-V-
VAETH, J.Gordon USA (1920? (HP)
See APPENDIX-BS. (Bio-data unknown)
s: Officer in the U.S.Navy, LTA Command.
l: 1947-50, FAI-Balloon Commission; 1947-50, U.S.Represenative of the In'tl. League of Aeronauts; 1947, Naval research Coordinator of Project "Helios" (cluster strato-balloon, 100 science projects); 1948-50, Naval research Coordinator of Project "Skyhook" (cluster strato-balloon, cosmic ray sampling); 1955-56, Originator of Project-FATSO. The first manned airborne Telescopic & Spectroscopic Observatory.
l: Author of many articles on sport & scientific ballooning; Author of "200 Miles Up" on atmospheric research by balloon, 1956; Author of "Graf Zeppelin," 1958.
a: 3000 Tennyson St; Washington, DC 20015.
r: Correspondence.
VALAZE, Victor FRANCE (1870?1893) K (SM)
See APPENDIX-B. Professional balloonist.
Name sometimes spelled "Valarie." ***Epic flight 8 Jan.1893 from Saigon. Ascent and release were normal. After his release from 2000', his parachute streamered to about 600'. When it finally opened, the opening shock broke his arm, and he lost his grip on the trapeze. He fell thru a the roof of a brewery, and died on impact.
VALKENBERG, John J. van USA #- 44 (1855-1938) (GB)
See APPENDIX-AR. Sport balloonist 1909-11 era.
b: 1855 W.Ghent, NY;
d: 4 Aug.1938 Framingham, MA (birthplace conflicts with ACA files of Framingham, MA).
e: Worchester Polytechnic Institute.
p: Consulting Engineer.
f: First flight 1909; 10th flight (for FIA-ACA Qual.) 20 Nov.1910; FAI-ACA B-License #44 issued 1912.
m: New England Aero Club, Pres-1911. ***Epic flight 28 May 1911 (w/GLIDDEN) from Lowell, MA. Had previously told friends he would land at the Topsfield Church for Sunday services, and did.
r: NT-29 May 1911/1/5; 5 Aug.1938 (T).
VAN ATTA, Wayne Jr. USA (1921-1966) (HP)
b: 1921;
d: 22 Sep.1966 Akron, OH (cancer, age 45).
p: Project Engineer for Goodyear, 1956-66; Introduced V-Balloons to Viet Nam in 1964-65 (Used as combat antenna platforms).
r: Buoyant Flight, Oct.1966p6.
vanBAERLE, Alexander SWITZERLAND #+ 57 (1899- (GB)
See APPENDIX-AH/AV. Sport balloonist.
b: 23 Jun.1899 Basle. Still alive in Basel 1986.
e: University of Basle, PHD-Chemistry.
p: Chemist in Family business; Director of company, Retired.
f: Swiss-OFAC B-License # 57 issued 22 Jun.1929; More than 200 B-Hours (all gas) by 1985.
l: 1932, Pilot (w/E. DIETSCHI) in G.Bennett B-Race; 1934, Pilot (w/E.DIETSCHI) in G.Bennett B-Race.
a: Rheinparkstr. 5; CH-4127 Birsfelden/Basle; 061/41-0994.
r: Tel-Con.1985; Contact Hitz, Basel Hilton Manager.
vanderSTRAETEN, Joseph BELGIUM (1892-1972) (GB)
See APPENDIX-AG/BF. Sport balloonist.
b: 1 Sep.1892.
d: 19 Nov.1972 Brussels (age 80).
f: First B-Flight 1927 with Felix Vanden BEMDEN; Last Gas B-Flight 1957; Last HotAir B-Flight 1972, Orange, CA.
l: 1947, Established new Belgian distance record; 1948, Organized & promoted annual St.Nicklaas B-Race; 1948&53, Placed first at St. Nicklaas; 1949, Placed first at Brussels gas B-Race; 1949, Crossed the North Sea in 630 cubic meter balloon.
h: French Gold Medal of Recognition; Medal of Social Merit; Medaille de L'Aeronautique; Honorary BFA-Life Member. ***Epic flight 1949 from Knokke-le-Zeute. Departing at 5:30PM in a 630 cf. balloon he crossed the English Channel, landing at Suffolk ENG at 1AM.
r: BM-Su. 1972 p26; BM-Wi.1973 p27.
VANDIGRIFT, F.H. USA (1863-1888) K (SM)
See APPENDIX-B/S/L. Professional Smoke Balloonist.
b: 1863;
d: Oct.1888.
f: First B-Flight Aug.1888; Made 47 B-Jumps in 2-month career; Resident of Cleveland, OH. ***Epic flight Oct.1888 from Columbus, GA. Flight from an amusement park to an est.5000' in a strong wind. Parachute carried him into the Chattahoochee River, drowning before 15,000 spectators.
r: AIAA Box-219.
vanFLEET, Charles Elson USA (1887-1908) K (SM)
See APPENDIX-B/S/L. Professional Smoke Balloonist.
b: 1887;
d: 1 Jan.1908 Kingfisher, OK (21yrs/7mo/17days).
