19 Images

Forty-two helium-filled weather balloons lifted Larry Walters in this aluminum lawn chair from San Pedro, California, on July 2, 1982. Walters reached 16,000 feet (4,880 meters), drifting into the controlled airspace surrounding Los Angeles International Airport. Commercial pilots reported sighting him to the tower.

Facing freezing temperatures and lower oxygen levels, Walters popped balloons with a BB gun to establish a controlled descent. The Federal Aviation Aministration charged him with violating controlled airspace, flying without a balloon license, and operating a non-airworthy craft.

Display Status

This object is on display in Thomas W. Haas We All Fly at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC.

Thomas W. Haas We All Fly

Object Details

Type

CRAFT-Balloon Parts

Physical Description

Lawn chair with 13 plastic gallon water jugs and four ropes attached to frame

Dimensions

3-D (with water jugs): 90.2 × 69.8 × 79.4cm, 7.7kg (2 ft. 11 1/2 in. wide × 2 ft. 3 1/2 in. deep × 2 ft. 7 1/4 in. tall, 17lb.)

Materials

Plastic
Paint
Non-Magnetic Metal
Adhesive Tape
Copper Alloy
Nylon
Paper
Ink

Inventory Number

A20181388000

Credit Line

Gift of Jerry Fleck, the "neighborhood kid" Larry Walters gave his lawnchair to after landing.

Data Source

National Air and Space Museum

Restrictions & Rights

Usage conditions apply
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