Theoretical Question About Balloons

Hello, my name is Matt and I'm a filmmaker living in Atlanta. I don't have any ballooning experience at all, but I heard an interesting idea that I was wondering if anyone can provide some information on.

I've heard that it's possible to harness oneself to a helium balloon (perhaps abt. 20 ft in diameter?) that will negate most, but not all, of one's body weight. It would then be possible to leap great heights and distances, however the subject would eventually come back to earth.

Of course, the major problems seem to be:

1. Hitting an aircraft. 2. Drifting away. 3. Hitting the ground too hard. 4. Hitting something dangerous (i.e., sharp rocks, metal spikes, etc.) on the ground upon landing.

I think a ripcord similar to what's found on normal hot-air balloons would solve problems 1, 2, and possibly 4. Some ballast might solve problem 3 and problem 4 when the ripcord can't solve it.

OK. A, can this be done, or is it done on a regular basis?

B, can I build a setup like this myself, using a rock-climbing harness, some strong rope and webbing, a balloon, and helium?

C, is it more dangerous than I'm reckoning?

I'd appreciate everyone's conjectures, criticisms and even assistance.

Matt Stallworth

[Lawn Chair Larry rehash deleted]

Yes, and depends on what you call regular.

Don't forget the lawn chair and B B Gun.

Depends on how you reckon. Let's see: you're a filmmaker, so I'd say there's a good chance.

The number for the Carter Center is in your local yellow pages under

Hallo, look at http://home.earthlink.net/ninomiya/index.htm Bye Wolfdieter

gus stallworth schrieb:

I would suggest taking a look at one or more of the commercially-made models of helium balloons for this purpose - start with www.parabounce.com.

Also, if you are seriously delving into this project, visit http://www.balloondispatch.com/repair.htm to get information on balloon repair stations in your area. They will be able to help you out in your quest for information, or at the very least, pass you on to someone who definitely does.

Another person to contact would be Don Piccard of Minneapolis, MN..

long time now and has a vast wealth of ballooning knowledge which you should tap into. Tell him 'Rat' sent ya!

Good Luck, Jon Radowski

Take a look at <http://www.parabounce.com/>