VANIK, Milford Frank USA #-1086 (1906- (GB/HB)
See APPENDIX-AH/AI/AR/BH. Sport balloonist.
p: Aeronautical engineer.
b: 29 July 1906, Cleveland, OH; Resident of S.Washington; Still alive 1983.
e: University of Michigan, 1930-Aero Engineering.
f: First B-Flight 1929 with George HINEMAN; FAI-ACA B-balloon license #1086 issued 29 Apr.1936 (by V.ORMAN).
m: Cleveland Balloon Club, Founding member, 1930.
l: 1930, Participated in G-Bennett B-Race (w/HINEMAN); 1934, Competitor in G-Bennett B-Race, Warsaw Poland;1936, Competitor in U.S.National B-Races (w/T.FAIRBANKS, chosen to represent the USA at next G-Bennett B-Race); 1980, Served as judge of G-Bennett B-Race; 1981, Piloted gas balloon across the Alps. ***Epic flight Nov.1931 from Cleveland, OH. Flight proceeded North over a solid cloud base; landing location was impossible to determine. After 3-days of walking, the landing position was discovered to be Canada. 70 miles North of the U.S.border. Flight had crossed Lk.Erie, and traversed the length of Lk.Huron.
r: Personal interview (still alive 1986).
VANIMAN, Melvin USA (1870?1912) K (GB)
b: Springfield, OH;
d: 2 Jul.1912.
p: Music teacher, Opera singer, Actor, Photographer, Mechanic, Adventurer, Explorer; Engineer for Goodyear, airship designer, builder, pilot.
f: First balloon ascent from New Zealand; Student of F.S.LAHM.
l: Reportedly built a Triplane in 1908-09; Chief Engineer on two WELLMAN expeditions to the North Pole; FIRST to use "wireless" communications from an airship; Established FAI-Airship record of 1068 miles in 71 hours, 15 min. ***Epic flight 2 Jul.1912 (w/4-crew) from Atlantic City, NJ in "Akron." Airship exploded from internal pressure at 2000', and all crew died in the Atlantic Ocean.
r: NT-3 Jul.1912/7/1 (T).
VANNESTE, Danny BELGIUM (1953- (GB/HB)
See APPENDIX-BO. Sport balloonist.
b: 27 Jun.1953 Wavelgem.
e: Brussels University, economics.
p: Economist.
s: Belgian Army, one year.
f: First B-Flight Apr.1974; First B-Solo Mar.1975 from Kortrijk; B-License # 7650/15229 issued 20 Oct.1975; Airplane pilot; More than 700 B-Hours (40 Gas starts) by 1985.
m: Belgian Balloon Federation.
l: Crossed the English Channel (U.K. to France) by balloon.
r: Bio-Data 1986.
vanORMAN, Ward Tinte USA #-392 (1894-1978) (GB)
See APPENDIX-H/AH/AI/AR. Sport balloonist. Aeronaut Extraordinaire.
b: 2 Sep.1894 Lorain, OH.
d: 11 Mar.1978 Akron, OH.
e: Case Institute of Technology, 1917-Engineering.
p: Engineer for Goodyear, 1917-62; B-Instructor for the Navy; Navy B-Instructor 1918-19; Headed the Goodyear Balloon & Airship training program; Made many successful LTA inventions.
f: First B-Flight 1918 with PRESTON; FAI licensed in balloons & Airships; Certified by the Navy to instruct in both.; Active balloonist 1918-33 era; Retired from competitive flying 1933.
l: Flew in 11 U.S. Nat. B-Races, Won 5, 2nd or 3rd in most of rest; Flew in 10 G-Bennett B-Races, Won 4, 2nd in two others; First pilot to land a free-balloon on a moving ship, 1925. ***Epic flight 7 June 1925 (w/C. WOLLAM) from Brussels, Belgium (G-Bennett B-Race). After flying out over the open ocean for four hours, and giving up all hope of survival, he landed on the deck of a ship. He was disqualified as winner, however, due to a controversial interpretation of a technicality. ***Epic flight 31 May 1928 (w/MORTON) from Pittsburgh, PA. Flying in the U.S. Nat.B-Races, the balloon was struck by lightning in flight. Morton was killed outright, the balloon burst into flames and crashed. Ward survived with a broken leg.
r: Wizard of the Winds.
r: Pers.interview.
vanSLEET, William USA #- 37 (1892?1965) (GB)
See APPENDIX-AI/AR. Sport balloonist.
f: Fifth ascent (first solo) 19 Aug.1908; 80th flight 8 OCT.1911; Made 43 flights from Pittsfield, MA.
l: Active balloonist 1906-10 era.
m: ACA B-Instructor. ***Epic flight 27 Nov.1906 (w/K.Morrison) from Pittsfield, MA. Balloon burst at 2000' over Rockville (CN) after covering 1000 miles in 2 hours. Both aeronauts escaped injury until a dog bit Sleet. ***Epic flight 19 Aug.1908 (w/Stowell) from Pittsfield, MA in "Berkshires." Valve cord was entangled on inflation. Pilot climbed to the top of the net before launch, opened the valve, and dropped the cord thru the appendix. He was almost hospitalized from asphyxiation, but completed a flight of 3:45. a; Resident of Pittsfield, MA.
r: Cincinnati Gamis 28 Nov.1908.
vanTASSELL, Joseph Lawrence USA (1863-1889) K (GB/SM)
See APPENDIX-B/L/S. Professional Balloonist.
