Interview with Donald Cameron discussing his early life, career in aeronautical engineering, and pioneering ballooning achievements.
Highlights
1. Early Life and Family Background
Donald Cameron was born in Glasgow in 1939.
His father worked in civil service and served in the army in North Africa during WWII.
His mother, who had worked as a telephonist, died of breast cancer when he was about two years old.
Donald was raised by his grandparents, with his grandfather being a practical engineer who influenced his interest in engineering.
2. Education and Early Interests
Donald attended Alan Glen's School in Glasgow, which was science-based and fee-paying, but he received a bursary.
His favorite subjects were science-related, and he was a member of the Air Training Corps (ATC).
He learned about aircraft systems, Morse code, and had his first flight in a Lincoln bomber through ATC.
He achieved his private pilot's license (PPL) in 1957 or 1958, flying Tiger Moths.
3. University and Career Beginnings
Donald studied aeronautical engineering at the University of Glasgow starting in 1959.
He joined the University Air Squadron and flew Chipmunks, accumulating about 300 hours.
He worked at various aircraft manufacturing plants during summers, including Scottish Aviation at Prestwick.
He graduated in 1961 with Second Class Honours and pursued a master's degree at Cornell University, funded by a bursary.
4. Ballooning Beginnings
Donald's interest in ballooning was sparked by Giles Bulmer at the Bristol Gliding Club.
The group decided to build their own balloon, the Bristol Belle, due to the high cost of purchasing one.
The Bristol Belle was the first modern hot air balloon in Britain, with its first successful flight in July 1967.
The balloon was red and white, and the group funded their activities by doing shows and demonstrations.
5. Formation of Omega Balloons and Cameron Balloons
Omega Balloons was founded by Donald Cameron, Mark Westwood, Jerry Turnbull, and Leslie Goldsmith.
The group eventually split, and Donald founded Cameron Balloons in 1971.
Cameron Balloons started in the basement of Donald's house and later moved to a church hall.
The company steadily grew, producing about one balloon per month initially.
6. Notable Projects and Expeditions
In 1971, Cameron Balloons built the Golden Eagle balloon for a film shoot over the Sahara.
The expedition involved traveling through Portugal, Spain, Morocco, Algeria, and Niger, with various challenges including border crossings and political instability.
The ballooning conditions in the Sahara were best in the early morning due to calm weather.
7. Attempt to Cross the Atlantic
Donald Cameron attempted to cross the Atlantic by balloon in 1978, sponsored by Zanussi.
The gondola was designed by Angus Primrose and was a survival boat that could sail.
The balloon had a gas cell within a hot air balloon, but a split in the gas cell led to the abandonment of the attempt 100 miles from France.
The crew consisted of Donald Cameron and Christopher Davey, and they flew for a total of 96 hours.
The press reaction was significant, with coverage of the attempt and its challenges.
