Female Bath adventurer breaks world record for hot airship journey

Alicia Hempleman-Adams, a 35-year-old fashion consultant from Bath, has made history by setting three new female airship world records, following in the footsteps of her father, Sir David Hempleman-Adams. She completed the solo flight in the same hot airship her father set the male world record in 20 years earlier.

Taking off from Connecticut, Alicia reached an altitude of 4,100ft and covered a distance of 20.5 km in just one hour and seven minutes. This achievement adds to her already impressive collection of six World Air Sports Federation world records and 15 British records.

Despite having 12 years of experience flying hot-air balloons, this was Alicia’s first attempt at navigating hot-air airships. She described the experience as far more challenging than flying a hot air balloon, with the need to manage speed, altitude, and navigation simultaneously.

Alicia’s father, Sir David, who has held 47 world records in balloons and airships, expressed his pride in seeing his daughter break new ground in the world of aviation. He was part of Alicia’s support team in the USA and greeted her upon completion of the record-breaking voyage.

With her new records awaiting verification by the World Air Sports Federation, Alicia Hempleman-Adams has solidified her place in aviation history as only the second woman to achieve such feats in hot-air airships. Her determination and skill have set a new standard for female pilots in this unique aerial craft.