ADVENTURER David Hempleman Adams has flown out to Pittsburgh to begin preparing for his next ballooning challenge.

The veteran explorer and balloonist will be attempting to fly solo across the Atlantic in a traditional open wicker basket.

Mr Hempleman Adams hopes to break the solo distance record for a Roziere balloon by flying from Pittsburgh to Europe.

Last September he attempted the crossing but was forced to land in Connecticut after his autopilot failed.

"I am hoping it will be second time lucky and I am very excited," he said.

Before leaving the UK Mr Hempleman Adams visited the Bristol-based control centre that will act as his lifeline during his trip.

The flight control centre, based in Bank of Ireland's UK Headquarters in Temple Quay, will be home to a team of eight flight experts and volunteers during the flight. They will guide Mr Hempleman Adams across the Atlantic using state-of-the-art satellite and communications equipment.

"I learned things from failing the first time around and we have made some changes. I hope I get more than the six hours sleep I got last time," said Mr Hempleman Adams.

He is hoping to take to the skies in the next week but has a window open for the whole of June.

On his team will be meteorologist Luc Trullemans who worked on Mr Hempleman Adams' North Pole flight in June 2000 and Steve Fossett's solo circumnavigation this year. He studied physics at the University Libre de Bruxelles and then weather forecasting with the metro-wing of the Belgian Airforce.

Logistics and flight director Dr David Owen will be responsible for the control centre and will be in constant contact with Mr Hempleman Adams in his balloon. He has worked with the explorer on previous expeditions, including Everest and the Canadian high altitude flight.

"They are a fantastic team. I couldn't hope for anyone more experienced," said Mr Hempleman Adams.

Speaking from Pittsburgh he said his team were preparing for his take-off.

"We are getting the balloon out on Saturday and at the moment we are checking all the equipment," he said.

He said he was not nervous yet but he would be nearer the time. "I am off the alcohol and caffeine but apart from that everything is the same," he said.

He said last time he was confident that he would succeed but hoped this time he would make it.

"I have got the best team and the best equipment. I just have to be able to fly the bloody thing," he said.

Mr Hempleman Adams flew to America on Monday just a day before explorer Pen Hadow had to be rescued from the North Pole after floating adrift on the ice.

Mr Hempleman Adams said he knew Mr Hadow and had been on the same expedition he had just completed.

"He did a great job and I am glad he is back," he said.