-W-
WADE, Jeptha Homer II USA #- 15 (1857-1926) (GB)
See APPENDIX-AF/AH/AI/AR/CH. Sport balloonist 1908-10 era.
Nickname: John; philanthropist-sportsman; Grandson of AT&T founder with same name.
b: 15 Oct.1857 Cleveland, OH;
d: 6 Mar.1926 Thomasville, GA.
e: Masters degree in Art, Western Reserve University.
p: President of American Telephone & Telegraph Company 1876; President of banks, railroads, real-estate, & mining companies.
f: First B-Flight 1907 (age 50) with Leo STEVENS; Second flight 8 Aug.1908 with A.MORGAN; FAI-ACA B-License #15 issued 1909; Estimated 10-15 Balloon hours.
l: Participated in U.S, National B-Races 1909, 10, 11, & 22; Reportedly inherited $30 million from his father; Served as executive of 45 companies at one time; Amassed a great art collection by 1920; Established a trust fund giving the Cleveland Art Museum $30,000 per year.
m: Aero Club of America.
a: Family home still in N.E.Cleveland "Heights" area.
r: NT-29 Aug.20 (VI) p9:1, 7 Mar.26 p10:2 (T); Encyclopedia of Cleveland History, p1021; Family archives at Western Reserve Historical Society, Cleveland
WAGAND, A. GERMANY (1870?1930) (HB)
l: Sport Gas balloonist; Designed and flew two different hot air balloons, using pressurized kerosene.
WALIGUNDA, Robert Leroy USA (1945? (HB)
See APPENDIX-BI/BL. Professional balloonist. (Bio-data unknown)
e: University unknown, Springfield. MA.
p: Owner of B-Enterprises, Princeton, NJ; Raven / Aerostar Balloon dealer; Repair Station.
f: First B-Flight 1965 (date & w/who unknown).
l: Co-Author (w/L.Sheehan) of: "Great American Balloon Book"; Director of "Great American B-Races (Philadelphia); Staged balloon portions of Woody Allen movies.
m: BFA Life member since 1970. ***Epic flight early 1970's from a barge off San Francisco (CA) over the Golden Gate Bridge. ***Epic flight early 1970s from the North Rim. FIRST to cross the Grand Canyon by balloon. Flew from the North to South rim. NOTE: see J.Wingad-1978 for first crossing South to North. ***Epic flight early 1970s (details unknown). Landed in the Gulf of Mexico. ***Epic flight early 1970s (details unknown) Experienced burner flame-out in flight. Lost 3 fingers in the superpressure fan while trying to relight the burner.
a: Sky Manor Airport Box-54, Pittstown, NJ 08867.
r: Publishers Weekly 9 Oct.1981p6.
WALISON, Rulicky USA (1845?1900) (SB/GB)
See APPENDIX-L/S. Professional balloonist. (Bio-data incomplete)
p: Acrobat, Trapeze artist; Taught C.& E.MYERS to fly; Worked a short time for them.
f: Made many spectacular ascents in his career.
r: M.Lynch archives.
WALKER, B.F. USA (1875?1930) (GB)
p: Doctor of Medicine.
f: First solo B-Flight 13 May 1911 from Stockton, CA.
l: Sport balloonist 1910-15 era.
WALLACE, John Michael USA (1950? (HB/GB)
See APPENDIX-CT. Sport balloonist 1910-15 era. (Bio-data unknown)
Father and Husband of balloonists.
s: Civilian volunteer in wartime Vietnam;
p: Licensed Attorney, and Mechanical Engineer; Partner in Commercial Real Estate firm.
f: Unlimited FAA B-License; Level-5 Proficient, PAAP-1990; Early flight history unknown; BFA-Master Instructor, 1990; More than 400 (200 in Gas) B-Hours by 1994.
l: BFA-Safety Counselor; FAA Accident Prevention Counselor; BFA-Link Program Instructor; 1988-91, B-Meister, Springfield (MA) B-Classic; 1990, BFA points leader for both Gas and Hot-Air; 1990-91, G.Bennett B-Race Competitor; Fund raiser for Massachusetts "Special Olympics"; Organizer of the Springfield/Columbus Day Gas B-Race.
m: BFA since 1985, Pres.1993-4, and 95-7, Gas balloon division.
h: Vietnamese Service Medal; Purple Heart; Winker-Cup Champion, 1990.
a: Res.of Springfield, MA. ***Epic flight Sep.1991 (w/R.Sanez) from Lech, Austria in "Spirit of Springfield." Launched in the G-Bennett B-Race, the flight reached an altitude of 11,360', and lasted 10:13. Landing near Yugoslavia after covering 292.2 Km.
r: Skylines, Aug.91; BM-Win.91p17; BFA-Director press release.
WALLACE, Michael USA (1945? (GB/HB)
See APPENDIX- Sport Balloonist (Bio-Data unknown)
s: U.S.Army, Helicopter Pilot, Vietnam service.
f: More than 400 Thermal, 200 Gas hours aloft by 1994.
l: BFA Master Instructor; Competitor in many National & World Gas Balloon events.
m: BFA, President-1995-96
a: Longmeadow, MA; 413/567-0659.
r: BM-Holiday 1995p4.
WALLACE, Richard Sheldon USA (1937- (HB)
b: 20 June 1937 Santa Monica, CA.
e: SC/TC SW-Law School.
f: First B-Flight 1979 from ABQ w/John Lancaster; FAA B-License 1980; licensed airplane pilot; More than 1000 hours by 2000; owner of two balloons. Father of two balloonists. Very active blimp pilot; owner of two thermal airships. Served on many BFA committees.
a: Santa Monica, CA.
r: Pers. Interview.
WALLACE, Samuel USA (1800?1850) (GB)
See APPENDIX-S. Name sometimes misspelled "Wallis."
p: Worked for ELLIOT; Balloon partner with H.F. PARKER.
f: Made one recorded flight. ***Epic flight 1834 (w/STANLEY) from Norfolk, VA. Overweight balloon barely cleared the spectators and hovered over a stream close by. Both aeronauts jumped out of the balloon (which was lost) and waded ashore. They were met by the angry crowd and were severely beaten for their ineptitude.
r: Norfolk Beacon 13 Sep.1834.
WALLINGTON, John AUSTRALIA (1956- (HB/GB)
See APPENDIX-BF Professional Balloonist (Bio-Data unknown)
p: Owner/operator of Balloons Aloft, Canberra.
f: B-Instructor 1987.
l: Australian B-Champion. ***Epic flight (1994?). First to fly nonstop across Australia (2480 miles/4000 Km. in 40 hours).
h: 1994 Montgolfier Diploma.
r: (5/98) http://www.remax.com. balloons/
WALLING, Ezrom S. USA #-600 (1895?1970) (GB)
See APPENDIX-AR. Military balloonist. (Bio-Data unknown)
b: 18 Nov.1895 Keyport, NJ.
s: Officer in the U.S.Navy; Naval Aviator #2755; Balloon & airship pilot & instructor; Executive Officer of NAS-Tillamook (Lt.Cmdr) 1943.
f: FAI-ACA B-License #600 issued 1 May 1918.
r: USN-files.
r: Contact Profiles p514.
WALSH, Charles T. USA #- 17 (1865?1930) (GB)
See APPENDIX-AF/AI/AR. Professional balloonist. (Bio-Data unknown)
NOTE: Credits not to be confused with Chs.Francis Walsh, the famous airplane pilot of the 1908-12 era.
b: 1865?, France.
p: Professional balloonist pre-1906; Chief Clerk for Westchester Light Company, post 1906.
f: Early B-Training in France; Licensed by the Academy of Aeronautics of Paris; B-Instructor for the ACA 1906; FAI-ACA B-License issued 1909.
m: Aero Club of New England (Pittsfield, MA).
a: Res. of Mt. Vernon, & Kingston, NY.
WALTERS, Lawrence Richard USA (1949-1993) (GB)
b: 19 Apr.1949 Illinois;
d: 6 Oct.1993 Idle Hour Campground, CA; Angeles National Forest (self inflicted gunshot inside his tent); Buried in Forest Lawn Cemetery, Hollywood Hills, CA.
s: Military service (#546806145) 1969-75.
p: Truck driver.
l: Volunteer Ranger for the U.S. Forest Service at time of death.
f: No previous or subsequent balloon instruction. ***Epic flight, 2 July 1982 from San Pedro, CA "Inspiration-I." Four -cluster aerostat consisted of 43 weather sounding balloons of one meter diameter. Helium balloons (costing $109) were attached to a lawn-chair gondola, by a 40' cable. Flight from the front yard of his girl-friends*house, went as high as 16,000' (in a busy airline corridor), and lasted 1:30. Descent was made by shooting out one balloon at a time with a pistol. Landed in power lines, but survived without injuries. Was fined $1500 by Federal Aviation authorities for "disrupting air navigation."
a: (1982)*1633 West 7th St.; San Pedro, CA 90732; (1985) 11104 Aqua Vista; Studio City, CA 91602. (1993)Mother=Hazel Dunham; 28286 Zaraza; Mission Viejo,CA 92692.
r: L.A.Times-3 Jul.1982; BM-J/A.1982/43; Air Progress May 1983; FAA-Archives (Neal Savoy); L.A.Times-9 Oct.1993pA22 (T); Air Progress May 1993 p24; L.A.County Death Certificate.
WARD, Warren Albert USA (1859-1906) K (SM)
See APPENDIX-B/L. Professional Balloonist
Nickname Bert.
b: 1859 Iowa, Son of a carpenter,
d: June 1906 Monroe, SD.
p: Mercantile store owner in Kimball, SD before 1888; Professional smoke balloonist.
f: First B-Ascent from Kemball, SD 1888; Successful 18 year career covered Iowa, Minnesota, and the Dakota Territories.
l: Considered meticulous and absolutely fearless; His assistants were considered gentlemen at all times. ***Epic ascent 1906 at the Old Settlers Picnic in Monroe, SD. As the balloon ascended, his parachute became entangled in a telephone wire. The wires were separated from the pole insulators but remained intact. When Bert reached an altitude of about 70', the unbroken wire jerked him from his restraints and he died on impact of a broken neck.
r: W.A.Ward scrapbook, Augustana College, Sioux Falls, SD; Kimball Graphic, 13 June 1906.
WARD, Lot R. (Sr.) USA #-435 (1896-1953) (GB)
See APPENDIX-AR. Military balloonist.
----- Credits sometimes confused with w/Edward R.Ward Jr. -----
b: 13 May 1896, Fennington, NJ;
d: 2 Apr.1953 Interlaken, NJ.
e: Princeton University.
s: Officer in the U.S. Army Balloon Corps 1917-19; Staff Officer to General Macarthur 1942-46.
p: Owner of a plumbing supply firm; Mayor of Interlaken.
r: NT-3 Apr.1953 p23c2 (T).
WARD, Mabel (F) USA (1880?1902) K (SM)
See APPENDIX-B. Professional balloonist.
***Epic flight 15 Jul.1902 from Milford, MA. Taking lessons from Prof. HILLMAN, she ascended near Lake Hoag. She let go of the trapeze at 200' and broke both arms and legs, jaw and collarbone, and was not expected to survive the night.
WARNER, G.A. USA (1860?1920) (GB)
See APPENDIX-S. Professional balloonist 1880-95 era.
***Epic flight 13 Sep.1883 from Pittsburgh, PA. Launched seated on a trapeze attached to a basket. Last seen hanging by his toes, ascending out of sight. Balloon burst at an est. 8000', but the envelope inverted in the net and "parachuted." Landing with considerable impact. but the pilot was unhurt.
r: NT-14 Sep.1883/5/2.
