On July 2, 1982, Larry Walters, a 33-year-old truck driver from San Pedro, California, achieved accidental fame by fulfilling a childhood dream in the most unconventional way imaginable. Armed with a lawn chair, 45 helium-filled weather balloons, a parachute, a BB gun, and a cooler of sandwiches and beer, Walters launched himself into the sky in what he called“ Inspiration I.”
His plan was to float gently a few hundred feet above the
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STARLIGHT BALLROOM and LIGHTHOUSE POINT and would like to dance to those memories
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Phillies bus trip July 2, 2025 Phillies & Padres ground, enjoy the view, and then use the BB gun to gradually shoot balloons and descend. Instead, Larry shot up over 15,000 feet and drifted into controlled airspace over Los Angeles International Airport. Pilots reported the bizarre sight of a man in a lawn chair floating with balloons, prompting FAA concern.
After about 45 minutes aloft, Larry shot a few balloons, descended slowly, and got tangled in power lines— but
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4200 Atlantic Ave, Wildwood, N. J Hall Rentals Available 609-522-3613 emerged unharmed. He was promptly arrested and fined, though public opinion was surprisingly supportive, admiring his creativity and guts.
Walters became a media sensation, appearing on talk shows and inspiring songs, movies, and books. Though he struggled with fame and personal issues in later years, his stunt remains a legendary feat of DIY aviation.
“ A man can’ t just sit around,” Larry once said, and with that spirit, he became a folk hero. His flight is a reminder of the curious mix of boldness, humor, and sheer audacity that can turn a backyard fantasy into international legend.
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