SWINDON-born explorer David Hempleman-Adams remains in Pittsburgh, making the final preparations for his world record attempt to cross the Atlantic in a wicker basket hot air balloon.

The launch will take place as soon as meteorologist Luc Trullemans gives the go-ahead from his weather control centre in Brussels.

David and the Chase de Vere team say they should have about 48 hours notice before launch. The UK-based Control Centre team, at Chase de Vere's Bath offices, are on standby now.

The explorer has been sleeping in an oxygen tent to help him acclimatise to the high altitudes he may have to endure once airborne and over the Atlantic.

He expects to have to fly as high as 24,000 feet and will need to breathe gaseous oxygen from a special device which will enable him to breathe on the rare occasions he can sleep.

He will sit in a 7ft by 4ft wicker basket and the 45-year-old daredevil from Box hopes to break the solo world distance record for this size and type of balloon 5,340km set 10 years ago by an American team.

During the flight David will be carrying the Duke of Edinburgh's colours and has also been granted flag number 173 from The Explorers Club of New York.

A plane will follow The Chase de Vere Atlantic Challenger as it flies north towards Newfoundland. The balloon has been equipped with special transponders, requested by US Air Traffic Control, to quickly identify the balloon.

Virgin Atlantic flights have also been alerted to keep a look out for David's position as he crosses the Atlantic.