The great balloon rescue mission

Here's the situation: two stranded aircraft caught in the scenery at high altitude. A helicopter is not available. Call out the balloon squad!

First inflate the envelope with hot air from the burner, and refuel for flight. Pete Hill ground crew as Nigel checks the burner.

We definitely have buoyancy, time to pay out the line. The line has a heatproof wire trace at the balloon end, after an unfortunate experience with a nylon monofilament.

Now where are those models hung up? Sponsor's badge is Warburtons, as in the bread company.

Gaining height, now you can see up inside the burner. Almost completely shielded by the chimney is a glow from the flame. The fuel is methylated spirit. One model was successfully dislodged from a ledge on the ceiling girder, the second remained obstinately attached to a light.

And safely down to earth. The tissue envelope requires careful handling, and is held upright both for inflating and landing, until the burner has definitely cooled. Thank you for the spectacle gentlemen!

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