Brother of balloonist, Park.
b: 1863 Salem, OH;
d: 16 Nov.1889 Honolulu, HA.
p: Smoke balloonist.
f: 6-month flying career, 8 SM ascents, 4 Gas flights; First B-Flight (SM) Oct.1888 from Santa Monica, CA. ***Epic flight 13 Oct.1889 from San Francisco in GB. Parachute cords became entangled & could not be released. Balloon ruptured at an estimated 8000'. Pilot was seriously injured. ***Epic flight 16 Nov.1889 from Honolulu, HI. Ascent in SM over the Kings palace was normal. Parachute was released at about 2000' and was caught in a succession of thermal updrafts for over 10 minutes. Pilot was quickly carried 3-5 miles offshore where he landed. Balloon was recovered, but no trace of the pilot or parachute was found by searching ships.
r: Honolulu Advertiser 18 & 19 Nov.1889p2.
vanTASSELL, (Mrs.) Park (F) USA (1860?1892) K (SM)
See APPENDIX-B/S. Professional Balloonist.
Wife of balloonist, Park.
f: First recorded SM-Flight 4 Jul.1887; others unverified. ***Epic flight 4 Jul.1887 from Los Angeles, CA. Her flight & descent by parachute caused great controversy; The Chief of Police complained that a woman was being allowed to commit suicide on a National holiday. ***Epic flight Mar.1892 from Dacca, Bangladesh. Killed; details unk.
vanTASSELL, Park A. USA (1852-1935) (GB/SM)
See APPENDIX L/S. Professional balloonist.
Husband & Brother of balloonists; Reportedly had two daughters that were also balloonists.
b: 1852 Salem, OH;
d: 1935 Oakland, CA. Resident of Albuquerque, NM (1879) & Oakland, CA (1930).
p: Bartender; 1884-1920 era.
f: 1879, First GB-Flight (4 July) from Albuquerque, NM; 1882, First SM-Ascent (4 July) from Salem, OH; Made 28 SM-Jumps by Aug.1889.
l: 1879, Bought his first balloon (gas) from F.F.MARTIN of San Francisco for $850; 1883, Made 300 mi. flight from Salt Lake City in 6:45; 1884, Made a flight from Denver, CO (7 August); 1886-7, Participated in parachute experiments w/T.S.BALDWIN at the Mechanics Pavilion in San Francisco (CA); Credited with making their first parachute; 1887, Made a flight from Seattle, WA; 1889, Made a flight from Fresno, CA (4 October); 1889, Made a flight from Honolulu, HI (2 November), Witnessed brothers fateful flight (16 November); 1890, Accompanied T.S.BALDWIN on World B-Tour, Flew in Siam, India, Japan. ***Epic flight 1889 from San Francisco, CA. Premature launch caused his parachute lines to become tangled. Made a landing without injury after thrilling descent.
r: Honolulu Advertiser 30 Oct, 18 Nov, 19 Nov.1889p1; The Big Umbrellap37.
VARDALE, ? FRANCE (1820?1870) (GB)
See APPENDIX-S. Professional balloonist.
Resident of Philadelphia; Name sometimes misspelled "Vardale."
l: Made several ascents in the Fall of 1849; Reportedly, The FIRST Hot-Air flights in the USA; Heat source was supplied by straw soaked in wine; Flew the first gas balloon made of black twilled muslin.
r: Through The Air, J.Wise, p300.
VARDIER, Emma (F) FRANCE (1830?1853) K (HB)
See APPENDIX-B. Sport balloonist.
f: Made only one recorded flight; FIRST to fly in a Solar Balloon (see R.WELLS-1869, T.BARNES-1973). ***Epic flight 19 Jul.1853 from Mont-de-Marsan (SW-France). Wearing a white bridal gown, she ascended in an experimental hot-air balloon that used sunlight as the only source of lift. She made a successful flight of about 30 minutes. Unfortunately, it struck a fence on landing, and Emma fell from the basket near Montesquiov and died later of head injuries.
r: Aerostat V5#1p2 (C.Dollfus).