WARREN, Edward USA (1771?1820) (GB)
See APPENDIX-F. Sport aeronaut.
b: 1771, Baltimore, MD. ***Epic flight 24 June 1784 (at age 13) From Bladensburg, MD. The owner of the balloon (CARNES) was the intended pilot. But due to insufficient lift, he persuaded Edward to make the flight. He became the local hero for his success, as Carnes had a previous record of failures in show business. NOTE: Some accounts refer to this as a "tethered" ascent.
r: Maryland Journal & Baltimore Advertiser 25 June 1784.
WARREN, Jane (F) USA (1810?1860) (GB)
See APPENDIX-S. FIRST professional American Woman Pilot.
f: Student of MITCHEL; became his partner after her first flight (received 10-minutes instruction before first flight); Made several flights later that year. ***Epic flight 14 Sep.1837 from Baltimore, MD. Launch from the Fairmont Garden was delayed due to the overweight of the intended pilot (MITCHEL). Jane volunteered, and as the crowd was getting unruly, Mitchel agreed. She was launched after 10-minutes instruction, and landed safely after a 2-hour flight. ***Epic flight 17 Sep.1837 (w/Mitchel & a Negro) from Baltimore. Landed in Chesapeake Bay.
r: Boston weekly Magazine 18 Sep.1837.
WARREN, J. William USA (1870?1930) (GB)
See APPENDIX-L/S. Professional balloonist 1893-94 era.
Second husband of CAREY-WARREN.
r: Evening Telegraph 9 July 1895.
WARREN, Kenneth Williams USA #-997 (1902?1970) (GB)
See APPENDIX-AR. Sport balloonist
b: 13 Jun.1902 Newark, NJ.
e: Stevens Institute of Technology, ME-1923.
p: Engineer on the Glen Angle metal clad airship in Detroit; Engineer of radial aircraft engine for Detroit Aircraft (later Continental) in 1927.
f: FAI-ACA B-License #997 issued Sep.1926.
r: Who's Who in Aeronautics-1928.
WARRING, W.I. USA (1885?1950) (SM)
See APPENDIX-L. Professional balloonist 1905-10 era.
***Epic flight 7 Sep.1908 (w/BLAGGI) from San Francisco, CA. Just at the launch signal, Blaggi (on a dare from his girlfriend) ran and grabbed a handling line. The pilot continued the flight as planned, released with his parachute at 6000', and landed safely. Blaggi returned to town two hours later.
r: NT-8 Sep.1908p1:5.
WARTSCHER, Joseph GERMANY (1860?1930) (GB)
s: Officer in the German Army Artillery; Commander of the German Army Balloon Corps.
f: Made 60 ascents in Germany pre-1906; First U.S. flight 30 May 1906.
l: Personal friend of Dr.J.THOMAS. ***Epic flight 30 May 1906 from Luna Park (Coney Island, NY). Intimidated into making a flight after 7-days of delay, the balloon was still too heavy for the gas volume, so the pilot discarded the basket, ballast, and life preserver, and flew in the rigging. He landed in Jamaica Bay and became entangled in the valve line, by the throat. He was rescued by fishermen, almost drowned, frozen, and dragged to death, but recovered consciousness after two hours.
r: NT-31 May 1906p1:1.
WASIRO, Tara JAPAN (1870?1930) (GB)
m: President of the Tokyo B-Club; Bio-Data unknown.
r: Spokesman Review 10 May 1908.
WATEAU, Andre FRANCE (1883-1946) (GB)
See APPENDIX-AT. Military balloonist.
p: Officer in French Army, 1912-32; Mobilized as General in charge of aviation, 1939.
f: First B-Flight 1907; FAI B-License 7 June 1912. m: Member of the French Aero Club since 1908; Vice President of FAI 1936-46.
WATTERLOW, C.M. ENGLAND #*18 (1870?1917) (GB)
See APPENDIX-AS. Military balloonist 1905-10 era.
Nickname Tim.
s: Officer in the British Royal Engineers; Captain-1911; Transferred to the RNAS as Lt.Col. in 1915; Commander of Wormwood Airship Training 1916.
f: Balloon (#18) and Airship (#3) License #3 issued 14 Feb.1911. ***Epic flight 1917 from Cramwell. Airship rose suddenly with Tim hanging on to the side. He eventually lost his grip and fell to his death.
r: Royal Aeroclub files.
WATTERS, Thomas C. USA #-1094 (1915- (GB)
See APPENDIX-AR. Military balloonist.
b: 19 Dec.1915 Akron, OH.
e: Univ.of Akron, BBA.
s: Officer in the U.S.Army Res.1937-40, First Lt.; Officer in the U.S.Navy 1940-54, Airship pilot; Retired Lt.Cmdr. in 1954.
p: Goodyear Aerospace Co, Personnel Manager, Ret.
f: Received B-Training 1942 at Lakehurst, NJ; First B-Solo Sep.1942 from Lakehurst NAS; Flew Hydrogen & Helium gas balloons; FAI-ACA B-License #1094 issued 7 Aug.1945; Airplane pilot; Flew all types of Navy Airships (L,G,T,C,K, & M); CAA/FAA Pilot license # 727374 issued 8 Dec.1946. ***Epic event 15 Sep.1945 (w/1500 aircrewmen) at Richmond NAS (South Miami, FL). All personnel took refuge in the concrete stairwells of the blimp hangars during the approach of a hurricane. Unknown to them, the hangars burned to the ground, and it was not realized until after it had passed. All blimps supporting equipment, and personal items were lost, and never replaced. NOTE: the old Naval facility is now the site of the Miami Zoo and railroad Museum.
r: Bio-Data-1988.
WATTS, George D. USA (1897-1922) K (GB)
See APPENDIX-C? Military balloonist 1919-21 era.
s: Officer in the U.S.Army B-Corps, Capt. in 1922.
f: Balloon & Airship pilot (in airship training at time of death); Completed B-Training at Ft.Ross, CA 1921; Military Brevet, No FAI-ACA B-License issued. ***Epic flight 1921 from Pasadena (Ft.Ross) CA. Balloon encountered severe wind currents as it climbed to 15000'. Pilot released to much gas, and had to parachute from 2000' to avoid crash landing. ***Epic flight 21 Feb.1922 (see MABRY). Killed in crash of "Roma."
r: NT-23 Feb.1922p1&2.
WATTS, John W. USA #- 46 (1873?1930) (GB)
See APPENDIX-AH/AI/AR. Sport balloonist 1912-15 era.
b: 1873 Kansas City, MO
p: Mechanic/electrician; Building Manager.
f: FAI-ACA B-License #46 issued 1913. ***Epic flight 11 Nov.1912 w/A.ATHERHOLT) from Stuggart (GER) in "Dusseldorf-2." Flying in the G-Bennett B-Race, they landed near Pskow (Russia). They were arrested and imprisoned as spies because the balloon registration on the Russian visa did not coincide with the balloon presented. They were released after 5 days with diplomatic intervention.
a: Resident of Kansas City, MO;
WEBB, W.W. USA (1880?1940) (GB)
See Appendix-AH/CH. Sport balloonist. (Bio-data unknown)
f: No FAI balloon license issued.
l: Participant in the G-Bennett B-Race.
a: Resident of Topeka, KA.
r: Check Topeka newspapers.
WEBER., Robert C. USA (1895?1970) (GB/KB)
b: Cuyahoga Falls.
s: Officer in the U.S.Navy, Balloon & Airship Pilot.
f: Received flight training at NAS-Pensacola & NAS-Lakehurst; First B-Flight 9 Apr.1913; Served as a shipboard Kite Balloonist; Flew as pilot of the USN's first airship (DN-1); Served as crewman on most Navy rigid airships.
NOTE: His personal notes indicate that US-Navy Aviation at the commencement of WW-1 (Apr.1917) consisted of 48 Officers, 239 enlisted men, 54 airplanes, 3 kite balloons, and 1 Airship.
r: BF-V12 #7 p7.
WEBSTER, Roy Wayne USA (1961-1992) K (HB)
See APPENDIX-B. Sport balloonist. (bio-data unavailable)
b: 17 Sep.1962.
d: 5 Jul.1992 Tampa, FL (age 30).
f: Early training unknown; Instructor was Ray Smith; FAA-Commercial license #264615020, issued 3 Jul,1992 (only two days before accident) by C.ROUSE; One year experience; Had about 43 hours total at time of death. l: Owner of Raven S60-230 (N4037Q).
h: His ashes were sprinkled over his favorite flying area by his fellow aeronauts. ***Epic flight 5 Jul.1992 (w/Jeff Paul & son Jarrod) in a B-Rally at Pt.Sable Park (Dover / Tampa, FL). The pilot made a normal landing after a successful flight, let his two passengers out safely, and started his deflation. Balloon contacted powerlines, arcing from the deflation line to the top of his head, and out his toe. He died instantly.
a: 7960 103rd St #907; Jacksonville, FL 32210.
r: Tampa Tribune 6 Jul.1992; D.Buckingham, T.Hamilton archives. NTSB report MIA92LA145, (Jacksonville) Florida-Times-Union.
WEEKS, Harold E. USA #-851 (1885?1940) (GB)
See Appendix-AH/AR/CH. Military * Sport balloonist. (Bio-data unknown)
b: 23 Aug.1885 Greenville, NJ.
s: Officer in the U.S.Army Balloon Corps.
f: FAI-ACA B-License #851 issued 20 Aug.1919.
l: Aide in the 1920 G-Bennett B-Race.
r: ACA records.
WEGENER, Alfred GERMANY (1880-1931) (GB)
See APPENDIX-AU. Scientific balloonist.
Brother of balloonist Kurt.
b: 1 Nov.1880 Marburg.
d: 1931 (Artic).
p: Science professor at Berlin University; Geophysist, Meteorologist, Artic explorer.
m: Berliner, Frankfurter, and Hessischer Balloon Clubs.
l: Died of exposure in Northern Greenland while on a scientific expedition. Newspapers gave it great coverage. ***Epic flight 7 Apr.1906 from Berlin. Crossed the Jutland sea at night, landing safely near Aschaffenburg.
r: NT-Nov.1930-31, multi issues.
WEGENER, Kurt GERMANY (1890?1940) (GB)
See APPENDIX-D/AU/AZ. Scientific balloonist.
Brother, Father, and Grandfather of balloonists.
b: 3 Apr.1878 Berlin.
s: Officer in the German Army, 3rd Grenadier regiment.
p: Professor of Meteorology at Gratz University; Director of Observatory in Apia Samoa in later life.
f: German B-License issued 30 May 1905.
l: Crossed the English Channel 3-times by balloon; Conducted search if Artic for his brother in 1931-32; Found his body, and his diary.
f: Berliner, Frankfurter, and Hessischer Balloon Clubs.
m: German Aero Club.
r: Daily Telegraph 14 Apr.1906. ***Epic flight 5-7 Apr.1906 (w/Brother) from Reinckendorf (Berlin). Landed near Laufach (Wismar) after 52.5 hours aloft, establishing a new absolute world record. (See VAULX, 41 hours-1901) ***Epic flight 11 Apr.1907 (w/A.R.Koch) from Berlin. Landed at Leichester England after covering 812 miles in 20:10 hours. ***Epic flight 25 Sept.1933 (w/1-pax) from Dortmund, Germany. Flew all night in fog across the North Sea. Landed early in the morning on Berwick Beach England, in the middle of a British Naval exercise.
r: NT-10 Jul.1931p7:2, 17 Jan.1932p5:1.
a: Resident of Dursburg.
r: FuA p163.
WEILLAT, Jean FRANCE (1880?1930) (GB)
p: Professional balloonist; Resident of Paris. ***Epic flight 2 Aug.1903 (w/Henry Duchateau & 2 lions) from Roubaix. The escaping gas rendered Henri and the lions unconscious, but they were revived after landing. Jean rode on top of the gondola.
r: Daily Express 4 Aug.1903.
