Due to new scientific data, it has been decided that the three-man RE/MAX team, due to launch a record-setting global circumnavigational balloon ride this week, will be reduced to two men.

Team RE/MAX co-pilot, Bob Martin will remain on the ground as pilot coordinator and alternate pilot of the Team RE/MAX global balloon mission.

The decision to cut the aircrew to two came following much discussion last week over the amount of "drive-up ballast" necessary to carry the balloon and gondola through the extreme cold temperatures of the Tropopause (53,000 to 60,000 feet). Too slow an ascent through this region of cold could cause the balloon to become brittle, endangering the mission and the pilots.

Based on today's weather upudate, Team RE/MAX is now looking at a Saturday, Jan 9th launch with remaining pilots, Dave Liniger, president and CEO of RE/MAX and John Wallington, co-pilot and Australian ballooning champion.

Published: January 6, 1999

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