VARICLE, Anthony FRANCE (1860?1920) (GB)
b: 1855 France. Professional balloonist.
p: Balloon Maker in the USA; Inventor, Industrialist.
f: Student of Maurice MALLET; served as his B-Salesman in the USA; Made many free-flights from the Paris area.
l: Made balloons for the U.S.Army; Amassed a fortune as inventor of key-opening sardine cans; Brought balloon "Klondike" to the Alaska Gold fields in Apr. 1898; Served as pilot aboard W.WELLMAN's ill-fated airship "America."
r: NT-4 Apr. 1898 p7c2; BF-Feb.1969p2-4.
VASENKO, A.B. RUSSIA (1899-1934) K (GB/SB)
See APPENDIX-B/AM/AP/AQ. Military & Scientific balloonist.
Name spelled "Vassenko" in Russian.
b: 1899;
d: 30 Jan.1934.
e: Leningrad Institute of Technology, 1927.
p: Officer in the Russian Army, Designer/Test pilot 1919-22; Balloon designer and test pilot; Designer of "Osoaviakhim-1" strato-balloon, and airships.
h: Ashes interred in the walls of the Kremlin.
m: Society for Promotion of Aviation Research.***Epic flight 30 Jan.1934 (w/FEDOSIENKO & USYSKIN) in "Osoaviakhim-1 to 7400 meters. Part way through the descent, they lost control, and could not evacuate the gondola before impact.
r: Who Was Who in the USSR.
VAUGHN, Charlie L. USA (1873-1972) (GB)
See APPENDIX-L/S. Professional Aeronaut.
Son of a balloonist.
b: 1873 Henderson, KY; Resident of San Luis Obispo, CA.
d: 8 Mar.1972 Columbus, OH.
p: Tumbler, Trapeze Artist, Acrobat for P.T.BARNUM; Mechanic, White Motor Co.; Mechanic, C.STROBEL Airships, tour pilot 1909-10; Curtis Airplane Co. 1917, Ret. (Curtis-Wright) 1957.
f: Started balloon career (at age 13) in 1886; First airship flight May 1909. ***Epic flight 3 Dec.1893 from San Francisco, CA. Launched in a strong wind, from between two buildings and was propelled thru a window. He suffered two broken legs.
r: BF-V18#6, V19#2, V19#4p10 (T).
VAUGHN, Stanley USA (1880?1950) (GB)
Resident of Akron, OH.
p: Balloon & Airship pilot for R.KNABENSHUE 1908; B-Instructor for B.F. Goodrich of Akron, OH 1917- (?). l: Sport balloonist 1905-15 era.
m: Early Birds.
VAULX, Henri de la FRANCE (1870-1930) K (GB)
See APPENDIX-C/D/AG/AH/AT. Sport balloonist. Aeronaut Extraordinaire.
Scion of a wealthy family.
b: 2 Apr.1870, Bierville, France;
d: 18 Apr.1930, Jersey City, NJ (in own airplane).
p: Journalist (aviation writer).
s: Officer in French B-Corps, Captain in 1915; Made several front-line ascents Sep-Oct.1914.
f: First B-Ascent 17 July 1898 (w/MALLET & StVICTOR) 14:25; First B-Solo 17 June 1899, his 7th flight; Made 80 flights (706 hours aloft) by 1903; 201 by Feb.1907. 1898-1914.
l: ; Flew in the USA Apr.1906; Author of "La Triomphe de la Navigation Aerienne"; Did extensive offshore experiments over Mediterranean 1910-11; Survived a serious airplane crash 9 Dec.1907.
m: French Aero Club, FM-1900, Pres.-1905; Austrian Aero Club (HM).
h: La Grande Medaille de L'Aero-Club de France-1900; Chevalier de le Legion d'Honeur; Aero Club Gold Medal (See JUCHIMES and LeBLANK). ***Epic flight 26 Aug.1900 (w/L.MASON, Turgan, & Oudet). Rescued from the English Channel. *** Epic flight 10 Sep.1900 (w/BIENAIME, DUBONNET, RUMPELMAYER, & VICTOR) in "Centaure" from Paris to Korstychew Russia. The flight went to 18,810', and covered 1195 miles in 36 hours (a distance record that stood for 12 years). Claimed Russian officers put him in jail for 24 hours and persecuted him by feeding him too much French champagne. ***Epic flight 14 Nov.1900 (w/MALLET, SURCOUF, VERNANCHET, +9 pax) from Vincennes in "Champagne Mercier" for the French Expo. ***Epic flight 4 Jun.1901 (w/Fauconnerie, & Mme.Dugue); Landed in a city street. ***Epic flight 13 Oct.1901 (w/HERVE, St.VICTOR) from Marseilles on an unsuccessful 41-hour Mediterranean crossing attempt to Algeria. (accompanied by a French Cruiser). ***Epic Transmediterranian attempt #2=23 Sep.1902; #3=26 Oct.1902; #4=15 Jul.1904. ***Epic flight 3 May.1909; Broke his leg on landing. ***Epic flight 6 Jan.1912; Made a long distance flight; details unk.
r: SA-52:Sup.23Nov.1901; The Car 9 Dec.1903; LeFigaro (FRA), Daily Telegraph (ENG) 16 Jul.1904; NT-5 Mar.1906; C.Faroux, Aero Manual 1912-13; The Balloonitics.
