Back in 1975, Time magazine wrote a short article on the maiden flight of Gonder I.

"......The researchers also found a significant clue in documents at the University of Coinbra in Portugal. These papers reveal that in 1709 a Brazilian-born Jesuit missionary named Bartholomeu de Gusmao went to Lisbon and demonstrated (74 years before France's Montgolfier brothers flew their balloon over Paris) a model of a baloon believed to have been used by the Indians. Filled with smoke and buoyed by hot air from glowing coals in a clay pot, the replica rose from Gusmao's hand and floated towards the palace ceiling....."


Is this true?


The Time article ended on a positive note:

"The flight of the Condor may also have accomplished a another goal of the I.E.S. Until recently, Peruvian authorities have shown little interest in protecting the Nazca drawings, some of which have already been partially obscured by footprints and tire tracks. Now, inspired by Condor, the mayors of nearby towns have joined in an effort to protect the drawings."

CT