USA: Oregon man flies 193 miles in garden chair strapped to 105 helium balloons

Oregon man attempts to fly to Idaho in his lawn chair strapped to 105 helium balloons. A man from the state of Oregon in the U.S. attempt to fly to the nearby state of Idaho -- in his garden chair. Kent Couch of Bend, Oregon, attached 105 helium balloons to his lawn chair and flew 193 miles (310 kilometres) at altitudes exceeding 12,000 feet (3,657 meters). Recently released footage showed Couch taking off in the makeshift craft to the cheers of friends and well-wishers. Using a global positioning system, instruments to measure altitude and speed, and five gallons of water in plastic bags as ballast, Couch took to the air early Saturday morning (July 7) with the assistance of friends. The 47-year old gas station owner flew for almost nine hours before abandoning his attempt near Union, Oregon. With only one gallon of water remaining, Couch decided to end his trip before entering the rugged terrain of Oregon's Northeast corner near the Idaho border. He popped enough balloons to set his chair down, but after exiting the craft, the wind swept it away along with his video recorder. It was Couch's second flight. In September, he flew in a similar craft for six hours.

ITN Source | July 11, 2007

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