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Three Men and a Balloon

Viewing Ideas

Before Watching

1. In this program, a team of adventurers plans to travel nonstop around the world in a balloon. However, predicting the exact route of a balloon is impossible. Balloonists map out a potential route in order to identify countries from which they need to obtain overflight permissions.

   The governments of all countries are contacted to request permission for flying over their territory, but not all will grant it. For the Lindstrand/Branson/McCarthy balloon, Algeria, Libya, and Saudi Arabia all denied permission at one time or another. Libyan officials even threatened to shoot the balloon. Canada also has a history of denying overflights to balloonists. The reason for denial is unknown but could be related to concern over the risk of environmental damage that might occur when a balloon lands.

   The Balloonists Projected Route map shows the projected route for the Lindstrand/Branson/McCarthy balloon. Copy and distribute the world map, and have students identify each country on the projected route. (See Activity Answer for correct identities.) Describe to the students some of the difficulties the balloonists faced when trying to secure overflight permission from certain countries. Why do they think these countries refused permission? Have students study the route and discuss which countries might be less likely to grant permission than others and why.

   Balloonists Projected Route

   
   
   

   Activity Answer

   1. Morocco
   2. Algeria
   3. Tunisia
   4. Libya
   5. Egypt
   6. Saudi Arabia
   7. Iran
   8. Afghanistan
   9. Pakistan
   10. India
   11. Nepal
   12. Bangladesh
   13. Burma
   14. China
   15. U.S.
   16. Ireland
   17. Great Britain

2. The crew piloting the balloon is a unique group of individuals. Ask students to think of some of the most important skills and characteristics they would look for in a crew member on this flight. As they watch, have students note the characteristics of each crew member and how the team works together to complete the project.

After Watching

1. Ask students how big they think the balloon was. How about the capsule? Can students think of anyting they believe compares in size? Print out size comparisons below to show students how the balloon compares to the Statue of Liberty. Challenge students to come up with other objects of a similar size.

Three Men and a Balloon: Size Comparisons