 The first flight of the "Bristol Belle" took place on 9 July 1967 from RAF Weston-on-the-Green, and was covered by the "Daily Telegraph" and other media.The balloon took part in some famous flights including one from HMS "Ark Royal", where it was piloted by Lt Terry Adams, accompanied by Lt Howard Draper both of 849 Squadron, B Flight.This early morning launch carried mail to Malta while the "Ark Royal" was steaming off the southern coast of the island on 29 November 1970.