WEINLING (Family) ENGLAND (1880-1890) (HP)
Mrs.Weinling, elder son Fred, daughters Mary Anne, Eugene, & Willie.
p: Balloon makers for the British Army at Chatham School of Military Aeronautics; Made all of the balloons for the British Government from the Fall of 1882 to 1890.
r: Aeronautics in Great Britain.
WELLBORNE, Starnes H. USA (1895-1973) (SM)
See APPENDIX-L, Professional balloonist 1920-30 era.
Last recorded Smoke Balloon ascent 1930 from Houston Texas. r. Science & Invention Feb. 1931.
WELLMAN, Walter USA (1858-1934) (HP)
see APPENDIX-I. Aeronaut 1895-1915 era.
b: 3 Nov.1858, Mentor, OH.
d: 31 Jan.1934 New York City.
e: Michigan Public Schools.
p: Reporter, Author, Publisher.
p: Journalist, Newspaper reporter & publisher; Started own newspaper at age 14 (in Sutton, NB); Amassed a great fortune in the publishing business.
f: Reportedly made four free-balloon ascents:
#1= 1 Feb.1906 with F.LAHM;
#2= 21 Feb.1906 with H.HERSEY & L.GODARD.
#3= 10 May 1906 with F.LAHM in "N.Y.Herald";
Last flight 12 Oct.1910 in an airship (happy to survive).
l: Balloon & Airship enthusiast, 1905-10 era; Caribbean explorer 1892, Found and established exact point of Columbus's arrival in the Americas (Watling/San Salvador Island); Arctic explorer 1894 (to 80D.North), 1899 (to 82D.North); Made two attempts (1907 & 09) to reach the N.Pole by airship; Author of "Aerial Age" and many aeronautical articles.
m: Ohio Balloon Club (FM); Explorers Club; Royal Geographical Society. ***Epic flight 12 Oct. 1910 (w/6-crewmen) from Atlantic City (NJ) in airship "America." First attempt at TransAtlantic crossing by a powered LTA vehicle. Engine malfunctioned soon after launch, and crew was rescued by a passing ship after drifting for two days.
r: The Aerial Age; NT-1 Feb.1934p19:1 (T); W.Wellman and His Airship America.
WELLS, Harold R. USA #-884 (1889?1960) (KB/GB)
See APPENDIX-AR. Military balloonist.
b: 16 May 1889 Wellsville, NY.
e: Univ.of Michigan, MS-1915; Mass.Institute of Tech, AeE-1926.
s: Officer in the U.S. Army Air Corps 1920; Colonel in 1942.
f: Received B-Training 1920, Airship-1923; FAI-ACA B-License #884 issued 23 Jun.1920.
r: Who's Who in Aviation 1942-43.
WELLS, John USA (1816-1890) (GB)
See APPENDIX-L/S. Professional balloonist. (Bio-data unknown)
***Epic flight 1 Feb.1896 from Dunellon, FL. Launched in a light breeze, he was swept out over the Gulf of Mexico. Pilot floundered in the water for 50 hours before rescue. NOTE: Records indicate a "PEREZ" was lost at sea under similar circumstances about the same date. See P.SPENCER for similar mystery.
r: The Inquirer 2 Feb.1896.
WELLS, Richard USA (1832-1890) (HB)
See APPENDIX-S. Professional balloonist. (Bio-data incomplete)
Resident of Savannah, GA.
b: 1832 England.
d: 1890 Savannah, GA.
f: First recorded flight 15 Feb.1858 from New Orleans, LA. ***Epic flight 7 Mar.1860 from Savannah, GA. Launched his alcohol fired hot-air balloon in a strong wind, from a residential area. It hit a building in initial climb, and knocked the pilot over the side of the basket. He clung to the side until he could drop down onto a roof and climbed down safely. The large crowd of viewers did not see him drop onto the roof, but saw the balloon consume itself and assumed the pilot was killed.
WELLS, Rufus, Gibbon USA (1816-1896) (SM/GB)
See APPENDIX-F/L/S/T. Aeronaut extraordinaire.
b: 1816, England;
d: 3 Aug.1896; Emigrated to the USA about 1820; Resident of London 1860; Paris 1870; St.Louis, MO 1890.
p: Professional balloonist, 1864-80 era. Flew Worldwide in: Argentina, Australia Brazil Burma
Canada China Denmark Egypt England
France Hawaii India Italy Indonesia
Japan Mexico S.America? Spain USA (others unverified)
f: First B-Flight 1856 with E.GODARD; Student of GODARD; Made about 400 ascents by 1890, 500 in his lifetime; Flew in gas, Hot-Air, Smoke, and Solar balloons; Claimed 60 ascents in Mexico; Flew in Hawaii 1879.
l: Aeronautics lecturer and author; Crossed the Apennines Mountain Range; 1870, Built an airship for the French government; Was to be used by the military to lift the siege of Metz. ***Epic flight 15 Feb.1858 from New Orleans, LA. Launched in a three balloon race (against A.MORAT & S.SMITH). His aerostat, using vaporized alcohol*, ascended to 800-1000', then started an accelerated descent, crashing onto a rooftop. The house was owned by Mr.Rawlings, who subsequently sued the City for damages caused by the crowd. ***Epic flight 23 Jun.1864 (w/Antonio Premazzi) from the Plaza da Mayo (Buenos Aires). A handling line caught Antonios leg on launch, but both aeronauts landed safely. ***Epic flight 1869 from Vatican City (Rome, Italy). Hot-Air balloon reportedly did not carry a heat source, stayed aloft 4-hours on "solar power" alone. (see E.VERDIER-1853, T.BARNES-1972). ***Epic flight 1869 from Vatican City (Rome, Italy). Received special permission from the Pope Pius-IX to make the flight, provided he not display any National flag. Wells created an international incident by defying the order, and subsequently was asked to leave the country.
r: Scientific American 21 Jul.1855.
r: St.Louis Post-Dispatch 1 Aug.1897/20; Sitios de Volacion. NOTE: *the source quotes using "vaporized" alcohol, and that the vapor "condensed at 800'," precipitating the crash. It is assumed that the balloon used alcohol for a thermal source, and may have been the FIRST use of a pressurized gas. See F.ZAMBECCARI-1803 (unpressurized alcohol).
WELSH, John ENGLAND (1800?1859) (HP)
d: 1859, London.
p: Scientist/physicist for the Kew Observatory.
m: Member of the British Academy of Sciences. ***Epic flight 1836 (w/GREEN) from London. Made scientific calculations of altitude as 22,930' (-25.5C).
WELSH, Thomas USA (1942- (HB)
See APPENDIX- (B) Professional balloonist (Bio-data unknown)
b: 1942 (age 54 reported at time of accident).
p: B-Pilot for "Get Carried Away" (owned by Mark Taylor) in Scottsdale, AZ.
f: First B-Flight 1976; Commercial B-License #[redacted]; 1765 B-Hours, 67 in previous 90 days. ***Epic flight 15 Apr.1996 (w/8 pax) from N.Phoenix, AZ. The balloon N608SC (Cameron-210-5458) encountered a wind shift on landing and the basket ended upside down, with a broken fuel fitting. The resulting conflagration killed one pax (foreign woman, age 25, died on 28 Apr.) and injured most of the others (one with 65% burns). NOTE: Balloon was sold to Welsh by Bob Romanschi and reportedly was not reregistered. Preliminary report indicates that she inhaled propane vapor that subsequently ignited in her lungs. NTSB Preliminary report indicates that she inhaled propane vapor that subsequently ignited in her lungs.
a: 20330 N.. 110th Dr; Sun City, AZ 85373; 602/566-3279.
r: Phoenix Sun 16 Apr.96 p1; B-Life May 96 p8; NTSB#LAX96FA169; Corbell archives.
WELZANT, George Philip USA #-723 (1892-1955) (GB)
See APPENDIX-AR. Military balloonist.
b: 20 Apr.1892 Baltimore, MD;
d: 8 Jul.1955 Baltimore, MD.
e: Univ.of Maryland, LLB-1921.
p: Lawyer, Asst. District Attorney.
s: Officer in the U.S.Navy 1918-21; Naval Aviator #1994.
f: Balloon & Airship training at Akron & NAS-Pensacola; FAI-ACA B-License #723 issued 13 Nov.1918.
r: Contact Profiles p498.
WERMUTH, Eugene Francis USA (1890?1940) (GB/KB)
b: Germany; Resident of Boston, MA.
s: Officer in U.S.Army 1917-18 (commissioned 13 Nov.1917); Received B-Training at Ft.Omaha, NB. Assigned 4th B-Company; Received B-Observation training with French at Valahon; First combat ascent 16 Jun.1917.
r: The Balloonatics, p151. NOTE: He was arrested on the battlefield, convicted (30 Mar.1919) as a German spy, and incarcerated at Ft.Leavenworth, KA. Charges were that he used a signal mirror in the balloon to pass messages to the enemy. He reportedly was an KB-Officer in the German Army previous to immigration to the USA.
r: C.HERBERT archives.
r: Haul-Down, Ease-Off; Ft.Leavenworth archives-1983.
WERNSIND, Harry USA (1891?1912) (SM/GB)
See APPENDIX-L. Professional balloonist.
b: 1891 Homestead, NJ.
p: Acrobat, Tightrope walker, Trick bicycle rider.
f: Made four ascents in his career. ***Epic flight 14 Sep.1912 from Union Hill, NJ. Ascent and descent were normal. But a strong wind dashed him against a schoolhouse (the same one he attended as a boy) on landing. He lost his grip on the trapeze, and fell 3-stories. His recovery was not expected, but unknown.
r: NT-15 Sep.1912p10:3.
WESTBROOK, T.H. USA (1828-1862) K (GB)
See APPENDIX-B/S. Professional balloonist. (Bio-data unknown)
b: 1828. ***Epic flight 4 Jul.1862 from Sparta, OH. Balloon burst at 350' and the aeronaut died of impact injuries.
r: Scientific American 3 Aug.1862.
WESTON, George USA (1875?1920) (SM/GB)
See APPENDIX-L/S. Sport balloonist.
b: 1876 Ohio;
d: 23 Oct.1932 Westfield, NJ.
p: Treasurer of the Wells-Fargo Company in San Francisco & S.America; Vice Pres.of the American Express Co. at the time of death.
f: First recorded flight 12 Aug.1894 from Sonora, CA.
m: F&AM; Echo Lake Country Club. ***Epic flight 10 May 1895 from Santa Rosa, CA. Balloon insufficiently inflated, skimmed rooftops. The pilot jumped onto a roof as he passed over. The aeronaut was rescued, but the balloon was lost.
r: San Francisco Chronicle 11 May 1895; NT-24 Oct.1932p15:3 (T).
WESTON, John Leslie BRITAIN #*38 (1883?1940) (GB)
See APPENDIX-AS. Military balloonist. (Bio-data unknown)
b: 28 Jan.1882 Barnwood.
e: Clifton College.
l: Golf, shooting. m. Military Club.
s: Officer in British Army Boer War, 1900-10; Staff officer WW-1.
f: FAI-RAC Airship (#23) and Balloon (#38) issued 3 Feb,1914.
r: Who's Who 1930.
WESTOVER, Oscar USA #-957 (1883?1942) K (GB)
See APPENDIX-AH/AI/AR. Aeronaut extraordinaire.
b: 23 July 1883, Bay City, MI;
d: 21 Sep.1938 Burbank, CA; Died in the crash of a new fighter airplane.
e: West Point Military Academy, 1910 (enlisted as Private in 1904).
p: Officer in U.S.Army 1910-38, Lt.Gen.; Chief of Balloon & Airship Operations to 1935; Chief of Army Air Corps 24 Dec.1935; Director of Army Air Service at time of death.
f: Completed Balloon & Airship training March 1921; Airplanes 1924.
l: Participated in many Sport balloon events, 1922-32 era; 1922, Winner of U.S.National B-Race; 1922, Placed 6th in G-Bennett B-Race.
h: Air Force base in Utah named in his honor. ***Epic/historic flights too numerous to list; Pioneer in many domestic and overseas flights; Outstanding career in military aviation.
r: NT-22 Sep.1938p1:4 (T).
