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A solar-powered balloon has made its maiden voyage at the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta. The balloon, which is black on one side to absorb heat – and silver on the other to reflect it – was one of 103 balloons in Friday’s event.
Event director Clive Bailey said the balloon had used just five litres of fuel for the 25-minute flight. He said normally a flight with a pilot and passenger would use about 60 litres of fuel for the same journey.
"The balloon's controlled by rotating it into and out of the sun but it does have a propane burner for safety," Mr Bailey said. "Although there have been other solar balloons in the past this is the first one that's certified to carry passengers."
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It was piloted by veteran balloonist Pete Dalby, who described the flight as "an amazing experience". "I kept my hand on the burner throughout because that's how you normally fly a balloon," Mr Dalby said. "We took off without using the burner - I think I only used it about three times during the flight - one of the times was when another balloon shielded us from the sun and we started going down so I thought we ought to use it."
The Fiesta, held in Ashton Court on the outskirts of the city, runs until Sunday evening - admission is free but there are charges for car parking.
Source: bbc