Daily Survival Guide

Today in Survival History
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The first transatlantic balloon flight took place on this day in 1978. The Double Eagle II, piloted by Maxie Anderson, Ben Abruzzo, and Larry Newman, departed from Presque Island, Maine, and touched down in Miserey, France. The flight took 137 hours, spanned 3,108 miles, and set a new record fro balloon flight duration. During the crossing, the balloon had flown as low as 3,500 feet in cloudy skies and cool air and as high as 24,950 feet when conditions were more favorable. Seventeen unsuccessful transatlantic balloon flights had been attempted before the Double Eagle II's crossing. Anderson, Abruzzo, and Newman were awarded a Congressional Gold Medal for their record-breaking feat.