Fri, Oct 01, 2010
America's Challenge Race Will Start As Scheduled Next Week
The U.S. government has authorized Navy assets to be used in the
ongoing search for balloonists Richard Abruzzo and Carol Rymer
Davis, who went missing during the Gordon Bennett gas balloon race
this week, according to multiple media sources. New Mexico Governor
Bill Richardson requested assistance from the U.S. State Department
in securing military assets in Italy and Albania to aid in the
search for the missing crew. Abruzzo and Davis were taking part in
the Gordon Bennett Gas Balloon Race when contact with their balloon
was lost over the Adriatic Sea.
Governor Richardson
“I’ve been following the search for Richard and
Carol all day and I’m optimistic that they will be located
soon,” Governor Richardson said. “I’ve been in
contact with the Abruzzo family and have offered any help they need
in getting Richard back home to them safely. My thoughts are also
with Carol’s family as they await word on their loved
one.”
Despite possibly losing one of its best-recognized teams,
organizers of the America's Challenge gas balloon race say the
event will start as scheduled during the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta
next week. Race organizers told television station KOB that it was
what Abruzzo and Rymer Davis would have wanted.
Because of the Gorden Bennett race, the start of the America's
Challenge was pushed back to mid-week to allow teams competing in
the earlier race time to get to Albuquerque. The launch date for
the America’s Challenge was moved from its traditional
Saturday evening slot to Tuesday, October 5. Weather
permitting, the launch is scheduled for 1830 local time.
The object of the America’s Challenge is to fly the
greatest distance from Albuquerque while competing within the event
rules. The balloonists often stay aloft more than two days
and must use the winds aloft and weather systems to their best
advantage to gain the greatest distance. Flights of more than
1,000 miles are not unusual, and the winners sometimes travel as
far as Canada and the East Coast.
More News
Aero Linx: Model Aeronautical Association of Australia MAAA clubs are about fun flying, camaraderie and community. For over 75 years, the MAAA has been Australia’s largest fl>[...]
Touchdown Zone Lighting Two rows of transverse light bars located symmetrically about the runway centerline normally at 100 foot intervals. The basic system extends 3,000 feet alon>[...]
“Discovery and innovation are central to our mission at Virgin Galactic. We’re excited to build on our successful record of facilitating scientific experiments in subor>[...]
How To Get A Story On Aero-TV News/Feature Programming How do I submit a story idea or lead to Aero-TV? If you would like to submit a story idea or lead, please contact Jim Campbel>[...]
Student Pilot Reported That During Rotation, “All Of A Sudden The Back Of The Plane Kicked To The Right..." Analysis: The student pilot reported that during rotation, “>[...]
ANN's Daily Aero-Linx (05.02.24)
See All