[Balloon-makers] RE: [Balloonmail] 21, 400', 60 gallons of propane, 3.5 hours, 75.5 miles

[David Tanzer & Lori Bottom]

Thanks for your kind words, Ed.  38,900'!  Wow!  Our pyrometer indicated a
max temp of 260, but that was apparently incorrect as the 250 degree
telltale was unturned after landing.  I'm not sure of the exact size of our
oxygen cylinders, but I estimate they were approximately 12 cu. ft.  We used
conserving nasal cannulas up until approximately 17,000' and then switched
to masks.  We consumed about 50% of one cylinder.  One change I would make
is to dispense with the cannulas--I'd just use masks above 12,500'.  It was
a hassle switching from cannulas to masks, especially when it was well below
zero, and we had plenty of oxygen.

I'm still baffled by the radio troubles we had.  I've had my Icom A-22 for
probably 15 years, and it has always worked flawlessly.  Our other radio was
a Sporty's transceiver, and my experience is that those work well too.
Since both radios had trouble transmitting, I presume that there was some
sort of interference problem, but I don't know what that might be.  Perhaps
it was the transponder, but that seems unlikely.  A chase plane would
certainly be nice--you would, of course, need something turbo-charged.

I'd love to hear more about your high altitude flights.  Did you use special
fuel?  Did you pre-breathe oxygen?  Any issues with nitrogen sickness?  And
how big was the balloon you used and what kind of ambient/envelope
temperatures did you see?  38,000'!  That's really something!

Regards,

David Tanzer
Charlotte, Vermont USA


-----Original Message-----
From: ed chapman [mailto:stormy105 at earthlink.net] 
Sent: Friday, May 11, 2007 12:03 AM
To: David Tanzer & Lori Bottom; balloonmail at interaeroleague.com;
cloudhoppers at yahoogroups.com; balloon-makers at taleos.com
Subject: Re: [Balloonmail] 21, 400', 60 gallons of propane, 3.5 hours, 75.5
miles

David:
        Sincerest congrats to you and Jeff on a great flight!! In the early 
80's I made five flights above 30,000 feet (highest was 38,900) and, as 
you've found,  preparations will always pay off. Could you share with us 
your max temp and oxygen remaining?
    I note your fixed-wing abilities...for others looking to go to mid-20's 
I would suggest that having a chase plane pays big dividends for relay of 
radio messages, relay of position, etc..  The air traffic controlers can 
just superimpose your radar returns when visual contact is lost until the 
airplane reacquires a visual on the balloon.
    Again, well done!!
        Ed Chapman