Alicia Hempleman-Adams Sets Three New Female Airship World Records

Alicia Hempleman-Adams, daughter of renowned adventurer Sir David Hempleman-Adams, has made history by setting three brand new female airship world records. Taking off on a solo flight in the same hot airship her father set the male record in 20 years earlier, Hempleman-Adams reached an altitude of 4,100ft and traveled a distance of 20.5 km in just one hour and seven minutes.

The 35-year-old fashion consultant, who has been flying hot-air balloons for 12 years, described the experience of piloting a hot-air airship as far more challenging than flying a hot air balloon. With controls for speed, altitude, and navigation, she joked that she felt like she needed three hands to manage it all.

Hot airships are similar to hot air balloons but have a powered means of propulsion, allowing for more control over navigation. Hempleman-Adams is only the second woman ever to set world records in this unique aerial craft, joining Russia’s Natalia Volodicheva as a hot-air airship world record holder.

Her father, Sir David, who has held 47 world records in balloons and airships for over 20 years, expressed immense pride in his daughter’s accomplishments. He was part of her support team in the USA and was there to greet her when she completed her record-breaking voyage.

Now, Hempleman-Adams’ new records must be verified by the World Air Sports Federation. With a bright future ahead of her in the world of aviation, it seems the sky truly is the limit for this talented pilot.