WHELLAN, J.A. ENGLAND (1843-1893) K (GB)
See APPENDIX-B/X. Professional balloonist 1883-93 era.
b: 1843 Huddersfield.
d: 25 Aug.1893 Shrewsbury.
f: Made 313 ascents in lifetime. ***Epic flight 23 Aug.1893 from Shrewsbury. Descending after a successful flight, the balloon hit the ground with considerable impact. The pilot was impaled on his anchor, and died several days later of his injuries.
r: PYA-Scrapbook; London Standard 24 & 28 Aug.1893.
WHERITT, Russell USA #-1007 (1889?1950) (GB)
See APPENDIX-AH/AR/CH. Professional aeronaut. (bio-data unknown)
b: 30 Dec.1889 Cincinnati, OH; Resident of Detroit.
p: Airship pilot for Goodyear.
f: FAI-ACA B-License #1007 issued 18 Aug.1927.
l: Aide in 1928 G-Bennett B-Race.
r: ACA files.
WHITE, F.H. USA (1875?1925) (GB)
m: North Adams B-Club; ACA. Sport balloonist 1907 era.
f: First recorded flight 29 Nov.1907 (solo) from N.Adams to Fitchberg, MA. Covered 74 miles in 4:12.
WHITE, George Crosby USA #-547 (1895-1943) (GB)
See APPENDIX-AR. Military balloonist 1918-20 era.
b: 26 Dec.1895 New York, NY;
d: 5 Sep.1943 Long Island, NY.
e: Harvard, 1918; Father of prominent airplane pilot.
s: Officer in the U.S.Army B-Corps 1918-20.
p: Stockbroker, Partner in "Watson & Company; Member of the New York Stock Exchange; FAI-ACA B-License # 547 issued 3 Apr.1918.
m: Dachshund Club of America (Pres); Racket & Tennis Club; Holland Masonic Lodge.
r: NT-6 Sep.1943/18/2 (T).
WHITE, Henry C. USA #-890 (1875?1950) (KB/GB)
See APPENDIX-AR. Military balloonist.
b: 30 May 1875 Cleveland, OH.
s: Cavalry Officer in the Spanish-American War of 1898; Officer in the U.S.Army B-Corps; Commander of 6th Army B-Corps.
f: FIA-ACA B-License #890 issued 21 Jul.1920.
a: 1864 E.73rd Street, Cleveland, OH.
r: The Balloon Section.
WHITEHORSE, William Fitzhugh USA #- 25 (1876-1955) (GB)
See APPENDIX-AH/AR. Military balloonist 1918-19 era.
Brother of aeronaut "Henry"; Grandson of Episcopal Bishop.
b: 1876 Elmhurst, IL;
d: 27 May 1955 Newport, RI.
e: Yale University, 1899, Skull & Crossbones.
s: Officer in the U.S.Army B-Corps 1918-20, Major.
p: Member of the New York Stock Exchange 1904; Prominent state Senator; President of a Gambling Casino.
f: Student of A.L.STEVENS; First B-flight 1904; First recorded B-Solo 6 Apr.1908 from N.Adams, MA; FAI-ACA B-License #25 issued 1910.
l: Hunted big-game in Africa.
h: Honorary head of the Boy Scouts of America (see BOYCE).
m: North Adams B-Club; Military Order of World Wars; NY.Yacht Club; Republican Club, Pres.1924-55; F&AM; Shrine. ***Epic flight 2 Jul.1907. Injured his leg jumping from the basket.
r: NT-28 May 1955p15/3 (T).
WHITEHOUSE, William E. USA (1892?1970) (GB)
b: 10 Nov.1892 Omaha, NB. Military balloonist.
e: Oregon Agriculture College, BS-1915; Iowa State, MS-1920.
s: Officer in the U.S. Army, Balloon & Airship Instructor.
p: Nursery Business; Resident of Des Moines, IA.
f: Military brevet, No FAI license.
r: Aviation Mag.1921.
WHITEHOUSE, William P. USA (1892?1970) (GB)
Military balloonist. (Bio-Data unknown).
s: Officer in the U.S.NAVY, Balloon & Airship Pilot & Instructor; Graduated in FIRST USN-LTA class at Goodyear-Akron (1917).
f: Military brevet, No FAI license; Helped organize the USN-LTA base at Pembroeuf, France Nov.1917. r: Kite Balloons to Airships.
WHITMAR, Angus P. USA (1886-1970) (SM)
See APPENDIX-S. Smoke Balloonist 1910-25 era.
b: 7 Sep.1886 Elwood IA.
d: 4 Jun.1970 DeWitt, IA (age 84).
p: Farmer in DeWitt 74 years; Part time balloonist.
f: Training & career unknown.
l: Made a limited number of ascents in East Iowa and West Illinois.
h: Picture hanging in "Happy Joes" restaurant in DeWitt; Survived by son (Frank), a grandson, and 4 great-grandchildren.
r: Mrs.Elmer Luckutz-Clinton County Historical Society; P.O. Box 3135; Clinton, IA 52732-3135.
WHITNEY, King USA #-362 (1896-1964) (GB)
See APPENDIX-AR. Military balloonist 1918-19 era.
b: 14 Sep.1896 Buffalo, NY.
d: 20 Jan.1964 Millenbec, VA.
e: Cornell University, 1917.
s: Officer in the U.S.Army, served in the Mexican-American War of 1915; B-Corps 1917-19.
p: Newspaper Reporter, Copywriter, Salesman, Executive.
f: FAI-ACA B-License #362 issued 13 Feb.1918.
r: NT-6 Sep.1943p18:2 (T).
WHITTLE, George V. USA (1893?1969) (GB)
See APPENDIX-AR. Military balloonist.
b: 14 Feb.1893 New York, NY.
d: 11 Feb.1969 Toms River, NJ.
s: Officer in the U.S.NAVY, Balloon & Airship Pilot & Instructor; Assistant to T.SETTLE on Akron & Macon airships; Commissioned Captain 12 Nov.1942.
p: Balloon & Airship designer, Goodyear-Akron.
f: Military aeronaut brevet, FAI-ACA B-license issued 4 May 1927 with no number.
h: Buried at Arlington Cemetery.
r: Kite Balloons to Airships; USN-files.
WIDDICOMBE, Richard W. USA (1918- (GB)
See APPENDIX-AO. Military Aeronaut.
b: 5 Dec.1918 Mahwah, NJ.
e: George Washington Univ., Political Science 2.5 years; Naval College, MA-1948 Military Science.
p: Officer in U.S.Navy airships 1937-64, Ret.Lt.Cmdr 1964; Goodyear airship pilot 1964-83, Ret.Chief Pilot.
f: First Balloon Flight Aug.1940 from Lakehurst, NJ; First B-Solo 1946; Instructor Balloon & Airships 1946; First Airship Flight Jul.1940 from Lakehurst, NJ; More than 17000 LTA (70 gas balloons), +3000 airplane by 1987.
h: Credited with personally training more LTA pilots than any other man in history (to 1991, see J.A.BOETTNER for previous).
m: Naval Airship Association; Wingfoot LTA Society. ***Epic flight Jul.1960 (w/3-pax) from Lakehurst, NJ. After a normal launch, the flight headed East over open Sea. Pilot descended and found an onshore breeze that allowed him to make an uneventful landing back on the base of departure.
a: Knoxville, TN.
r: Interview Nov.1987.
WIEDERKEHR, Denise (F) USA (1957- (HB)
See APPENDIX-BB/BC/BR/BU/BX. Professional Aeronaut.
b: 29 Jul.1957 Milwaukee, WI. Daughter of balloonist Matt.
p: Professional Balloon & Airship pilot; Airline Pilot.
f: Received early B-Training from father; BFA-Master Instructor; Designated FAA B-Pilot Examiner GL-14-50.
l: 1974, Est.FAI-Distance record for AX-6 class (366.99 Km); 1975, Est.FAI-Duration record for AX-6 class (11:10:00).
m: BFA.
h: BFA-Pilot Achievement Award.
a: Golden, CO
r: NAA; BFA-files.
WIEDERKEHR, Donna (F) USA (1960- (HB)
See APPENDIX-BA/BB/BC. Professional aeronaut.
b: 15 Mar.1960 Milwaukee, WI. Daughter of balloonist Matt.
p: Professional Balloon & Airship pilot.
f: Received early B-Training from father.
l: 1975, Est.FAI-Altitude record for AX-2 class (595 Mt); 1975, Est.FAI-Distance record for AX-2 class (18.01 Km); 1975, Est.FAI-Distance record for AX-3 class (18.01 Km); 1975, Est.FAI-Altitude record for AX-1 class (2:40:00); 1975, Est.FAI-Altitude record for AX-2 class (2:40:00); 1975, Est.FAI-Altitude record for AX-3 class (2:40:00).
m: Balloon Federation of America.
a: 1988: 13121 Chowen Ave. "S"; Minneapolis,MN; 612/929-2502.
r: NAA; BFA-files.
WIEDERKEHR, Matt USA (1930? (HB)
See APPENDIX-BB/BC/BI/BK/BR. (Bio-Data incomeplete)
Father of balloonists Denise & Donna.
p: Engineer for 3M Corp; Professional Balloon & Airship pilot.
f: Designated FAA B-Pilot Examiner.
l: 1969-Pres, Participated in most Winter Carnival B-Races; 1971 & 2, Placed 10th in U.S.National Hot-Air B-Championships; 1972, Est.FAI-Distance record for AX-6 to 9 class (316.58 Km); 1972, Est.FAI-Duration record for AX-6 class (8:48:00); 1973, Est.FAI-Distance record for AX-4 & 5 class (137.48 Km); 1973, Est.FAI-Duration record for AX-4 & 5 class (5:05:55); 1973, Est.FAI-Duration record for AX-7-10 class (16:16:00); 1974, Est.FAI-Distance record for AX-7 class (542.71 Km).
m: Balloon Federation of America.
a: 1988: 1604 Euclid St.; St.Paul, MN 55106; 612/774-5208.
r: NAA; BFA-files.
WIENER, Larry USA (1960? (HB)
See APPENDIX- (B). (Bio-data unknown)
Res.of Redondo Beach, CA 11/91.
p: Professional balloonist/Bungee-Jump Instructor; Owner/operator of "The Ultimate Jump, Inc." of Redondo Beach, CA.
f: B-Experience unk.; reportedly had 20 hours; FAA-Student Pilot license only.
l: Owner of Thunder & Colt-77 balloon. ***Epic ascent 27 Oct.1991 (w/Hal M.Irish) at Perris Airport, CA. Hal Irish made a normal "bungee-jump" from the balloon at an estimated height of 200'. Unfortunately, the demonstration ended on the recoil, when his feet disengaged, and he fell 60'. He died of his injuries about 60 minutes later. NOTE: Hal Irish (age 29, of La Marada, CA) also held an FAA-Student pilot license. This was his 20th jump in his 6-month career. They were NOT members of the North American Bungee Association (NABA), and were not insured.
r: Albuquerque (NM) Journal 28 Oct.91; BL-Nov.1991p9.
WIGGINS, Ralph Curtis USA (1912- (SM)
See APPENDIX-L. Professional balloonist.
b: 29 Nov.1912 San Jacinto, CA.
e: Eleven years formal education.
p: Smoke Balloonist, Stuntman, Parachutist, Parachute Inspector, Flight Test mechanic.
f: First ascent in a tethered gas balloon 6 May 1946; FAA B-License 15 Dec.1947 (Witnessed by Jim Dewey); Made about 55 B-Jumps in his lifetime, all from a trapeze. ***Epic ascent 6 May 1946 (and parachute descent) for the movie "Gallant Journey" by Columbia Pictures. Film was made on the life of "John MONTGOMERY."
r: Personal interview.
