Per Lindstrand Swedish aeronautical engineer, aeronaut, pilot, traveler and entrepreneur Date of Birth: 08.09.1948 Country: Sweden

1. Early Life and Aeronautics Career
2. Balloon Technology Pioneer
3. Record-Breaking Balloon Flights
4. Around-The-World Attempt
5. Height Record and Other Accomplishments
6. Aviation Proficiency

Early Life and Aeronautics Career

Per Lindstrand, a renowned Swedish aeronautical engineer, aeronaut, aviator, adventurer, and entrepreneur, was born on September 8, 1948. Beginning his aviation career as an aircraft mechanic in the Swedish Air Force, Lindstrand embarked on his first hot-air balloon flight in the early 1970s, fueled by a wager. Having built his own balloon, he successfully navigated it along the runway of the Swedish Air Force Base.

Balloon Technology Pioneer

In 1975, Lindstrand's interest in ballooning was rekindled when a neighbor purchased a balloon from a British company. Recognizing its limitations, Lindstrand was determined to create a superior design. Partnering with engineer Håkan Kolting, he established Colting Balloons in Ireland in 1976. The company relocated to Oswestry, England in 1978, expanding its reach in the UK and European markets. After Kolting's departure for Canada, Lindstrand renamed the company Colt Balloons. It later became Thunder & Colt Balloons following a merger with Thunder Balloons. In December 1991, he founded Lindstrand Balloons Ltd, further establishing Lindstrand Technologies Ltd for the production and servicing of airships, balloons, passenger-carrying tethered balloons, and other inflatable engineering products.

Record-Breaking Balloon Flights

Throughout his career, Lindstrand remained driven by the pursuit of pushing the boundaries of lighter-than-air technology. In January 1991, alongside investor Richard Branson, he completed the longest hot-air balloon flight on record in the Virgin Pacific Flyer. The 74,000-cubic-meter balloon carried the pair 10,880 km from Japan to Northern Canada, also setting a speed record of 395 km/h. The Virgin Pacific Flyer remains the largest hot-air balloon ever constructed.

Around-The-World Attempt

Driven by his ambition to become the first person to circumnavigate the globe in a balloon of any type, Lindstrand, Branson, and Steve Fossett embarked on a daring expedition in December 1998. After seven days and a distance of over 20,000 km, their Rozière balloon landed in the Pacific Ocean, assisted by a waiting rescue fleet off the coast of Hawaii.

Height Record and Other Accomplishments

Despite an unsuccessful attempt to set a world altitude record in a balloon sponsored by the English and Welsh Milk Board in 1983, Lindstrand achieved his goal on June 6, 1988, reaching an altitude of 19,811 meters over Texas. Lindstrand has won two gold medals from the Royal Aero Club's Prince Andrew Trophy (1989 and 1991), as well as the club's Britannia Trophy in 1988. He is the recipient of the Harmon Trophy, America's highest aviation honor, presented to him by Vice President Dan Quayle. In February 2006, Lindstrand received an honorary fellowship from the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) for his "highly innovative work in inflatable structures and their application to habitats." He is also inducted into the Guinness Hall of Fame.

Aviation Proficiency

Beyond his achievements in ballooning, Lindstrand holds various pilot licenses. He is certified to operate single- and multi-engine land and seaplanes, as well as helicopters. Additionally, he possesses a commercial pilot license for autogyros, airships, and gliders.