VEENSTRA, Alexander BELGIUM (1900?1970) (GB)
See APPENDIX-P/AH/AT/AZ/CH. Sport balloonist 1920-75 era.
l: Controversial winner of 1925 G-Bennett B-Race. ***Epic flight 7 Jun.1925 from Brussels. Won the G-Bennett B-Race in spite of an explicit rule regarding disqualification of he landed in the water. He landed in Biscay Bay, and won; vanORMAN landed on the deck of a ship, and lost. r: Wizard of the Winds.
VENNI, ? ITALY (1880?1940) (GB)
See APPENDIX-B. Sport balloonist.
***Epic flight July 1900 (w/Count di Montececupio & Sg.Pellizoni) from Naples (Villa Exhibition). Balloon rose to a estimated 4000', drifted slowly out to sea and landed 5 miles from Capri. All hung on for five hours before Venni & Pellizoni let go and drowned. The Count held on for one more hour before being rescued by fishermen.
r: The Aeronautical Journal Oct.1900 p163.
VENTRY, Lord Arthur BRITAIN (1898-1987) (GB)
Full name: Arthur Frederick Daubeny Olaf Eveligh-de-Moleyns, Seventh Baron Ventry; Inherited title from father in 1936.
b: 28 Jul.1898 Maireward/Somerset;
d: 19 Jul.1987 Bournmouth.
e: Wellington College.
s: Officer in the British Army, Irish Guards 1917-18; Wounded in combat 1917 (by bomb from German airplane); Officer in the Royal Flying Corps 1939-45; Barrage balloon specialist 1939-44.
f: First B-Flight 26 Feb.1920 with NEWALL & St.ANDRIES for 1:45 in 10,000 Cu.Ft. Spencer balloon "Muriel"; First B-Solo 19 Mar.1919 in "Owl" from Mitcham Gas Works; B-Pilot qualification flight 22 Mar.1920 with MAITLAND; First airship flight 6 Mar.1919 in "SST-9" (4:35); Second flight 6 Jun.1919 from Cologne, Germany.
l: 1935, Founding editor of "Airship" Magazine; LTA-Historian, Author & Co-Author of many articles; 1950-80, Served as consultant on many overt and covert military (surveillance) B-Projects; 1951, Designer/builder of airships "Bournmouth-I & II at Cardington. FIRST British airship since the r101 crash in 1930; 1980's era, Served as consultant on many airship projects; World traveler; Active in "Boy Scouts"; Choir singer.
m: BBAC, President; British Balloon & Airship Museum (Newbury), VP; Member of many World Aviation Societies.
r: Lady Bellew; Burgage House; Stow-on-the-Wold; Glous. GL54-1AA.
VERHEYDEN, Edward J. USA #-317 (1896-1919) (GB/KB)
See APPENDIX-B/AI/AR/CU. Military & Sport balloonist.
b: 23 June 1896 St.Louis, MO.
d: 2 Oct.1919 Lake Huron.
e: Soldan High School.
s: Officer in the U.S.Army B-Corps at San Antonio, TX.
f: Received early flight training as a member of the Missouri Historical Society; FAI-ACA B-License #317 issued 23 Jan.1919. ***Epic flight (see C.DAMMON) from St.Louis in "Wichita."
a: 5244 Theodosia Ave; St.Louis, MO.
r: St.Louis Post Dispatch 2-15 Oct.1919.
VEREECKE, Jeff BELGIUM (1948- (HB/GB)
See APPENDIX-BO. Sport balloonist.
b: 21 Mar.1948 Sleiduipe.
e: Belgian Institute, 1969-Graphics.
f: First B-Flight 9 Jun. 1980 with Mark DeBELEYER; First B-Solo 1 Sep.1981 from EcBm; Belgian B-License #7265/18597 issued 29 Sep.1981; More than 460 B-Hours by 1986.
m: FAI; Sport Commissaris van de Kininklyke Belgische Aero Club.
r: Bio-data form 1986.
VERNANCHET, Louis FRANCE (1870?1930) (GB)
See APPENDIX-U/P/AZ. Sport balloonist 1890-10 era.
e: St.Martins School.
p: Artist. Son of balloonist Maurice."
f: First B-Flight 1888 from Nouvelle Bastille (Grounds of "L'Ecole Normale d'Aerostation"); First B-Solo 1889 from St.Martins School.
m: Society of French Navigators, Treasurer-1899. ***Epic ascent 14 Nov.1900 (w/VAULX, & 12-pax) from Vincennes for the "French Exposition." Details unknown.
VERNANCHET, Maurice FRANCE (1850?1910) (GB)
See APPENDIX-U/P/AZ. Sport balloonist 1900-05 era.
