LIVE UPDATES, NEWS AND PROGRESS REPORTS FROM FLIGHT CONTROL  




12-05-2025: READY AND WAITING...

Since arriving in Presque Isle, Maine the team have been busy preparing the balloon equipment for launch day. With preparations now complete, the focus turns to the weather and potential launch opportunities ahead.

To date we have remained in a constant unsettled spell of weather. The latest update from our meteorologists is for little change in the coming days with rain due later this week at the launchsite and low pressure systems continuing to block any potential route to Western Europe. However, long range forecast models are still suggesting better weather for later in the month with the team carefully monitoring weather patterns and forecasts on a daily basis. For now, patience is once again key.

11-05-2025: UNSETTLED WEATHER REMAINS...

The unsettled and ultimately unsuitable weather for a transatlantic flight continues into the coming week. Once again there are hints at a potential change for the better however it is still too early to make any judgement on this just yet.


07-05-2025: WEATHER UPDATE...

Today's weather report shows no change with low pressure patterns continuing to dominate the weather over the ocean. There are tentative signs that into next week the weather situation could begin to improve however this is by no means certain at this stage. Patience remains key.



06-05-2025: NO CHANGE IN THE WEATHER FOR NOW...

The latest update from the meteorologist sadly shows little change with stubborn low pressure systems situated over the Atlantic Ocean. For now patience is required.

Despite the bad weather over the Atlantic, conditions in Presque Isle were perfect for a hot air balloon flight yesterday evening. Bert took full advantage of the good weather and enjoyed a wonderful flight with friends over the Maine countryside. Thanks go to Paul Cyr for the photos.

05-05-2025: PRESQUE ISLE HIGH SCHOOL VISIT...

In a break away from preparations at the launchsite, Joanie & Bert attended Presque Isle High School and talked to pupils about the upcoming transatlantic flight. Thank you to the staff and pupils of Presque Isle High School!

29-04-2025: FLIGHT WINDOW & COMMS TESTING...

As per the update below, the 2025 flight window is now open!

Work is well underway with our meteorologists regularly monitoring weather conditions and patterns for a potential launch date.At present, conditions remain unstable and therefore unsuitable for a west to east crossing of the ocean.

Despite the weather forecast, there is still plenty for the team to do in Presque Isle. Today, comms testing has commenced with Starlink which will enable communication between the balloon and Flight Control in Bristol. An essential piece of equipment when airborne.


The first photo shows the HF radio antena being deployed for the test. This type of communication test is only possible with the gracious support of Paul Cyr. The second, third and fourth photos show Joanie & Bert during the test with Piper the dog as company! 

2025 FLIGHT WINDOW NOW OPEN






29-04-2025: IT’S ALL ABOUT THE SAND AND HYDROGEN IN PRESQUE ISLE...

A busy day for the team in Presque Isle. After collecting the sand ballast yesterday the next job was to fill the bags. Pictured below are Joanie, Bert & Jason busy preparing and filling the bags with not only sand but a little road salt which help prevent the ballast from freezing into a solid block when flying at high altitude. The crew will also carry a mallet in the basket which can be used to break up the sand in case the salt does not work. Bags full the team then welcomed the giant hydrogen tube trailer to site.

     

28-04-2025: ARRIVAL IN PRESQUE ISLE...

The team has now arrived in Presque Isle, Maine after a long drive from Bally, Pennsylvania. On the way, the team passed New York City and ventured along the famous Hudson River Valley in eastern New York state. Now in Presque Isle the jobs have started... balloon equipment unloaded ︎, ballast collected ︎

In the meantime, back in the UK, Kevin continues his work on establishing essential communication links for the flight ahead of the May 1st flight window opening. More soon!

25-04-2025: LOADING TIMES...

Loading the Torabhaig Atlantic Explorer into the trailer ready for it’s long trip to the launchsite in Presque Isle, Maine.

The beginining of a great adventure!

More soon...




18-04-2025: PREPARATIONS CONTINUE ON BOTH SIDES OF THE ATLANTIC

Preparations continue on both sides of the Atlantic ahead of the 2025 flight window opening on Thursday 1st May.

In Pennsylvania, we have Bert alongside the Torabhaig Atlantic Explorer basket in his workshop. Bert and the team will begin their long trip to Presque Isle, Maine next Friday!

Meanwhile in the UK, Flight Control Team member Kevin Stass continues his pre-flight work with aviation authorities in North America and Europe.

Happy Easter!

15-04-2025: 2024 LAUNCH PHOTOS

Fantastic photos captured by Paul Cyr of the preparation and launch of the Torabhaig Atlantic Explorer from Presque Isle, Maine last June. Thanks Paul!





03-04-2025: THE 2025 FLIGHT WINDOW 

The team are delighted to announce that the 2025 flight window will open on Thursday 1st May. The Torabhaig Atlantic Explorer will once again be piloted by Bert Padelt with co-pilot Sir David Hempleman-Adams and Prof.Frederik Paulsen.Bert and the team will begin their intrepid adventure by road on Friday 25th April from Bally, Pennsylvania and head to the launchsite in Presque Isle, Maine. A journey of over 1,180km. Once established in Presque Isle, the team will begin preparations and along with our meteorologists begin the process of monitoring weather conditions for a launch. Operations in Europe will once again be managed by Flight Control in Bristol, UK.

Photo credit: Paul Cyr