WILBUR, ? USA (1841?1871) K (GB)
See APPENDIX-B/L/S. Professional balloonist, 1862-71 era.
f: First B-Flight 1862 from Lyons, IN; Made 43rd flight in 1867 in "Ad Astra." ***Epic flight September 1871 (w/Knapp) from Paoli, IN. Pilot became entangled in the suspension lines on a premature launch caused by a gust of wind. Passenger jumped free at a low altitude, and survived. Wilbur lost his grip trying to climb into the basket, and fell from a considerable height, dying on impact.
r: Day's Doings 21 Oct.1871.
WILCOX, James USA (did not exist) (HP)
See APPENDIX-A. Imaginary aeronaut.
p: Carpenter.
f: Reportedly made an ascent in London.
l: Falsely reported as making the first balloon flight in USA; 38 days after the D'ROZIER flight. ***Epic hoax flight 28 Dec.1783 (as reported by RITTENHOUSE & Hopkinson to the British press) from the Philosophical Academy in Philadelphia. Wilcox was supposedly paid $50 to test a tethered aircraft made of 28 small hydrogen balloons. The tether line broke, and James made a 10 minute free-flight, landing at Schuylkill.
r: Journal de Paris, 1784.
r: Wonderful B-Ascents, F.Marion, 1870/p88).
WILD, Horace B. USA #- 40 (1879-1940) (SM/GB)
See APPENDIX-L/S/AH/AR. Aeronaut Extraordinaire.
Son of a British balloonist and Indian mother.
b: 1879, Hillsdale, IL.
d: 24 Jul.1940 New York, NY.
e: Little formal education; Considered an expert mechanic.
p: Professional balloon & airship pilot & builder; Worked for T.S. BALDWIN as a smoke balloonist 1883-89; Built & flew his own balloons & airships after 1889; Built and operated White Amusement Park (Chicago, IL) 1905; Airship pilot 1903-05; Airplane pilot 1908-20; Electrical Engineer in later life.
f: 1889, First ascent in a tethered kite (4 July, Hindsdale, IL); 1883, First ascent in a smoke-balloon for T.S.BALDWIN; 1902, First ascent in a glider; 1903, First flight in a gas balloon; 1905, First flight in an airship; 1910, First flight in an airplane (10 May); 1911, Received FAI-ACA Airship License #3; FAI-ACA B-License #40 issued 1911; Over 4000 hours in 1400 flights of all aircraft in lifetime.
l: Made many daring exploits in all kinds of aircraft; Flew in Canada & Europe; 40 year flying career; Mechanic & helper of WRIGHT Brothers & Octave Chanute; 1905, Made $47,000 on B-Exhibitions (spent it all on airships); Built 14 airships in his career; 1908-33, Made first auto-launched glider flight (Harris Hill,VT); First to make an international airship flight (to Canada).
m: Chicago Aero Club, Charter Member-1909. ***Epic flight 10 Jun.1902 (w/4-pax) from Long Beach, CA. The steel cable of the captive balloon broke after T.S.BALDWIN parachuted from the basket. It quickly climbed to 12,600' and drifted 14 miles out over the bay. Wild used great skill in maneuvering the balloon to a safe landing over land.
r: Popular Science Monthly-Jan.1931/40; NT-25 Jul.1940/17/1 (T).
WILDT, Willy GERMANY (1903-1973) (GB)
b: 18 Jan.1903 Bremen.
d: 27 Jul.1973 Bremen.
p: Textile manufacturer, Fabric designer & decorator.
f: First B-Flight early 1930's; Last flight (#59) 1964; German B-License #344 issued 10 Feb.1935 by R.SCHUTZE; Reissued as #5 11 May 1951; German Government B-Pilot examiner (Bitterfeld) since 1930's.
l: Credited with reviving the sport of ballooning in Post-War Germany. Participated in B-Competitions in Belgium, Germany, Netherlands, and Switzerland; Assembled an extensive collection of Balloon-Mail.
h: Bernard Brickwedde Gold Medal-1972.
m: Bitterfelder & German Nat.B-Clubs (Pre-1940).
r: BM-Au.1973p33; Freiballonfurher und Anwarter p166.
h: German Aero Club Silver Sport Badge-1952; Gold Badge-1956.
WILKE, David USA (1880?1940) (SM/GB)
p: Professional balloonist, 1900-1905 era; Worked for MONTGOMERY in Santa Clara, CA.
WILKINSON, G.K. USA (1895?1921) K (GB)
See Appendix-B. Military balloonist.
b: Houston, TX.
d: 22 Mar.1921 Gulf of Mexico.
s: Officer in the U.S.Navy, Balloon instructor. ***Epic flight 22 Mar.1921 (w/Eland, Kershaw, Elder, & Trefey) from Pensacola, FL. Flight ended in the Gulf of Mexico. Balloon was retrieved 9 Apr. by a passing fishing boat. Bodies were
never recovered.
r: NT-10 Apr.1921/1/2.
WILLIAMS, Arthur Phillip BRITAIN (1870?1920) (GB)
l: Sport balloonist; Protegee of G.BREWER.
f: First recorded flight 22 Nov.1898; Last recorded ascent 1902. ***Epic flight 22 Nov.1898 (w/Darby) from London. Pilot elected to make a rapid landing in lieu of crossing the English Channel. Darby fell out of the basket on landing and suffered severe injuries. Williams abandoned it also, and the balloon was later recovered from Spain.
WILLIAMS, Chs.David USA #-581 (1896?1960) (GB)
See APPENDIX-AR. Military aeronaut
b: 23 Apr.1896 Cleveland, OH.
e: M.I.T. -1922.
s: Officer in the U.S.Navy, Balloon & Airship pilot & Instructor; Received training at Goodyear-Akron.
p: Engineer for Aircraft Development Corp.
f: FAI-ACA B-License #581 issued 10 Nov.1918; Airplane pilot.
m: Detroit Flying Club, president.
r: Who's Who of Aeronautics-1928 p128.
WILLIAMS, Charles W. USA (1860?1888) K (SM)
See APPENDIX-B/ (B)/L/S. Semi-Professional balloonist.
d: 26 Sep.1888 Ottawa Canada; Resident of Cincinnati, OH. ***Epic flight 17 Sep.1883 from Toronto Canada. Landed in Lake Ontario and almost drowned before rescue. ***Epic flight 20 Jul.1887 from Cincinnati, OH. Launched from a smoke balloon, he descended in a parachute-basket released with a modified pruning shears. Parachute-basket oscillated 45 degrees on descent, but the pilot landed safely. ***Epic flight 26 Feb.1888 (w/Tom Wensley) from Ottawa Canada. Balloon launched from the grounds of the "Ottawa Exhibition" was marred by tragedy. Wensley was carried aloft on a handling line, and fell to his death. ***Epic flight 26 Sep.1888 from Ottawa Canada. Balloon caught fire in flight, and the pilot died of resulting injuries.
r: Toronto Mail 18 Sep.1883; Ottawa Free Press 27 Sep.1888.
WILLIAMS, Crispin BRITAIN (1945? (HB)
See APPENDIX-BO (9). Professional aeronaut. (Bio-data unknown)
Outstanding Sport balloonist; Husband of balloonist, Sarat.
p: Engineer for Cameron Balloons.
l: Placed second in 1985 World HB-Championships.
WILLIAMS, George USA (1890-1915) K (SM)
See APPENDIX-B/L. Professional balloonist.
b: Indiana. ***Epic flight 2? Aug.1915 from Ft.Wayne, IN. Ascent was normal, but the aeronaut released himself from his parachute harness, to preclude landing in a forest, and died of his injuries.
r: NT-28 Aug.1915/5/4.
WILLIAMS, H.L. USA (1870?1930) (GB)
l: Reportedly flew a motorized balloon (w/2-propellers) called "Airship Flamingo" from Sturgis to Wauerson, Michigan on 9 Jul.1898.
r: Classic American Airposts p79.
WILLIAMS, Randolph P. USA #-1085 (1898?1970) (KB/GB)
See APPENDIX-AN/AR. Military balloonist.
b: 31 Oct.1898 Baltimore, MD.
e: U.S.Military Academy, MS-1918; Mass. Institute of Tech, 1930.
f: Balloon & Airship Schools 1926; Airplanes-1932; FAI-ACA B-License #1085 issued 28 May 1935.
l: Colaborated w/ANDERSON & STEVENS on their stratosphere attempts.
r: Who's Who in Aviation 1942-43.
WILLIAMS, Robert J. USA #- 226 (1895?1970) (GB)
See APPENDIX-AR. Military balloonist.
b: 24 Sep.1895 Quincy.
s: Officer in the U.S.Navy 1917-1919; Recalled 1942; Commander of NAS-Lakehurst 15 Mar.1944.
f: Balloon & Airship Pilot & Instructor.
f: FAI-ACA B-License #226 issued 28 Nov.1917.
r: USN-files.
WILLIAMS, Thomas Blenheim BRITAIN #*78 (1892-1980) (KB/GB)
See APPENDIX-AS. Military Aeronaut.
b: 15 Jan.1892.
d: 2 Jan.1980 New Quay. Res.of Canada 1923-25.
s: Officer in the Royal Navy; Balloon observer, Free balloon & Airship pilot.
f: First B-Flight 18 Jan.1916 from Hurlingham with POLLOCK (+F.Puller, F.Elliot, W.Nichols); First B-Night flight 20 Apr.1916 from Hurlingham; FAI-RAC B-License #78 issued 8 May 1916; Airship pilot #28; Last B-Flight 16 Jun.1974 with J.NOTT; First airship flight 28 Feb.1916; last in GZ-20 1978; Pilot of Royal Navy blimps numbers SS-14,15,22,25,31, & 36.
l: Wireless operator for MAITLAND; Collaborated w/D.CAMERON on construction of the DG-19 airship.
h: BFA-Hon.Life; LTAS-Hon.Life; BBAC-Pres.of Western Region. ***Epic flight 28 Oct.1918 (see G.MEAGAR) from Rome to Pulham England in Airship SR-1.
r: My Airship Flights p107; RAF-Herndon files, original logbooks; BF-M/J 1980p12..
WILLIAMSON, William USA (1870?1930) (SM)
See APPENDIX-L/S. Professional balloonist.
Resident of New Haven, CT.
p: Smoke balloonist for "El Dorads Park." ***Epic flight 2 Aug.1893 from New York City. Ascent & descent were normal, but he landed on a roof and fell to the ground. He was not expected to live, but made another recorded flight 16 Aug.1894 from Rockaway Beach, NY.
WILLIS, John FRANCE (1940? (GB)
See APPENDIX-BJ/BQ/BN. Sport balloonist.
Applied for British Citizenship 1984.
f: First B-Flight 1967; French B-Pilot license # 01-11-0005-74 issued 1974; More than 250 Gas B-Hours by 1984; Balloon instructor.
l: 1979, Winner of "Classic Balloon Trophy; 1980, Participated in Modern G-Bennett B-Race; 1981, Participated in Modern G-Bennett B-Race; 1983, Winner of "Vainquer des Championnats"; 1983, Organizer of G-Bennett B-Race.
m: Aerostatique de France, President.
a: 8 bis, Villa Souchier; F-75016 Paris; (1)504-4847.
WILLOUGHBY, Hugh L. USA (1860?1920) (GB)
See APPENDIX-AF. Sport balloonist.
f: No record of any FAI certificates.
l: 1905-09, LTA enthusiast; 1907-17, HTA enthusiast.
m: ACA (FM)
WILLOWS, Ernest Thompson ENGLAND (1886-1926) K (GB)
See APPENDIX-B/AG/AS. Professional aeronaut.