Father of balloonist "Louis."
e: St.Martins School.
f: Flight history unknown; Made 10 flights in 1888.
m: Society of French Navigators. ***Epic ascent 14 Nov.1900 (w/ VAULX, & 12-pax) from Vincennes. Balloon launched prematurely, with him on top of the net.
VERNE, Jules FRANCE (1828-1905) (GB)
b: 8 Feb.1828 Nantes;
d: 24 Mar.1905 Amdens.
p: Technical writer for monthly publication "L'Aeronaute"; Professional writer of Science Fiction; His books number:
#1 (Five Weeks in a Balloon, pub.1863) accurately describes the exact details of balloon construction and inflation. The story features an explorer flying in central Africa; #2 (Hector Servadac, pub.1906 USA) uses a balloon to fly from a comet, to the Earth; #3 (Mysterious Island), pub.1875) features a balloon escape from a besieged city, and flying in a storm;
#4 (Robur the Conqueror, pub.1886) features a powered balloon that was outmaneuvered and destroyed by a heavier-than-air rotorcraft;
#5 (Master of the World, pub.1904) features a balloon that penetrates an erupting volcano.
l: Founder of the "Society of Aerial Locomotion."
h: Honored with his likeness on many postage stamps. ***Epic flight?1863? (w/NADAR & Deberly) in "Meteor." It was his ONLY verified flight, lasting but 24 minutes, but it had a profound effect on his writing and life. NOTE: He reportedly (unverified/doubtful) made a flight w/E.GODDARD in 1873 from Annonay to celebrate the first Montgolfier flight.
VERRECKE, Leopold Joseph FRANCE (1840?1890) (GB)
See APPENDIX-N. Professional balloonist.
b: Belgium.
p: Circus acrobat, Trapeze artist,
f: Made more than 200 ascents by 1870.
l: Made flights in Belgium, England, France, and the USA; Was the 8th Seige balloon to land in a foreign country, to be captured by the enemy.
h: Mentioned in orders for his fine conduct at the battle of Chatillon, 19 Sep.1870; Military Medal, with citation grievously wounded." ***Epic flight 19 Dec.1870 (w/Lepinay, Julliac, Jouffryon) from Paris in "Gen.Chanzy." Flight from the Paris-Siege ended after eight hours 20 minutes in a freezing storm, only to be captured by the Prussians near Rothenberg, Barvaria. Average speed, 66 k.p.h.
r: Balloon Post of the Siege of Paris 1870-71.
VICTOR, Fred BRITAIN (1865?1930) (SM/GB)
See APPENDIX-X. Professional balloonist and B-Maker.
b: Cork; Resident of Ireland.
p: Owner of "Victor Ballooning Company" 1895.
f: Student of S.SPENCER; Made 1400 ascents by 1895.
VIDAL de Lirac, Vicomte FRANCE (1867?1930) (GB)
See APPENDIX-U/AT. Sport balloonist.
b: 28 Sep.1867 Paris.
p: Electrical engineer, Industrialist.
f: First B-Flight 1904 with BAUDRY in "La Belle Helene."
m: Aero Club du Sud-Ouest (FM), Secretary General.
r: l'Aerophile May-1907.
VIELLARD, Guy FRANCE (1935? (HB)
See APPENDIX- (B)/F. Sport balloonist 1970-80 era.
l: Flew in Afghanistan (date unconfirmed) with TARZI. ***Epic flight 20 Mar.1976 (w/D.SABLIERE & TARZI) from Chinon. After a successful 1-hour flight, he landed in a confined area with considerable impact. He fell out of the basket as a fuel valve ruptured, but grabbed a trailing rope as the gas ignited. Both passengers died in the resulting explosion, and he suffered serious burns.
r: The Aerostat, Jun.1976.
a: Sur la Vigne; F-90120 Mezire.
VIENAIME, Maurice FRANCE (1868?1930) (GB)
See APPENDIX-AT. Sport balloonist 1910-15 era.
b: 17 Sep.1868 Nugent.
f: First B-Flight 16 Jul.1898 (w/VAULX). ***Epic flight ?? May 1913 (w/SCHNEIDER & SENOUQUE) on a record altitude flight to 34,000'. FIRST aeronauts to take pictures of each other while in flight.
VILLARS, Arnaud de FRANCE (1960? (GB/HB)
f: French certified B-Instructor (Bio-data unknown).
a: 14 Ave.du Mont Valerin; F-92210 St.Cloud.
VILETTE, AndreGiroud de FRANCE (18??-19??) (HP/HB)
See APPENDIX-A. Sport aeronaut. (Bio-data unknown)
***Epic ascent (see ROZIER) to 100 meters over France. Wrote a newspaper article shortly thereafter espousing the use of military observation balloons.
r: A.Topping archives.
VILLEY, Thierry FRANCE (1960? (GB/HB)
See APPENDIX-BJ/BN. Sport balloonist. (Bio-data unknown)
p: Medical Doctor.
l: Participated in Modern G-Bennett B-Races 1979,80,81,82,83,84.
f: French Designated B-Pilot Examiner.
a: 41 Rue de l'Eglise; F-75015 Paris.
