Ben Max Model Ballooning

As a longstanding supporter of the Royal Aero Club, Breitling decided to offer a trophy rewarding a young person or group of people who have made a remarkable contribution to aviation. Breiling commissioned 'The Original Design Partnership' to create The President's Breitling Trophy. The trophy itself evokes characteristics typical of aviation such as the Rolls Royce Trent 1000 turbine. In keeping with the Federation Aeronautique Internationale, each fin of the trophy has been adorned with an engraved pictogram of each of the 12 recognised auronautic activities, from aerobatics to ballooning.

Ben Alford is 14 years old and has been flying radio controlled model hot air balloons for three years. Apart from flying, he always has a complete spares and repair kit and can solve most people's problems on site. He also makes excellent quality baskets and envelopes for customers in the UK and abroad. His best achievement so far was winning a bronze medal at the European Model Balloon Championships in Germany last year. Ben promotes hot air ballooning by giving talks and demonstrations. He is also a competent crew member for full size balloons, including crewing at this years Brittish National Championships.