- Country: Czechoslovakia / Ceskoslovensko
- Date of Issue: 1978
- Colors: Multicolor
- Emission: Air Post
- Face Value: 1.60 Kčs
- Themes: Air Balloons
The Jeffries and Blanchard Balloon
The Jeffries and Blanchard Balloon, also known as the Jeffries Balloon or the Blanchard Balloon, refers to a historical event that took place in 1978. It involved the recreation of a historic balloon flight made by pioneering balloonists Jean-Pierre Blanchard and Dr. John Jeffries in 1785.
The Flight
The original flight occurred on January 7, 1785, when Jean-Pierre Blanchard, a French balloonist, and Dr. John Jeffries, an American physician, became the first individuals to cross the English Channel by air. They departed from Dover, England, and landed safely in Calais, France, covering a distance of approximately 21 miles (34 kilometers).
In 1978, to commemorate the 193rd anniversary of the original flight, a reenactment was organized. The recreation involved American balloonists Ben L. Abruzzo, Maxie Anderson, and Larry Newman, who successfully replicated the historic journey across the English Channel. They used a gas balloon, similar to the type used by Blanchard and Jeffries, and followed a similar flight path.
Czechoslovakia and aviation
Czechoslovakia has a rich history in aviation, with notable contributions and achievements in various aspects of the field. This includes the Aerospace Industry: Czechoslovakia’s aerospace industry expanded in the post-war period. Companies like Avia and Aero produced military aircraft, while Let focused on developing civilian aircraft and gliders. The country also made advancements in aerospace research and technology.
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