Resident of Cardiff; Known as the "Father of British Airships."
b: 1886 Cardiff.
d: 3 Aug.1926 Bedford.
e: Little education; No technical education.
p: Dental Surgeon.
p: Professional balloon & airship builder & Pilot, 1905-25 era; Suffered entire career with inadequate financing.
f: FAI B-License #19 issued 14 Feb.1911; Airship license #4.
l: 1910, First person cross the English Channel by aieship; Built & flew 5 Airships 1905-15.
r: NT-8-Aug.1910/2/2; Successfully built & flew the "City of Cardiff" (Willows-II) in 1909. First airship to use swiveling propellers; Made many innovations in keel, suspension, & mooring design. ***Epic flight 1910 (w/?) from Blackheath (London) in "Willow II." FIRST airship crossing of the English Channel. ***Epic ascent 3 Aug.1926 (w/m&m Harbridge, m&m Crowley) at Kempston. All were killed in a captive spherical balloon, when the basket broke away from the rotten net.
r: Bedford Record, LT-4 Aug.1926 p12:b; See biography by McKinty.
WILMS, Kurt GERMANY (1895?1953) (GB)
See APPENDIX-AU. Sport balloonist.
b: 7 Apr.1895 Bitterfeld.
d: 23?Aug.1953 Bitterfeld.
p: Engineer.
f: German B-License #325 issued 8 May 1934 by R.SCHUTZE; Reissued as #63 2 Nov.1952; Licensed B-Meister #184 July 1935; Last recorded B-Flight (#35) in 1953.
r: FuA p166.
WILSON, ? USA (1860?1893) K (GB)
See APPENDIX-B. Unidentified aeronaut first name.
Made many ascents in Germany. ***Epic flight 26 Apr.1893 from Rathenow in "Columbus." Balloon ascended some distance before a tounge of flame was noticed at the top. The balloon was quickly consumed as the pilot cut the basket ropes. He crashed into the sea and was rescued by boat, but died later of burn injuries.
WILSON, James USA (1860?1900) (GB)
p: Professional balloonist for "Woodwords Garden" in San Francisco. ***Epic flight Autumn 1883 (w/G.Lamb and artist) from San Francisco. Ascended to an altitude of 16,000' before crashing near Nevada City, California.
WILSON, Robert Dunlap USA #-1030 (1909?1980) (GB)
See APPENDIX-AR. Professional aeronaut.
b: 21 Feb.1909 Indianapolis, IN.
e: Purdue University, football star.
s: Officer in the U.S.Navy, airship & balloon pilot & instructor.
p: Airship pilot for Goodyear 1930-40; Initial training at Wingfoot Lake. Rigid training at Lakehurst.
f: FAI B-License #1030 issued 27 Mar.1930. ***Epic flight 1930. Rescued 2 airplane pilots from the Atlantic Ocean.
r: BF-J/A 1984p13.
WILSON, Samuel USA (1830?1890) (HB/GB)
See APPENDIX-G/S Professional balloonist, 1850-60 era.
f: Flew a hot-air balloon in Tuscumbia, AL 10 Jul.1858.
l: 1856-7, Made several flights in the San Francisco Area; 1857, Made 7-flights in Mexico,
#1=29 Mar.from Guadalahara; #2= 5 Apr.from Aliso;
#3=14 Jun.from Mexico City; #4=21 Jun. from Mexico City;
#5= 5 Jul. from Mexico City; #6=12 Jul. from Mexico City;
#7= ? Sep. from Mexico City.
***Epic flight 14 Jun.1857 from Guadalajara, Mexico in "Montezuma." Landed a considerable distance away, and was reported lost. ***Epic flight 17 Sep.1858 from Centralia, IL. His 20 mile flight was uneventful. But giving tethered rides almost ended in tragedy (see HARVEY children).
WILTON, Austin ENGLAND (1856-1894) K (GB)
See APPENDIX-B. Professional balloonist
Stage name "Capt.Wilton.
b: 1856.
d: 25 Mar.1894 Cannes France.
r: NY-Herald 26 Mar.1894.
l: Active 1884-94 era; Made several ascents in the USA (Boston). ***Epic flight 25 Mar.1894 from Cannes France. Launched into an offshore breeze, he attempted to descend. The control valve stuck open, and he sustained a severe head injury and drowned.
WIMBLEY, (Miss) (F) USA (1860?1910) K (GB)
See APPENDIX-S. Professional balloonist.
Niece of J.WISE.
l: Made several ascents in the US East Coast 1875-80 era. ***Epic flight 4 Jul.1878 from Hammonton, NJ. Balloon was inflated in Camden (NJ) and towed 30 miles by train. Flight was made to demonstrate the safety & survivability of an in-flight fire.
r: NT-29 Jun.1878/5/2 (actual flight unverified).
WINKER, James USA (1928- (GB/HB)
See APPENDIX-BF/BI/BR/BX. Professional aeronaut.
b: 16 Dec.1928; Randall, MN.
e: Univ.of Minnesota, BS-Aero Engineering; BA-Bus. Administration.
s: U.S. Air Force, 1954-56, Major.
p: Manager Raven Industries (Mfg. of LTA products).
f: First B-Flight Oct. 1962 with Ed YOST; First B-Solo 26 May 1970 from Sioux Falls, SD. (self taught); FAA B-License 1963 (no experience req. at that time); More than 200 B-Hours, 25 Airship hours by 1983, including 3 Gas-Balloon flights totaling 9 hours.
l: 1973, Participant at World Hot-Air Championships; 1975, Test pilot of "Star" Hot-Air Airship; Flew "Star" airship in Switzerland; Participant at Munster (Germany) balloon meet; Participant in Peru "Pre-History" flight simulation; 1980, Flew at Lk.Placid (NY) opening of U.S. Winter Olympics; 1981, Co-Test pilot (w/J.Davis) of MG-1000 gas balloon; 1982, Participant at Mexico City "Gran Festival Aerostatico"; Test pilot of "Raven-Ultralight" gas balloon; NASA research grant to document 1960-90 Strato-Balloon flights; Made many trips to Russia to promote sport ballooning.
m: Amer.Inst.of Aero/Astronautics since 1968 (B & Parachute comm.); BFA Life member since 1968; LTAS, since 1969; BBAC since 1972; ABAC since 1975; Aero philatelic Federation since 1977; Air Force Assn. since 1981.
m: Shields-Trauger Award 1978; Elected "Senior Member" AIAA 1982. ***Epic flight 14 May 1975 (w/K.RUNZI) from Lucerne, Switzerland, in the "Starship" airship (N1701). Flight launched from a football stadium, carried seven sacks of mail over the Transport Museum. The hot-air airship experienced complete engine failure after 40 minutes, and "free-ballooned" about 10 Km. The ship touched a low-voltage powerline, but landed safely near the village of Buchrain.
r: Bio-form; Pers. interview.
WINTERRINGER, W.E. USA (1866?1945) (SM)
See APPENDIX-L/S.
p: Professional balloonist, 1888 to 1941 era.
b: 1866, Resident of Sioux City, IA.
f: First flight 1888; Last in 1941; More than 4000 lifetime ascents.
WINTERS, Raymond Mark CANADA (1940-1977) (HB/GB)
See APPENDIX-I. Sport balloonist. (Bio-Data unavailable)
b: 1940.
p: Actor, Movie stuntman.
f: First gas B-Flight 1951 from Britain; First recorded Hot-Air flight 6 Jul.1967, Crossed the Rocky Mountains near High River Alberta. ***Epic flight 10 Aug.1968 (w/Jerry Kostur) from Halifax, NVS. Trans-Atlantic flight ended unsuccessfully after 70 miles, in the Sea.
r: BM-Fa.1968/4 (Toronto Daily Star).
WINTHROP, George USA (1850?1876) K (GB)
See APPENDIX-B/S. Professional balloonist 1878 era.
***Epic flight 24 Sep.1876 from Paxton, IL. Balloon burst on a rapid climb to an estimated 500'. Envelope reversed in the net, but streamered at 300'. The pilot survived an impact that drove him into the ground up to his knees, but he died later of his injuries.
r: NT-25 Sep.1876.
WINZEN, Otto Christian USA (1918-1979) (GB)
See APPENDIX-BI/HP. Scientific balloonist.
Emigrated from Germany 1937; Second husband of V.SIMONS.
b: 1918 Cologne Germany;
d: 1979 (suicide).
e: University of Detroit, Engineering.
p: Research & development scientist for the U.S.Navy, Worked for General Mills Corp. & Minnesota Tool Co; Founder of Winzen Research Corp.; Makers of Strato-Balloons, Bloomington (MN) and Sulphur Springs (TX).
f: First B-Flight 19 Dec.1956 w/D.SIMMONS from Bloomington, IL; First B-Solo 30 Apr.1957 from Fleming Field, MN; FAA B-License #1386827 issued 30 Aug.1957; Trained many Military pilots, Total time in balloons 91:15.
l: Reportedly built his first Gas balloon in 1937; Owner of a traditional gas balloon "Sky-Car"; Developed polyethylene film for strato-balloons 1945-50 era.; Made the largest balloon ever built, 12 million cubic meters (423.7 million cu.ft.; Flew to 145,000' 1 Jun.1975).
m: LTAS, Honorary Life Member; FAI-CIA Delegate 1957; Participated in many strato-balloon projects, Project "Helios" for J.PICCARD; Rockoon & Stratolab; Project "Man-High" (see ROSS/PRATHER). ***Epic flight 13 Aug.1958 (w/W.Schock) from Ashland, WI in "Skycar-I." Crashed and destroyed the balloon. Noted as the last flight in his logbook as "the END."
a: 8401 Lyndale Ave; Minneapolis, MN.
r: University of Minnesota, Special collections.
WIRTH, Richard A. ENGLAND (1949-1982) K (HB)
See APPENDIX-B/BF/BL/BO Professional Aeronaut.
Original name "Andre Richard."
b: 1 July 1949, Windsor.
d: 12 Oct.1982 Albuquerque, NM.
e: Dollar Academy; Edinburgh University.
p: Architect.
p: Owner/Director of "The Hot-Air Balloon Co. (Scotland), 1971-74; Owner/Director of "Thunder Balloons Ltd." (England), 1972-82.
f: First B-Flight 17 Nov.1971 with John Gore, Tranent Scotland; First B-Solo 25 July 1972 from Hunsbete England; CAA B-License #202 with Night rating; More than 850 B-Hours in his lifetime.
l: Participated in many B-Events Worldwide; 1982, FIRST to fly a thermal airship in Brazil; 1976, Winner of British National Hot-Air Championships; Author of "Complete Guide to Riding the Wind."
m: BFA; BBAC, 1971-82, Committee Member 1977-82; BBAC Competitors Club, 1976-82, Chairman; Edinburogh B-Club.
h: Montgolfier Award, FAI-1982.
r: NT-13 Oct.1982; BM-1982. ***Epic ascent 12 Oct.1982 (w/KIRBY +4-pax) from Albuquerque, NM in "El Globo Grande." Fuel line ruptured on landing, 2-passengers survived; Wirth died in the resulting conflagration.
WISE, Charles E. USA (1836?1920) (GB)
See APPENDIX-S. Semi-Professional balloonist 1853-63.
b: 1836, Husband of balloonist "Louisa"; Son and Father of balloonists "John."
p: Participated in Civil War crew for his father16 July 1861 at Washington, DC.
f: First ascent 3 Sep.1853 from Shannondale (VA) with his father; First recorded flight 16 Aug.1859 (solo) from Lafayette, VA, in "Jupiter." Flight lasted 30 Minutes; Last recorded flight 29 Jul.1918 from Chambersburg, PA, with his son "John."
