Record-breaking hot air balloon pilot to star at East Fortune air show Edinburgh

A pilot who went around the world in a hot air balloon is to give a talk at this year’s air show in East Lothian.

Brian Jones and his co-pilot Bertrand Piccard took 19 days, 21 hours and 47 minutes to circumnavigate the globe in 1999.

His talk at the air show at the National Museum of Flight in East Fortune is part of celebrations to mark 230 years since the first public demonstration of people travelling in a balloon.

One of Scotland’s leading balloon pilots, Graeme Houston, will showcase his Muller Wiseman balloon at the event.

General manager Steve McLean said: “To have a true aviation pioneer as well as one of Scotland’s most respected hot-air-balloon pilots at this year’s Airshow is a real coup.

“I am sure that our visitors will be impressed with the size and elegance of the Muller Wiseman balloon and transfixed by Brian’s heroic tales of world-wide circumnavigation.

“Our Fantastic Flight gallery contains a hands-on, interactive exhibit that demonstrates the principles of balloon flight so we’re delighted that visitors will be able to see a full-sized balloon on the day and hear about the impressive capabilities of these fascinating aircraft.”

The air show takes place on Saturday July 27 at the National Museum of Flight.

via STV.