NEWSFLASH

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INTERNATIONAL BALLOON RECORD FLIGHT OVER PINATUBO

San Fernando, Pampanga, Nov. 10, 1997 - International hot balloon flyers will attempt a record- breaking flight over Mount Pinatubo in January.

The Department of Tourism had been informed by Robert Kinsinger, Danny Floden and Joyce Bowen that they plan to fly over the 5,000-foot volcano in their hot air balloon from January 31 to Feb 3 next year.

To catch the right winds, the craft will need to ascend to 7,000 feet, way beyond what is allowed for hot air balloons under existing international air traffic laws.

Kinsinger, the team leader, wrote DOT regional director Ronaldo Tiotuico to request for a Philippine Air Force search and rescue team with a chase helicopter on stand by for any eventuality.

He also asked the Air Transportation Office to approve the Team's request for a waiver on the altitude requirement for hot air balloons.

Kinsinger has flown his famous "cat" balloon over the Magnetic North Pole, the Great Wall of China and crossed 3,000 miles from the east to the west coast of Australia.

The Federation Aeronautique International has named after him the Kinsinger Trophy, its perpetual award for reigning world hot air balloon champions.