I definitely want to try this glass-bottomed hot air balloon, even while its pilot and inventor says it's a "terrifying experience." I don't know why no other sadist think about this before, but flying in it must be truly blood-curdling.


The glass-bottomed hot air balloon is the creation of Christian Brown, the pilot who travelled around the world in a balloon with Sir Richard Branson. Brown, who has been hot air balloon pilot for 18 years and holds the tethered altitude world record at 10,000 feet, says the experience of flying this new airship was terrifying. Knowing his previous experience, I believe him:

We've done tethered trials before, which usually end with passengers shrieking and screaming in fear, but this is the first time we've actually taken to the skies unaided. Ordinarily, you would look over the edge of the basket to peer at the ground below but there is something very disconcerting about seeing it right beneath your feet.


He tried it for it first maiden flight during the 2010 Bristol International Balloon Fiesta. Brown added the experience "certainly isn't for the faint-hearted." The balloon has been designed to fly over the Alps, where "it would give incredible views of the scenery below."

Click to viewHaving flown in a non-glass-bottom hot air balloon myself, I know I would gasp and probably cry for my mom on this one. But I really, really, really can't wait for next year, where it will be available to the public. The experience must be truly terrifying and surreal. [SWNS]