interaction and effect forced me to put away the MP3 music.  Well, so much for the rose garden!  1000 feet per minute ascents were followed five minutes later by 800 feet per minute descents.  Guess that's why we don't normally fly when the sun is high in the sky.
        After I crossed into Missouri, the thermals continued causing rapid ascents to even higher altitudes.  The maximum attitude during the flight, 5,500 feet AGL, occurred about 45 minutes before landing.
        After the flight duration passed Bill Cloninger’s AX-5 duration mark, the second world record of this flight, the chase crew, most of whom had gotten out of bed 39 hours and 700 miles before, was anxious for me to land.  Expecting to make another flight and hoping to have crew in March of 2006, I decided to land.
        The previous (and only) landing in this balloon had been against my left side at 12 mph in a tilled frozen field, tearing the down suit and releasing feathers, blowing like snow in the wind.  Today’s landing, facing forward at 4 mph, would not be as exciting.
        The free-floating burner and tank have no rigid separation or support.  Neither the harness nor envelope has a means of rotating or changing the direction faced by the pilot.  This landing, however, was another snarl of suspension cables and control lines which again pinned me to the ground like Gulliver.  I deliberately waited, engulfed in the snarl, and posed for pictures before trying to get untangled and get up to join the landing celebration.
        Needless to say, I slept well on the 70-mile return trip to the hot shower and pizza party celebration at the Command Center.

February 19, 2006 CST

Rich with son Steve of Rochester, MN and daughter Jane of Blair, NE

From the Washington County Pilot-Tribune & Enterprise
Tuesday, February 21, 2006

Record-setting flight
Blairite uses cold weather to balloon for 13+ hour flight
Joe Burns, Reporter

Rich Jaworski and his crew check everything over just before he takes off on his record-breaking sub-zero flight.

Rich Jaworski said he and his crew took the long way to the St. Francis Borgia Catholic Church parking lot for his record hot-air balloon flight last Saturday.

They went by way of Bismarck, N.D.  Jaworski was looking for some cold weather in which to launch his balloon to try to stay in the air long enough to break the record for his balloon’s class.

But 5-below zero weather and a 20 mph wind prevented the launch from taking place.  Over breakfast, Jaworski told his crew the weather would be favorable for a 3 a.m. launch back in Blair.

He said to his surprise the crew said “Go for it, Rich.”

They drove without sleep for eight hours and arrived in Blair where they had permission to lay out and warm up their equipment.  He said without this help they could not have made the launch.

At 3:29 a.m., with the temperature at 8 below zero, Jaworski and his balloon lifted off from the church parking lot and headed slowly southeast toward northwestern Missouri.

Jaworski said he intended to stay at an altitude of 800 to 1,000 feet, but thermal drafts that he encountered over southwestern Iowa made it exciting.

He said the absence of snow on the ground caused thermal drafts that at times propelled him out of control to 4,000 feet.

After landing in Missouri and a pizza supper, they started back to Blair where they arrived about 11 p.m.

Although he set two class records with his 13-hour flight on Saturday, Jaworski said it was actually a test flight in anticipation of a record flight some time in the near future.

He said that, after analyzing the data from the Saturday test flight, if weather conditions hold, he plans to make another flight from somewhere in the United States, possibly Alaska.