Dr. Singhania makes Mission Possible.
He breaks the world record by flying to a height of 69,852 feet in a Hot Air Balloon.
Mumbai, November 26, 2005: Dr. Vijaypat Singhania , a renowned industrialist and an aviator par excellence today created a world record by becoming the first man to fly in a hot air balloon to a high altitude of 69,852 feet above sea level. The record has been monitored by the Aero Club of India who will apply for the official ratification of the international record with the body responsible, Federation Aeronautique Internationale.
On this historic day, Dr. Singhania took off from the Polo Grounds, Mahalaxmi Race Course, Mumbai at 6:39 am and took about 2 hours and 14 minutes with an average speed of 600 to 700 ft per minute to reach this massive height. Having created history by setting the world record for India, Dr. Singhania safely landed at Sinnar, between Shirdi and Nashik at 11.30 a.m. He achieved this record overhead of Ulhasnagar, a central suburb on the outskirts of Mumbai. By achieving this feat, Dr. Singhania has broken the existing world record of ?High Altitude in a Hot Air Balloon' set by Per Lindstrand who reached a height of 64,997 feet (19,811 metres) in Plano , Texas , USA on June 6, 1988.
On this glorious and momentous occasion, Mr. Gautam Singhania, son of Dr. Vijaypat Singhania, Chairman and Managing Director, Raymond Limited said, ?I am overjoyed that my father has achieved the world record and it is a very proud moment for the entire nation today. My Father has proved himself as the 'Brave Son of India'. There were tense moments during his flight but we were always hopeful and confident that he would break this record and we are happy that the record has come to India?.
Joining in the celebrations were Mrs. Ashabai Singhania, wife of Dr. Vijaypat Singhania and his daughter Ms. Shepali Ruia who were speechless and extremely elated.
Colin Prescot, representative of Flying Pictures Company (U.K) and member of the technical team of Project MI-70K said, ?This has been a great day for aviation and a great day for India. This was a hugely courageous flight by a fine gentleman?.
Dr. Singhania is an aviator for four decades with a total flying experience of over 5000 hours. Rising to challenges and breaking records is nothing new for Dr. Singhania. It has become a way of life for him. Despite winning several records and accolades in the field of aviation, the desire for achieving something for the pride of the country has been burning bright. Dr. Singhania has set himself this impossible task to achieve before he goes into the oblivion. National pride and the spirit of true adventure had prompted Dr. Singhania to attempt to break the record on Indian soil and in his home city, Mumbai.
