Larry Walters uses 45 helium balloons and a lawnchair to propel himself to 16,000 feet.

On July 2, 1982, Larry Walters captured the world’s attention when he decided to take flight using 45 helium balloons and a lawnchair. This daring adventure took him to an incredible height of 16,000 feet. Larry Walters’ extraordinary journey became an instant sensation and continues to be a legendary event in aviation history.

Larry Walters, a truck driver from California, had always dreamt of flying. However, due to certain physical limitations, becoming a pilot was not an option for him. Determined to fulfill his dream, he came up with an unconventional plan to soar through the skies.

With the help of his then-girlfriend, Carol Van Deusen, Walters attached 45 helium-filled weather balloons to a lawnchair. To control his altitude, he equipped himself with a pellet gun, a CB radio for communication, and a parachute for emergency use. On that fateful day, he donned a parachute, strapped himself into the lawnchair, and cut the tether to his Jeep that was holding him down.

As soon as he was set free, Larry Walters started ascending rapidly. The balloons lifted him off the ground, and he began his incredible adventure into the open skies. Initially, his plan was to reach a maximum altitude of 30 feet and then safely descend. However, the prevailing winds took him much higher than he anticipated.

While Larry Walters had accounted for altitude control using the pellet gun, he soon realized that the air pressure at such heights was much lower than he expected. As a result, he found himself ascending much faster than he had planned. Armed with his CB radio, he communicated with Carol on the ground, who anxiously tracked his progress and provided updates to the authorities.

As Larry Walters soared higher into the atmosphere, he entered the airspace near Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). His lightweight aircraft posed a potential danger to the commercial airliners in the area. The pilots and air traffic controllers were bewildered at the sight of a man floating in a lawnchair amidst the clouds.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) was alerted about the situation, and they launched a full-scale rescue operation. Helicopters were dispatched to locate and ensure the safety of Walters. Meanwhile, Larry enjoyed breathtaking views of the city and the ocean from his unlikely vantage point.

After approximately two hours, Larry Walters made the decision to descend to a lower altitude. Using his pellet gun, he started shooting the balloons one by one, carefully controlling his descent. Eventually, he safely landed in a residential area, much to the relief of the authorities and the onlookers who had been following his incredible journey.

Larry Walters’ innovative flight caught the attention of media outlets around the world. His story became a symbol of hope and determination, inspiring people to think outside the box and pursue their dreams despite the odds. The event also sparked discussions about the importance of aviation regulations and safety measures.

Despite the excitement and admiration surrounding his adventure, Larry Walters faced legal consequences. Flying in uncontrolled airspace without proper authorization was a violation of aviation regulations. He was fined $1,500 by the FAA for his unauthorized flight.

The remarkable story of Larry Walters and his lawnchair flight will forever be etched in aviation history. Although his dream of flying may have come with its share of challenges and legal repercussions, his audacious feat continues to captivate the imagination of people worldwide. Larry Walters’ daring adventure serves as a reminder that with determination and creativity, anything is possible.