WISE, John Sr. USA (1808-1878) K (GB)
See APPENDIX-B/D/H/M/P/S. Professional balloonist 1844-75 era.
Father, & Son of balloonists.
b: 24 Feb.1808, Lancaster, PA;
d: 29 Sep.1878, Lake Michigan.
p: Pseudonym: Mons Carlincourt; Volunteered for the Union Army B-Observer Corps 18 Jul.1861; Attempted one ascent; Quit in disgust 2 Aug.1861.
f: First flight 2 May 1835 from Philadelphia (PA) to Camden, NJ; Made 479 flights in his lifetime.
l: Author of "A System of Aeronautics," 1850 (developed the theory of flowing air from West to East); Formed the "Trans-Atlantic Balloon Company," 1859; Invented the "rip-panel" for deflating gas balloons; Built & flew 150,000 Cf. "Atlantic."
h: U.S.Postage stamp issued in honor of his 17 Aug.1959. ***Epic flight 7 May 1836 from Lancaster, PA in "Meteor." The flight was uneventful, but bystanders helping to deflate the balloon ignited the escaping gas. The pilot and passengers received serious burns. ***Epic flight 19 Aug.1838 from Easton, PA. Balloon was sucked into a thunderstorm for one hour 50 minutes. Wise was thrown from the basket on a hard landing. ***Epic flight 1 July 1859 (w/LaMOUNTAIN & HYDE) from St.Louis, MO in "Atlantic." Flew Eastward at an estimated 90 mph, landing near Henderson, NY (809 miles) in 22 hours. Balloon was damaged on a hard landing in strong winds. ***Epic flight 17 Aug.1859 from Lafayette, IN. in "Jupiter." After his successful July flight, the postmaster requested him to carry a bag of 123 letters & 23 circulars to New York City. After a two hour flight, he dropped the mail bag by parachute to bystanders below. After 5 hours (and 35 miles) he landed within 50'of the mail bag. Though the flight was considered a failure, he has the distinction of carrying the first official "U.S.Airmail." NOTE: It was the FIRST mail to use U.S. Government Postage stamps. The flight was also the FIRST to transport mail by parachute. See REF-5. ***Epic flight 29 Sep.1878 (age 70, with one Geo.E.Burr). He was last seen crossing Lake Michigan in the late evening. A body, assumed to be his (not positively identified), was found later.
WISE, Louisa (F) USA (1835?1900) (GB)
See APPENDIX-S. Semi-Professional balloonist.
Wife of Charles E.
f: First flight 18 Sep.1869 with husband "Charles"; First solo flight 20 Sep.1869 from Lancaster, PA.
l: Reportedly made several "daring" flights 1875.
r: EB-29.
WITHERUP, Myron Lester USA #- 99 (1893-1977) (KB/GB)
See APPENDIX-AN/AR. Military balloonist.
b: 27 Oct.1893 Tyler, TX; Longtime resident of Franklin, PA.
d: 1977 Tyler, TX.
e: Allegheny College; Yale University; Columbia University.
p: "Wildcat Oil explorer.
r: BM-S/O.1977p32-3.
s: Officer in the U.S. Army 1915-25; Enlisted 10 Jun.1917, Commissioned 26 Oct.1917; Commander of 8th B-Company 1917; Commander of Airship Company 1919.
f: Received B-Training at Ft.Omaha (NB); Airship training England; FAI-ACA B-License #99 issued 5 Sep.1917; British Airship license #58 issued 16 May 1919.
WOELFERT, Ira GERMANY (1852-1897) K (GB)
See APPENDIX-B/U. Sport balloonist.
Name also listed: Friedrich Herman Wolfert.
b: 17 Nov.1850? (52) Thuringe;
d: 12 June 1897 Berlin.
p: Doctor of Philosophy & Theology. f: First B-Flight 1880; Sport balloonist, 1880-97 era.
l: Flew airship 1880 & crashed at Leipsic unhurt.
m: Founder of the Berlin Aeronautical society, 1882. ***Epic flight 12 June 1897 (w/Knabe, a mechanic) from Templehofer Military Field (Berlin) in "Deutschland." Aerostat, with a 5HP benzene motor, exploded in fire at 2600'. Both aeronauts died on impact.
r: aeronautical journal, July 1897; PYA-Scrapbook.
WOESSNER, Paul USA (1952- (GB/HB)
See APPENDIX-BJ/BK/BN/BO/BY. Professional balloonist.
b: 7 Sep.1952, Chicago, IL.
e: Iowa State University, Veterinary medicine.
p: Balloon & airship pilot; Co-Founder of "Windy City Balloon Port," Barrington, IL; Dealer for Thunder-Colt LTA-products of England; Chief pilot and Director of Airship operations; Co-Owner of B-Flights of (Orlando) Florida; Director of Airship operations for Virgin lightships 1989-94.
f: First B-Flight 1 May 1972 with Wayne Shaw; Instructor C.Sevdy; First B-Solo 7 Sep.1972 from Ames Iowa; FAA B-License 17 Nov.1974; Airship license 1989; Airplane pilot; bought first balloon from T.OERMAN; More than 120 B-Hours by 1983.
l: 1974, Placed third in Albuquerque B-Fiesta; 1974, Placed third in Bahamas to Florida B-Race; 1976, Placed fourth in U.S.Nat. Hot-Air Championships; 1977, Winner of World Hot-Air B-Championships (York ENG); 1978, Unofficial altitude record in "Solar balloon (13,500'); 1979, Winner of World Hot-Air B-Championships (SWE); 1979, Flew (Co-designed w/S.CUTTER) Thermal Airship; 1981, Placed third in G-Bennett B-Race; 1981, Winner of "Great Forest Park" B-Race; 1991, Served as Flight Controller for the LINDSTROM-BRANSON Transpacific flight.
m: BFA, Safety Chairman; LTAS.
h: BFA Presidents Award,1980; Albuquerque Sports Hall of Fame, 1978. ***Epic flight 17 Jan.1975 (w/S.NEWLANDER) from Pal Waukee, WI. FIRST to cross Lake Michigan by hot-air balloon, landing in Michigan after covering 105 Sm. (85 over water) in 3-hours 18 minutes.
r: BL-Jul.1991p52. Epic flight 25 Oct.1990 (w/C.FOSTER) from Dallas (TX) in "Miller Lite." Flight in a GA-42 airship established an FAI-distance record of 378.12 miles, and an altitude of 6750'.
r: BL-Dec.1990p6; Bio-Data 1983, S.Newlander archives.
WOHLER, Karmen Goosey (F) USA (1950? (HB)
See APPENDIX- (B). Sport balloonist. (Bio-data unknown)
p: Licensed Registered Nurse.
f: B-License #[redacted]; 44.3 TT at time of accident.
l: Co-owner (w/sister) of B-Works F7B-062 balloon (N3605G). ***Epic flight 8 Jun.1991 (w/Mrs.McGrath) from Kansas City, MO. After an uneventful 30 minute evening flight, she made a safe landing near Greenwood (MO) to change passengers. She asked Mrs. McGrath's husband, Michael, to pull her to a better position. A gust of wind forced the balloon aloft again, and Mike lost his grip at about 65'. He died of his impact injuries.
a: 1315 NE Depot Dr; Lee's Summit, MO 64063; 816/525-0787.
r: BL-Aug.1991p8; NTSB-Report CHI91LA183.
WOLCOTT, Charles USA (1864?1900) (SM)
See Appendix-L/S/CS. Professional balloonist.
b: 1864.
p: Circus performer: Athlete, Acrobat; Worked for G.G.Gradys Circus; Balloonist /trapeze artist; Portege of Lilian Temple; Billed as "King of the Air."
f: First balloon flight 1882 (at age 18) from New York; Used extensive fireworks on night flights. ***Epic flight 28 Oct.1895 from Vera de Cura Venezuela. Launch and release at 3500' were normal, but his parachute did not open until he was 200' above the ground. The opening shock caused the canopy to split, but it did break his fall. He suffered numerous broken bones on impact, and was trampled by a horse and the crowd. He was carried in a makeshift stretcher for 4 hours before he was put on a (12-hour ride) train to Caracas. He arrived in London for medical attention on 8 May 1896.
r: LT-9 May 1896.
WOLCOTT, Roger Lodge USA (1912- (GB/HB)
See Appendix-AK/BD/BE/BU/BY. Sport balloonist.
b: 19 May 1912, Kent, Ohio.
e: Kent State Univ., B.S.1935.
p: Teacher, Engineer (inflatable aircraft) Goodyear Aerospace Co.
f: First LTA flight (airship "Pilgrim") 27 July 1927; First B-Flight 11 Feb. 1956 (w/Ed D. LOOSEMORE); First B-Solo 2 Nov. 1956, Massillon, Ohio; FAA B-License 9 Sep. 1961 (#44764); also rated in airplanes; 107 B-Flights (most in gas balloons) by 1982; 1960, Winner of U.S. Nat. Balloon Race; 1961-71, Chief Gas Balloon instructor, N.L.T.A.S; 1972, Participant in Ohio B-Races; 1976, Pilot in Bicentennial movie "To Fly"; 1976, Pilot in Television series "Code R."
m: Balloon Flyers of Akron (FM), 1956-59 (first V.Pres.); LTAS-1952 (FM), Pres. 1952-54, 1955-57, V.Pres. 1958-61); OX-5 Aviation Pioneers, 1978; NABAAC; BFA (FM); NAABCV-#150.
h: LTAS, Honorary Life Member-1962; BFA, Honorary Life Member; 1972 Winner, Ward T.van Orman Thermal-Balloon Trophy; 1965 Winner, Richard Pollard Trophy.
r: Bio-Data June-82. ***Epic flight 12 Nov.1976 (see J.CONTOS) from Paradise Cove, CA.
a: 4796 Waterloo Rd. (RD#1); Atwater, OH 44201; 216/325-7087.
WOLF, Constance USA (1905-1994) (HB/GB)
See APPENDIX-BD/BE/BF. Sport balloonist; Aeronaut Extraordinaire.
b: 16 July 1905, Canada.
d: 14 Apr.1994 Blue Bell, PA (age 89); U.S.Citizen; Wife of retired General (Alfred L.) and Lawyer.
e: Toronto University.
p: Theatrical Agent, Retired.
f: First B-flight Summer 1951 with Fred Forrer in Switzerland; First solo B-Flight 1956. Airplane pilot since 1928; FAA B-License #1360463 issued 26 Nov.1956.
l: 1952, Participant in US-Nat. gas B-Race; 1955, Tech. advisor for film "Around the World in 80 Days"; 1961, Established woman’s endurance record in yellow Wolf" (40 hours, 8 minutes from Big Springs, Texas); 1962, Crossed Swiss Alps by balloon on August 20th (Brissago to Lake Maggiore); 1987, Flew "Liberty Bell" over Philadelphia.
m: Balloon Club of America (FM); 1952; BFA; Aircraft Owners & Pilots Assoc. (FM).
h: BFA-Honorary Life Member; LTAS-Honorary Life Member; Montgolfier Diploma-1962. ***Epic flight 24 Oct.1954 (D.PICCARD & 6-pax) from Eastern PA. Balloon envelope ruptured in-flight at about 4200' and inverted in the net. all aeronauts survived, Connie & Piccard with minor injuries. ***Epic flight 10 Jan.1976 from (downtown) Philadelphia, PA. Flight in a gas balloon for the American Bicentennial commemoration of the 1896 flight made by J.BLANCHARD.
a: Resident of Blue Bell, PA (airport).
r: BM-Sp. 1976 p54c6; NAA; Women in Aviation; Tel-Con.Dec.82, Pers.Interview 1986; BL-Jul.1987, Oct.1987, May 1994p9 (T); BF-J/A 1994 p11 (T).