VILMAR, Fred Moss USA #-1093 (1917- (GB)
See APPENDIX-AR. Military Balloonist. (Bio-data unknown)
b: 3 Jan.1917 Cleveland, OH (Resident).
s: Officer in the U.S.Navy; Balloon & Airship pilot; Stationed at NAS-Lakehurst and NAS-Pensacola.
f: FAI-ACA B-License #1093 issued 12 Jan.1942.
r: USN-files.
VINSON, Julien FRANCE (1843?1900) (GB)
b: 1843. Scientific balloonist. (Bio-data unknown) ***Epic flight 29 Mar.1875 (w/ GODARD & Senamand). Details unknown.
VIOLA, Essie (F) USA (1876?1930) (SM)
See APPENDIX-L/S. Professional Balloonist.
Stage name: Queen of American Aeronauts.
b: 1876. Resident of San Francisco, CA.
l: Toured Australia 1895, California in 1896. ***Epic flight 14 Apr.1895 from Gymple NSW (Australia). Balloon caught fire on ascent. Pilot released the parachute with great difficulty. The parachute also caught fire, but she was not seriously injured.
r: Metro Ocean (Victoria, BC) 15 Apr.1895.
VIVAS, Dom Francisco SPAIN (1900- (GB)
See APPENDIX-AV. Military balloonist.
Son of balloonist Pedro.
b: 20 Aug.1900 Madrid. Son & Grandson of famous Generals.
e: Spanish Mil.Academy, Engineering-1920.
s: Officer in the Spanish Army, Retired General.
p: Minister of Aeronautics; Outstanding aeronautical career; Director of Spanish Insurance Company 1985.
f: First B-Flight 1920; made 10 balloon flights in lifetime; FAI-Spanish Aero Club B-License issued 1921; Started flying airplanes in 1921.
h: 1977, Tissandier Diploma.
r: Personal interview Jul.1985.
VIVAS-Vich, Pedro SPAIN (1858-1938) (GB)
See APPENDIX-AV. Military balloonist.
Son of famous General, Father of balloonist Francisco.
b: 1858 Igiulda (Barcelona);
d: Mar.1938 Madrid; Died while hiding in the Norwegian Embassy during the Civil War.
e: Spanish Military Academy.
s: Officer in the Spanish Army, Retired General; First Commander of the Spanish Balloon Corps, 1896.
f: First Spanish B-Flight 20 Jan.1901 with MOLAS from Guadalajara; Received B-Training in Austria, France, & Germany pre-1900; Received FAI-Spanish B-License #1; Made 25 B-Flights in career; Airship and Airplane Pilot; Pilot of airship"Espana"1912; Received Airplane training w/W.WRIGHT; crashed 1 Mar.1909.
l: Wrote the first aviation (aerostation) rules in Spain.
h: Credited with being the "Founder of Modern Spanish Aviation"; Statue erected in his honor 5Km. from Barcelona.
m: Augsburger B-Club ***Epic flight 30 Aug.1905 (w/BERSON) from Guadalajara in "Jupiter." Scientific flight (details unknown) landed in Burgos.
r: Dom Francisco Vivas interview Jul.1985.
VIZZARD, Peter Damien AUSTRALIA (1945- (GB/HB)
See APPENDIX-BO/Bw/BX/W. Professional balloonist & B-Maker.
b: 28 Nov.1945 Sydney; Husband of balloonists #1=Joanne Delescanto, #2=Married in a balloon to #2.
e: Sydney University, 1962; Sydney Teachers College, 1965.
p: Preacher; Producer of TV commercials and documentaries; Teacher of mathematics and science; Photographer; Professional balloonist since 1974; Production & Quality control Mgr.of "The Balloon Works"1973-75; Owner & Operator of "Montgolfier Balloons Ltd."; Major shareholder & Manager of Thunder & Colt-USA, 1994.
f: First B-Flight 1966 (self taught) from Canowindra; Australian B-License issued 1973; also licensed in U.K. & USA; B-Pilot flight examiner; First gas B-Flight 1980; More than 2000 B-Hours by 1983; Airplane pilot.
l: Designed, constructed, and flew own balloons 1966-72; Participated in World HB-Championships 1973,75,77,& 81; Participated in World Gas-Championships 1976 & 80; FIRST to fly a balloon in New Caledonia (1987).
m: Australian Ballooning Federation (FM), First President-1975; BFA; ABAC; BBAC; Airship Assoc.of the United Kingdom; ***Epic flight Oct.1972. First to establish official B-records for Altitude, distance, and Duration, in Australia. ***Epic flight Oct.1973 (w/Weallans, +2 Aviation Officials) from Canturburu Plains (Christchurch). First flight of a modern hot-air balloon in New Zealand.
r: Bio-Data Sp.1983.
