All Aircraft Will Use Hydrogen To Make Them Lighter Than Air

For the first time in its history the America’s Challenge Gas Balloon Race has a gas problem. A worldwide helium shortage is forcing the 2012 event into an all hydrogen-lifted challenge.

Founded in 1995, the America’s Challenge is a long distance gas balloon race that launches as part of the annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. The race is set to get underway this Saturday night, October 6th, weather permitting.

In an event that usually sees a dozen or more balloons competing, only five teams will fly this year. Event Spokeswoman Kim Vesely explained hydrogen is the only option, saying, "This year, there's no choice. There's a worldwide helium shortage. It's very hard to get, and this year, the Fiesta just couldn’t get helium." Not only is it hard to get, it’s expensive. Albuquerque TV Station KOAT reports that to fill one of the race balloons with helium would cost about 12-thousand dollars, whereas a hydrogen fill is a mere $1,000 dollars. The result is that some pilots with only helium capable balloons will have to stay grounded.

Still, organizers expect a competitive event as four of the five teams feature former winning pilots. Past races have seen teams stay aloft for three days and nights and travel deep into Canada and almost to the east coast.

While helium has always been the gas of choice for America’s gas balloonists, hydrogen has been used for ballooning in Europe for decades. Hydrogen filled balloons have often flown in previous America’s Challenge races.

The America’s Challenge is one of only two long distance gas balloon races in the world, the other being the historic Gordon Bennett Cup.

And long distance balloonists are not the only ones feeling the effects of this shortage, as KOAT-TV reports party stores are increasing their prices for helium filled balloons to as much as $1.29 each and that IF they’re even selling them.

(Gas balloon image from file)

FMI: www.balloonfiesta.com/gas-balloons/america-s-challenge