WOLLAM, Carl K. USA #-388 (1893?1960) (GB)
See APPENDIX-AH/AI/AN/AR. Sport balloonist, 1920-30 era.
b: 10 Feb.1893, St.Clair, OH;
d: Early 1960's.
e: Liverpool Public Schools.
p: R & D Engineer, Aero sales, for Goodyear; Balloon & Airship test pilot, 1915-20; Founded "Wollam Aircraft & Marine Co." 1928.
f: First flight in home-made glider, 1909; FAI-Airship license; B-Instructor at Wingfoot-Akron, 1917-20; FAI-ACA Balloon License #388 issued 20 Feb.1918.
l: Participated in the U.S. National B-Races 1924-28 era.
h: Litchfield Medal for distinguished service at Goodyear. ***Epic flight 1925 (see W.vanORMAN) in G-Bennett B-Race.
WOODALL, Robert A. USA (1948- (HB)
See APPENDIX- (B). Sport balloonist.
b: 6 Aug.1948.
f: Commercial B-License #[redacted]; 317 B-Hours by 1/1998.
l: Owner of Adams A55S-099 N1063V. ***Epic flight 6 Dec.1998 (w/Sue Milner) from Red Rock State Park (Gallup, NM) in Angel Dancer. After several intermediate landings to exchange passengers, the balloon started to rise with a crew member holding on to a basket rope handle. Sue, a crewmember with 2-years experience, released her hold at 40’ and died of her injuries.
m: BFA.
a: 5408 Mariposa Dr. NW; Alb’que, NM 87120.
r: Skylines; NTSB # FTW98LA64.
WOODALL, William A. USA (1800?1860) (GB)
See APPENDIX-S. Sport balloonist.
Resident of Baltimore, MD.
f: First flight attempt 16 Jul.1834 from Baltimore (balloon burst); First flight 28 Jul.1834 in a balloon owned by ELLIOT.
r: Baltimore Chronicle 18 Jul.1834.
WOODHOUSE, Henry Casalegno USA (1890?1950) (GB)
See APPENDIX-AO. Military Balloonist.
Father of distinguished WW-2 aviator; Personal friend & confidant of most aviators of his era.
s: Officer in the U.S.Navy, Balloon instructor.
f: Military brevet, no FAI B-License.
l: 1917, Author of "Textbook of Naval Aeronautics."
m: ACA-1911, Governor by 1920; Removed from office by membership vote to merge ACA with the American Flying Club 16 Aug.1920 (see W.MacCRACKEN).
r: NT-3 Nov.1941p3:1; For the Greatest Achievement p99-102.
WOODHOUSE, John T. ENGLAND (1800?1850) (GB)
See APPENDIX-A/H. Sport balloonist.
p: Engineer, Inventor.
f: Only recorded flight 15 May 1831 from Cambridge; FIRST to use a steel chain for altitude control (Used like a drag rope).
WOODMAN, William E. USA #-200 (1893?1970) (KB/GB)
See APPENDIX-AR. Military balloonist.
Resident of Vergennes, VT.
b: 19 May 1893 Vergennes, VT.
e: Yale University, 1917.
s: Enlisted in the U.S.Army 8 Jun.1917, Commissioned 17 Jan.1918; Commander of the 20th & 42nd Balloon Company.
f: Received B-Training from the Missouri Aero Society; Flew at Ft.Omaha (NB) & Camp Wise (TX); FAI-ACA B-License #200 issued 21 Nov. 1917.
r: The Balloon Section.
WOODRUFF, Frank USA (1890?1940) (SM)
See APPENDIX-L. Professional balloonist.
Resident of Newlet, NY. ***Epic flight 11 Jul.1908 from Bloomfield, NJ. Launch and parachute release were normal, but he had to be rescued from a water pond.
r: NT-12 Jul.1908/4/6.
WOODS, Frederick L. USA (1888-1908) K (SM)
See APPENDIX-B/L. Professional balloonist
b: 1888 New Haven, CT.
p: Worked for "Hillside Amusement Park" 1905-08. ***Epic flight 31 May 1908 from Bellville, NJ. Launch was normal, but part of the act was a para-descent with a 8' by 50' American flag. He landed in the Passaic River, became entangled in the flag, and drowned.
r: NT-1 Jun.1908/1/.
WOODS, Randy USA (1946- (HB/GB)
See APPENDIX-BJ/BM/BP/BY. Sport balloonist.
b: Jun.10, 1946 St.Louis, MO.
e: Vanderbilt University, BA-1969.
s: Officer in the U.S.Army, Vietnam 1970-71, Infantry.
p: Real estate investments, Mining; Balloon sales, Distributor of Aerostar Balloons; Founder of "Unicorn Balloon Company," Aspen, CO.
f: First B-Flight Apr.1980 with Bill Miller; First B-Solo Apr.1980 from Phoenix, AZ; FAA B-License #1826224 issued Apr.1980; Airplane pilot; More than 1200 B-Hours (30 Gas-Starts) by 1991.
l: 1984-9 , Participant in US-National GB Championships:
1984-Copilot of year; 1985-Copilot of year; 1986-Placed 2nd; 1987-Placed 2nd; 1988-Placed 3rd; 1989-Placed 5th;
1990-Placed 4th; 1991-
1985, Participant in BP-Alpine HB-Race (OUS); 1985, Co-Pilot in World GB Championships (SWI); 1986, Co-Pilot in World GB Championships (USA); 1988, Placed 17th in World GB Championships (OUS); 1989, Placed ? in G-Bennett B-Race (OUS); 1991, Crossed the Swiss Alps from Murren to Italy; Owner of "Moonshadow" & "City of Aspen"; Avid Mountain & Water Sport enthusiast.
m: NAA; BFA since 1980, Chairman of Gas Balloon Committee 1989-90.
h: BFA-Copilot of the Year 1984, and 1985, Distinguished Aeronaut; Snowmass Trophy 1985. ***Epic flight 12 Oct.1987. First to cross the Grand Canyon from North to South in a Hot-Air Balloon.
a: 2105 S.Warson Rd; St.Louis, MO 63124; 314/993-1044 (1993).
WOODS, Richard USA (1900?1990) (SM)
See APPENDIX- (B)/L. Professional balloonist.
Nickname "Rex"; still alive 1987 Paso Robles.
p: Smoke balloonist, Circus performer; Sleight-of-hand artist, human pin-cushion, teeth tug-of-war champ; Protege of W. BURNS.
l: Amateur magician, human pin cushion. ***Epic flight 2 May 1914 (w/Jack McIssac) from Shandon. The successful launch was marred by Jack clinging on to a handling rope. Rex attempted to secure Jack's arm, but Jack fell to his death in a stream bed. NOTE: Jack had previously stated that "He was going to take a ride with Rex."
r: B. Patton archives; San Luis Telegram 4 Jul.1987 F-19.
a: Rex-805/238-6121.
WOTHE, Eugen GERMANY (1927- (GB/HB)
See APPENDIX-BO (3). Sport balloonist. (Bio-data unknown)
b: 28 May 1927 Munster.
f: First B-Flight (gas) 2 Aug.1964 w/A.SIEGER; 579 flights by 1986; German B-License (LFS#218 issued 24 Mar.1965; First night flight (HB, 5:45) 13 Jul.1973.
l: Placed third in German HB-Championships 1974; Participated in World HB-Championships 1973,75,77.
r: FuA p168.
WRIGHT, Theron (Terry) USA (1930? (HB)
See APPENDIX-BI. Professional aeronaut.
Father of balloonist Beth (Wheeler).
b: 25 Nov.1927 Farmersville, OH.
e: Univ. of Minnesota, Engineering, BA & MA (student of J.PICCARD).
p: Project Engineer for Raven Balloons for 7-years; Headed Balloon logging systems in Northwestern USA; FAA-Designated Manufacturing Inspection Representative (DMIR) 1970-73; Project Engineer for Barnes Balloon Works; Owner/Operator of balloon repair station (The Wright Place); Designated FAA-Engineering Representative.
f: First B-Flight 1964 with T.BARNES; FAA B-License 1 Jun.1964; FAA-CFI for Airplanes (3500hrs) & Gliders (100hrs); More than 450 B-Hours by 1987; First airplane solo 1945.
l: Assisted in construction, & cross-country flight of T.BARNES; Safety Instructor at many Seminars; BFA-Accident Investigator 1983; Published six major works; owns two patents; 1976, Participant in S.African Balloon Rally.
m: BFA, Safety Events Committee 1976-77, Chairman 1974-75. ***Epic flight 1964 from Univ.Air Park (St.Paul, MN) on an instrument flight in a balloon. After completing a test of a radar reflector for the FAA, Terry broke his back on landing.
a: The Wright Place; P.O. Box ?; Statesville, NC 28677. r. Interview-1992; BM-19:1; BL-V3#8p20.
WRIGHT, Thomas BRITAIN (1832-1910) (GB)
See APPENDIX-X. Professional balloonist.
b: 1832.
Resident of Forrest Gate.
p: Professional photographer post-1888; Professional balloonist 1860-80 era (Protege of BURNABY); Balloon maker, Retired 1888 (see DALE).
f: Student of LYTHGOE; Instructor to BURNABY & DALE; First recorded flight 4 Aug.1884 from London; Made 400-500 ascents in his lifetime (d:?1900?).
l: Promoted the first B-Race between Britain & France.
a: Margerty Hall, Forrest Gate.
r: LT-3 Jul.1892; Daily Express 19 Jun.1907; Essex Weekly 30 Aug.1907; Aeronautics in Gr. Britain; PYA-Scrapbook.
WRIGHT, Wilbur USA (1867-1912) (HP)
b: 16 Apr.1867 New Castle, IN.
d: 30 May 1912 Dayton, OH (Typhoid Fever).
p: Famous airplane Co-designer & Pilot.
f: Made three recorded free-flights in balloons:
#1 from Paris with A.HAWLEY/LEVEE/Herrington on 17 Jul.1907;
#2 from Paris to Etamps with A.HAWLEY on 17 Jul.1908;
#3 from Paris with E.ZENS on 16 Sep.1908.
m: ACA, President at the time of his death.
h: La Grande Medialle de L'Aero-Club de France-1908.
r: Manchester Guardian 19 Jul.1907.
WUEST, Jacob W.S. USA #-664 (1880?1940) (GB)
See APPENDIX-AR. Military balloonist.
b: 24 Jun.1880 Cincinnati, OH.
e: U.S.Military Academy at West Point, BA-1903.
s: Officer in the U.S.Army 1905-30 era, Lt.Col. 1918; Instructor of Military Science and Tactics, Kentucky Instructor; Regiment Commander of Officers Training School 1914-16; Commander of Fourth Aviation Regiment 1916-18; Served in the Balloon Corps 1918-20; Commander of Ft.Omaha Nebraska 20 Sep.1918; General Staff of the Canal Zone 1924-27; Executive Officer of Scott Field Airship School 1927; Commander of Langley Air Corps tactical School; Served in Burma, China, India, and the Philippines; Military attaché to Germany, Austria, Czechoslokovia, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Switzerland, Netherlands, 1931-35. Outstanding Military Aviation career.
f: B-Training at Ft.Omaha (May-Aug.1918) & Ft.Sill; FAI-ACA B-License #664 issued 14 Aug.1918; Airship and Airplane pilot.
l: Participated in a series of high-altitude B-Flights with w/F.GOODALE in April 1919.
a: Appalachee Lodge, Perry Highway, Tallahassee, FL.
m: F&AM; Army & Navy Club.
r: NT-18 Apr.1919/4/3.
WYNNE, Clarance L. USA (1880?1940) (GB)
l: Sport balloonist 1910-13 era.
f: No FAI B-License issued; Airplane pilot later.
m: Aero Club of Pennsylvania, Pres-1913.
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