VLEMINKX, Albert BELGIUM (1880?1940) (GB)
See APPENDIX-AH/AV/CH. Sport balloonist.
l: Pilot in the G-Bennett B-Races of 1909 & 1913; Instructor on 19 flights w/ DEMUYTER by 1921.
r: BuA p159.
VOGT, Leo GERMANY (1880?1940) (GB/KB)
See APPENDIX-AH/AU/CH. Military & Sport balloonist.
s: Officer in the German Army B-Corps; Lieutenant & Adjutant-1910; Served at Sarrburg & Lothringen.
m: Berliner, Breisgau, Niederrheinscher, & Oberrheinischen B-Clubs; Kaiserlicher Aero-Club.
l: Pilot in the G-Bennett B-Races of 1910 & 11.
r: FuA p159.
VOLCKENING, Lloyd Irwin USA #-646 (1897?1970) (GB)
See APPENDIX-AR. Military balloonist.
b: 11 Oct.1897 Brooklin, MA; Res.of New Jersey 1969.
e: Columbia University AB:1918, LLB-1922 (Phi Delta Theta).
s: Officer in the U.S.Navy 1917-21; Naval Aviator #1582.
p: Attorney, Business executive, Ivers-Lee Company.
f: Balloon & Airship training at Akron & NAS-Pensacola; FAI-ACA B-License #646 issued 24 Jul.1918.
a: 140 Forest Ave; Glen Ridge, NJ.
r: Contact Profiles p409.
von BAHR, Bijorn SWEDEN (1940? (Bio-data unknown) (HB)
von ESCHWEGE, Rudolf GERMANY (1895?1917) K (HP)
b: Bulgaria. Nickname: Bjelomorssko Orel (Eagle of the Aegean Sea).
s: Officer in the German Army Air Corps; Airplane pilot in WW-1, Albatross D-III. ***Epic flight 20 Nov.1917 from Drama (France). Attacking a British Kite balloon with a D-III, he was surprised to death that it contained 500 pounds of high explosives.
r: The Balloonatics p.118.
von HOFFMAN, Albert USA (1864-1931) (GB)
See APPENDIX-AI/AH. Sport balloonist.
b: Feb.1864 Vienna Austria;
d: 1 Feb.1931 St.Louis, MO; Emigrated from Vienna to USA 1884; Resident of St.Louis 1905+; Father of famous balloonist "Bernard."
p: Electrician for the Milwaukee Electric Railway; Founder of the "Von Hoffman Press" book publishers (printed the first Telephone Directories in the Mid-USA). Made several fortunes, and lost most.
l: 1912, 13, & 14, Aide (to J/BERRY) in the G-Bennett B-Race.
von HOFFMAN, Bernard USA #-888 (1900?1970) (GB)
See APPENDIX-AI/AR. Sport balloonist.
Son of balloonist Albert.
b: 3 Nov.1900 St.Louis, MO; Resident of St.Louis MO.
p: President of the "Von Hoffman Press" book publishers; Director of publishing empire in later life.
s: Officer in the U.S.Army B-Corps 1917-19.
f: FAI-ACA B-License #888 issued 14 Jul.1920.
l: 1919, Aide (to P.McCULLOUGH) in the U.S.National B-Race; 1920, Pilot (w/W.HILLER) in the U.S.National B-Race; 1921, Pilot (w/H.MUELLER) in the U.S.National B-Race.
von HOFSTEN, Gustaf SWEDEN #=10 (1880?1960) (GB)
See APPENDIX-AV. Sport balloonist.
b: 1880.
p: Businessman; Manager of Stockholm Airport 1923+.
f: First B-Flight Jul.1905; FAI-SAK B-License #10 issued 23 May 1908.
l: Holder of Swedish endurance record of 33:20 since 1910.
r: H.Ackerstedt files.
vonPOHL, Freiherr Gustav GER (see POHL)
vonPHUL, Sylvester Louis USA (see PHUL)
von THADEN, Herbert USA #-986 (1898?1965) (GB)
See APPENDIX-AI/AR. Sport & Military aeronaut.
Husband of famous aviatrix "Louise McPherson."
b: 21 Feb.1898, Chicago, IL.
e: Univ. of Cincinnati, 1917; Mass. Institute of Tech.,ME-1921; Studied aeronautics in England, France, & Germany.
p: Aeronautical Engineer, Airship designer, 1922-32.
s: U.S. Army Air Service, Airplane pilot.
f: Sport balloonist, 1920-30 era; Airplane pilot since 1916, FAI expert aviator #219; FAI-ACA B-License #986 issued 24 Aug.1923.
l: 1923,24,&25, Participated in U.S. National B-Races; 1925, Winner of Detroit Balloon race; Established U.S.Nat. distance & duration A-3 class records.
r: Who's Who of Aeronautics-1928.
VONWILLER, Alfredo ITALY (1880?1960) (GB)
See APPENDIX-AH/AT/AV. Sport balloonist 1900-10 era. (Bio-Data unknown).
l: Early automobilist; Pilot in 1906 G-Bennett B-Race; Made many epic balloon flights.
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