This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/england/kent/7640310.stm

The article has changed 6 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 2 Version 3
Pilot takes off on Channel flight Airship pilot in Channel attempt
(about 1 hour later)
A French amateur pilot has set off on his attempt to cross the English Channel in a pedal-propelled airship. A French amateur pilot is part of the way across the English Channel in a pedal-propelled airship.
Stephane Rousson, 39, took off from Hythe on the Kent coast at about 0800 BST and hopes to reach Wissant on the French coast about five hours later. Stephane Rousson, 39, took off from Hythe on the Kent coast at about 0800 BST and was half-way to the French coast by 1300 BST.
He had been waiting for winds of less than 5mph before he could set off.He had been waiting for winds of less than 5mph before he could set off.
Mr Rousson failed to make the 34-mile (55km) journey in airship Zeppy in June, despite waiting two weeks for the ideal weather conditions.Mr Rousson failed to make the 34-mile (55km) journey in airship Zeppy in June, despite waiting two weeks for the ideal weather conditions.
If he is successful this time, it will be the first such crossing of the Channel.AdvertisementIf he is successful this time, it will be the first such crossing of the Channel.Advertisement
Stephane Rousson spoke about his ambitions two weeks agoStephane Rousson spoke about his ambitions two weeks ago
A spokeswoman for Mr Rousson said: "To have set off is a victory in itself. He had to wait for just the right weather conditions but they came at the right time. A spokeswoman for Mr Rousson said: "To have set off is a victory in itself. He had to wait for just the right weather conditions but they came at the right time."
"It's all going right. He is hovering about 10m from the water and is making a really good go of it." He had hoped to make the crossing in five hours, but the wind changed direction forcing him to rest while waiting for a change.
During the challenge, Mr Rousson is sat underneath the envelope in a carbon fibre gondola, powering the two propellers with his feet using a bicycle-like contraption. During the challenge, Mr Rousson is underneath the balloon envelope in a carbon fibre gondola, powering the two propellers with his feet using a bicycle-like contraption.
He said the venture had been inspired by the Steven Spielberg film ET.He said the venture had been inspired by the Steven Spielberg film ET.
"Ever since I was a kid I have dreamed of flying," he said."Ever since I was a kid I have dreamed of flying," he said.