13 Facts About Don Piccard

Donald Louis Piccard was a Swiss-born American balloon pioneer, promoter, innovator, designer, builder, and pilot.

Don Piccard became a naturalized United States citizen in 1931.

Don Piccard first flew in a balloon in 1933, when he was enlisted as "crew" by his mother.

Don Piccard was the first woman to fly to the edge of space and the first American woman to earn a balloon pilot's license.

Don Piccard served as a balloon and airship rigger in the United States Navy during World War II and at Naval Air Station Lakehurst during the Korean War.

Don Piccard made the first post-war free flight on February 16,1947 with a captured Japanese Fu-Go balloon, earning his balloon pilot certification from the Civil Aeronutics Authority.

Also in 1963 at Kalamazoo, Michigan, Don Piccard clerked the first National Aeronautic Association-recognized National Hot Air Balloon Championship.

Don Piccard is credited with the rapid delation concept, which is superior and safer than the 1970 balloon parachute top design.

Don Piccard promoted ballooning as a sport and in 1964 started designing balloons through his company Piccard Balloons, eventually incorporating in 1972.

Don Piccard appeared as a "Mr X" guest on What's My Line on September 1,1963, where he stated he was from Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Don Piccard died in St Paul, Minnesota in 2020 at the age of 94.

Don Piccard Balloons was an American manufacturer of hot air balloons.

Don Piccard, descended from a long line of aeronauts, built and sold some of the first modern hot air balloons, beginning in the mid-1960s.