Russian traveler Fyodor Konyukhov June 1, flies to Australia, from where they will leave in single round-the-world balloon flight “Morton”. For two weeks he will spend in a confined space of a small gondola, which shows only the sky, with a stock of freeze-dried food and water on Board. Before the start of Fedor Konyukhov said “the Tape.<url>” about travel preparation.
When we have a date of departure?
It all depends on the weather. Why only in June and July you can fly — it’s winter in Australia, and there are no thunderstorms. For us the most dangerous thunderstorms, they can damage the cylinder. We expect to meet in this period.
How did you prepare for the journey, were there any training?
I have training all the time, all the time…
What will you do during the flight?
Free time generally will not. Very heavy traffic all the time have to watch. Sleep virtually no time. Books of course, I take to calm, can, tell, if you have time.
Where’s the power?
Freeze-dried foods and fifty liters of water. Too bad that I can’t drink neither coffee nor tea. In the cockpit there is no open flame, so going to cook on the heat fan, which will replace the stove. I will heat the water just to lukewarm was, hot is not, and has sublimated products. In the cockpit, minus four or five degrees, and overboard from minus forty to minus sixty.
Two weeks in a confined space, will it not?
Nah, I enclosed space are not afraid. I sleep now in a rowboat. I love confined spaces.
Is there something that you fear?
I am only afraid, that equipment does not fail. Now carry the ball. As he was being taken, I don’t know, suddenly puncture. It’s gigantic, it won’t even be able to cheat and see. Here I am afraid.
Photo: PA Wire / Press Association Images / TASS
The only window in the world Fedor Konyukhov will be over your head, through it he can see only the sun and the stars
And for his life not afraid?
Fear, of course. But I was prepared and felt that, with God’s help, we’ve thought of everything, and all will be well.
Why are you doing this? Are you someone trying to prove, then to rest on our laurels?
Why? All interested in this world. Here is why you are now asking me and shoot, why everything you do? I write books, apparently, few people read them (laughs). Sometimes I ask: so I gave you a book you even read? Answer: quite what it is on the shelf with your autograph, and well. And I’m in their books they write that on their laurels can’t rest. This is three to four hours after returning. And then we have to work, then the real work begins.
Photo: PA Wire / Press Association Images / TASS
The installation balloon “Morton” in the company Cameron Balloons in Bristol
How does your wife feel about your travels? How she puts up with your long absence?
Well, she has to put up (laughs). To me it is impossible not to be tolerated.
If you can help in a voyage round the world record, which you set in the winter remained in the sky for hot-air balloon more than 30 hours?
Of course I’ll help, but I actually have a RAID very much. And winter will again beat the record.
Wish you a good flight!
Thanks, that’s the good words.
