Every year, the world’s finest aviators and adventurers gather to push the boundaries of human flight, traversing the heavens in search of victory, camaraderie, and the sheer thrill of the unknown. This year, the spotlight shines on the 66th annual Gordon Bennett Race, hosted amidst the breathtaking backdrop of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta from October 7-15, 2023.
Start of the Gordon Bennett International Balloon Race at St. Louis, in 1907.
A Legacy of Flight Unleashed in 1906
It all began on September 30, 1906, when the first Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett took to the skies. This race, named after the visionary American press magnate James Gordon Bennett Jr., set the stage for a tradition spanning over a century. Steeped in history and aeronautic passion, the race is a testament to the indomitable spirit of exploration and competition. Fast forward to 2023, and the world is on the cusp of witnessing another chapter of this storied event. This year, pilots from nine countries will come together to redefine the limits of aviation.
Objectives That Propel the Skies
The race is not merely a contest of distance but a celebration of innovation, unity, and friendship. The objectives of the Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett are threefold:
Pushing Boundaries: The race seeks to determine the team that covers the greatest distance. It’s a challenge that propels participants to defy limitations and explore the expanse of the skies.
Fostering Development: The race goes beyond competition; it serves as a platform to promote the evolution of gas ballooning and the advancement of balloon materials. By pitting international pilots against one another, the race encourages a vibrant exchange of ideas and technologies, propelling the sport forward.
Bridging Nations: Boundaries blur, and nations unite high above the Earth. The Gordon Bennett Race serves as an avenue to foster international relations and forge bonds of friendship among balloonists from around the globe. It embodies the spirit of adventure that transcends cultural and geographical barriers.
A Balloonist’s Journey
Participation in the Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett is an honor granted to National Aero Clubs (NACs) that have fulfilled their obligations to the FÉDÉRATION AÉRONAUTIQUE INTERNATIONALE (FAI). Each NAC has the privilege of nominating up to three balloon teams, composed of two pilots who share the nationality of the nominating NAC.
The nominated pilots, who have been residents of the same country as the NAC for the preceding five years, embark on a journey of a lifetime. The pilot in command, nominated by the NAC, assumes responsibility for the entire flight. This individual’s name takes precedence in official reports, capturing the essence of leadership and expertise in ballooning. This year, pilots from Austria, France, Germany, Lithuania, Poland, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America will take to the skies. Each participating balloon becomes an ambassador of its nation, proudly displaying a national flag.
Representing the United States are pilots who hail from different corners of the nation, each with a passion for adventure that transcends borders. Two teams from Albuquerque, Barbara Fricke and Peter Cuneo in N505HY (Foxtrot Charlie), and Mark Sullivan and Cheri White in N9YN (Snowbird), embody the spirit of their city as they embark on this airborne odyssey. Meanwhile, Noah Forden and Bert Padelt in N6395V (Across the Universe), hailing from Newport, RI, and Barto, PA, respectively, will add their flair to the American representation.
Defining the Skies: Rules and Regulations
The rules of the race are designed to ensure fairness, safety, and the true spirit of adventure. A gas balloon, the vessel of choice for this extraordinary race, is defined as a static aircraft lighter than air, relying solely on the buoyancy created by the difference in weight between the lifting gas and the surrounding air. Hydrogen is the most commonly used gas, as helium has become rarer and expensive. Balloons with a maximum capacity of 1000 cubic meters, with a 5% tolerance, are eligible to participate. Each balloon is equipped with an official GPS logger/tracking device, allowing organizers to share real-time positions and altitudes with enthusiasts across the globe.
The Flight of Triumph
The race, categorized as a First Category Event by the FAI, is about distance flight. The champions will be determined by the greatest distance covered. This is no ordinary measurement; the distance is calculated using the arc of the great circle, with Balloon Fiesta Park’s coordinates as the reference point. The distance between where the balloons launch and where they land is not calculated as a straight line but instead along a curve or arc due to the shape of the Earth. It’s a true test of endurance, navigation, and strategy.
A Night to Remember: Saturday, October 7th
Mark your calendars for a night that will leave you breathless. On Saturday, October 7th, as the sun dips below the horizon, the gas balloons will make their first attempt to gracefully ascend into the Albuquerque sky. Against the backdrop of the luminous Balloon Fiesta, these balloons will paint a mesmerizing picture, setting the stage for an unforgettable journey of skill and endurance. After the launch, visit the Gordon Bennett command center inside the Balloon Museum to track participating balloons in real-time.
As the balloons take flight over the New Mexico landscape, the skies become a canvas for adventure and a platform for forging bonds that transcend borders. The 66th annual Gordon Bennett Race at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta encapsulates the essence of human exploration and the unwavering spirit that propels us to reach for the stars.
