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Dr. Singhania makes Mission Possible
He breaks the world
record by flying to a height of 69,852 feet in a Hot
Air Balloon |
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Mumbai, November 26,
2005:
Dr. Vijaypat Singhania, renowned industrialist
and aviator par excellence today became the first man
to fly in a hot air balloon to a high altitude of 69,852
feet above sea level, thus creating the world record.
The record has been monitored by the Aero Club of India
who will apply for the official ratification of the
international record with the body responsible, Federation
Aeronautique Internationale.
On this historic day, Dr. Singhania took off from the Polo
Grounds, Mahalaxmi Race Course, Mumbai at 6:39 am and took about 2 hours and 14 minutes
with an average speed 600 to 700 ft per minute. Having
created history by bringing the world record to India, Dr. Singhania safely landed at
Sinnar, between Shirdi and Nashik at 11.30 a.m. He achieved this record overhead
of Ulhasnagar, a central suburb on the outskirts
of Mumbai. By achieving this feat, Dr. Singhania has
broken the existing world record of 'High Altitude
in a Hot Air Balloon' set by Per Lindstrand who
reached a height of 64,997 feet (19,811 metres) in Plano, Texas, USA on June 6, 1988. |
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Record Update |
| Height achieved |
Time (IST) |
| Take
Off |
6:39 am |
| 5,000
feet |
7.12 am |
| 10,000
feet |
7.25 am |
| 20,000
feet |
7.44 am |
| 30,000
feet |
7.54 am |
| 40,000
feet |
8.05 am |
| 50,000
feet |
8.17 am |
| 60,000
feet |
8.33 am |
| 69,852
feet |
8.55 am |
| Landing |
11.30 am |
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On this momentous occasion, Mr. Gautam Singhania, son of
Dr. Vijaypat Singhania and Chairman & Managing
Director, Raymond Ltd said, "I am overjoyed
that my father has achieved the world record
and it is a very proud moment for the entire
nation today. My Father has proved himself as
the "Brave Son of India". There
were tense moments during his flight but we
were always hopeful and confident that he would
break this record and we are happy that the
record has come to India."
Joining in the celebrations were Mrs. Ashabai Singhania,
wife of Dr. Vijaypat Singhania and his daughter
Ms Shepali Ruia who were at loss for words and
were extremely elated.
Colin Prescot, representative of Flying Pictures Company
(UK) and member of the technical team of Project
MI-70K said, "This has been a great day for
aviation and a great day for India. This was a hugely courageous flight
by a fine gentleman." |
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| Dr. Singhania has been an aviator for four decades with a
total flying experience of over 5000 hours. Rising to
challenges and breaking records is nothing new for Dr.
Singhania. It has become a way of life for him. Despite
winning several records and accolades in the field of
aviation, the hunger for achieving something for the pride
of the country has been burning bright. Dr. Singhania
by undertaking has set himself this impossible task to
achieve before he goes into the oblivion. National pride
and the spirit of true adventure had prompted Dr. Singhania
to attempt to break the record on Indian soil and in his
home city, Mumbai |
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