The record set today is almost three times greater than the previous world record of 132 hot air balloons launched in 55 minutes by British balloonists in Southwestern England in August 2000.

The process to count the balloons was a carefully mastered plan developed by the Albuquerque accounting firm Meyners + Company. Led by Team Captain Carolyn Dobbs, the team used hand-held tally counters and recorded their results to be submitted to Guinness along with video, photographs, and a witness statement provided by Albuquerque Convention and Visitors Bureau President/CEO, Mary Kay Cline.

Balloon Fiesta organizers say a record 1,011 hot air and gas balloons will fill New Mexico skies during this year's event, which will provide an unprecedented, spectacular display. Balloon Fiesta officials approved the extra numbers only after deciding the additional balloons could be safely accommodated. Compared to other large ballooning events in France (approximately 425 balloons), South Carolina (approximately 150 balloons) and Nevada (approximately 125 balloons), this event will undoubtedly be the largest.

There are also a number of other exciting events at the Balloon Fiesta, including: Mass Ascensions, the New Mexico Challenge Long Distance Hot Air Balloon Race, Balloon Glows, fireworks shows, Special Shape balloon events, pilot competitions, an educational Balloon Explorium and a daily "Fun Fly" event for kite flyers.

The Kodak Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is ballooning's largest and most spectacular event, attracting more than a million spectator visits each year. The 2000 event, set for October 7th through October 15th, will feature a thousand hot air balloons flying over Albuquerque.

www.balloonfiesta.com

In a similar manner, the Bureau reviewed the safety standards and has made the following changes for 2001 season (the Plenary meeting being too late):

1. 1 Pitch stability testing will not be implemented due to the difficulty of field-testing a glider.
2. The requirement for plastic coating on lower cables has been removed
3. The minimum width of control bar uprights is removed and replaced with the requirement for all uprights to be part of a gliders certification (HGMA, DHV, BHPA). The question of uprights will be rediscussed by the committee at the next Plenary meeting, taking into consideration the discussion and input on the CIVL web forum.

These changes will be in effect for the 2002 season. All other safety standards remain as currently adopted.

Davis Straub

http://www.davisstraub.com

Moab, UT, USA

Just a few days after assuming office, Mr. Wolfgang Weinreich, the new FAI President, was received in Lausanne by IOC President Juan Antonio Samaranch who had recently returned from the triumphantly successful Olympic Games in Sydney.

Mr. Samaranch congratulated the FAI President on his election and reiterated his wish to see a major FAI championship organised in Lausanne. Discussions also took place on FAI's participation in the World Games in Akita, Japan (September 2001), an event which is receiving the full support of the International Olympic Committee.

Mr. Samaranch listened with interest to the FAI President's progress report on the 2001 World Air Games to be held in Andalucia and expressed the hope that he would be in a position to attend the Opening Ceremony.

FAI World Grand Prix of Aviation no 15

Final Results :

FAI World Grand Prix of Aviation, Grand Prix number 14

Final Results :

Formation Team

25th World Parachuting Championship in Freefall Style and Accuracy Landing

Final Results :