Adventurer and balloonist Bertrand Piccard talks toRiz Khan [Copyright Bertrand Piccard & Brian Jones]Riz's guest this week is the adventurer and balloonist Bertrand Piccard, whose aeronautical exploits have captured the attention of the world.
He was destined to be an adventurer - born into a family of inventors and explorers – both his grandfather and father used balloons and submarines to explore their world.
He was a pioneer of hang-gliding before turning his attention to a series of record-breaking feats involving hot air balloons – famously circumnavigating the world in 1999.
He used his fame to help others, both as a UN Goodwill Ambassador and with his own charity, Winds of Hope, with co-pilot Jones.
He is a qualified psychiatrist and in-demand motivational speaker yet still finds time to pursue his latest project 'Solar Impulse' which aims to develop a solar-powered plane capable of flying around the world without damaging the environment.
Watch part one of this episode of One on One on YoutubeWatch part two of this episode of One on One on Youtube
This episode of One on One aired from Saturday, January 05, 2008
To contact us click on 'Send your feedback' at the top of the pageWatch Al Jazeera English programmes on YouTube Join our debates on the Your Views page
Join our debates on the Your Views page