What kid hasn't dreamed of floating through the air with their balloons? Remember in 'Up' the Pixar computer-animated film, Carl Fredricksen ties hundreds of helium balloons to his house to fulfill his dream of exploring South America? What about in 1982 when Larry Walters, a.k.a., "Lawnchair Larry"? He packed, sandwiches but only a soda, camera, CB radio and a pellet gun to shoot down the balloons when he arrived over his destination in the Mojave desert.
"Lawnchair Larry" ended flying much higher than he planned. He went up 16,000 feet into the sky and was actually in controlled airspace over LAX. He used his radio to warn air traffic controllers and the Federal Aviation Administration. He was nervous about shooting out the balloons cause he thought he would fall out of the chair he was strapped to, but after 90 minutes in the air, he did shoot out some balloons and landed safely.
Well David Blaine, the illusionist in his latest stunt titled "Ascension" floated over the Arizona desert holding onto about 50 helium balloons Wednesday.
Just like "Lawnchair Larry" Blaine floated higher than planned. His goal was to reach 18,000 feet, he ended up at 24,900 about 4.7 miles. He then skydived back to earth. He was in the air from start to finish for about an hour.
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PHOTO CREDIT: Getty Images