A Dream Takes Flight
In the summer of 1982, a man with a dream and a lawn chair captured the world’s imagination. Larry Walters, a truck driver from San Pedro, California, decided to take to the skies in one of the most unconventional and daring ways imaginable.
The Preparation
Armed with nothing more than a standard aluminum lawn chair and 45 helium-filled weather balloons, Larry embarked on a journey that would become legendary. He dubbed his flying contraption “Inspiration I” and prepared for takeoff in his girlfriend’s backyard. With a pellet gun in hand to control his altitude by popping the balloons, Larry’s adventure was about to begin.
The Ascent

On July 2nd, 1982, Larry cut the anchor lines and began his ascent. To the astonishment of his friends and neighbors, he quickly soared to an altitude of 15,000 feet. The view was breathtaking, and Larry’s childhood dream of flight had come true in the most extraordinary way.
Into Controlled Airspace
However, things soon took a turn for the unexpected. As Larry floated through the sky, he drifted into controlled airspace near Los Angeles International Airport. Pilots flying commercial airliners were stunned to report a man in a lawn chair flying at such a high altitude. Air traffic controllers were equally bewildered, struggling to make sense of the unusual sight.
The Descent
Realizing the potential danger and the need to descend, Larry used his pellet gun to start popping the balloons. Carefully and methodically, he began his descent. After an hour and a half in the air, Larry safely landed in a Long Beach neighborhood. Upon touchdown, he was immediately greeted by the authorities, who were both relieved and incredulous.
A Folk Hero

Larry Walters was promptly arrested for violating airspace regulations, but his adventure had already cemented his place in history. His flight was covered by news outlets worldwide, and he became an instant folk hero. While his method of flight was unorthodox and risky, it showcased a unique blend of ingenuity and daring.
A Remarkable Legacy
Larry’s flight in a lawn chair remains one of the most remarkable and quirky stories of human endeavor. It serves as a testament to the power of dreams and the lengths to which some will go to achieve them, no matter how unconventional they may be.