Aerial Pioneers (The First Flight) I wanted to paint a balloon. Upon googling 'hot air balloon' I discovered that apparently, the first ever passenger flight took place on 19th September 1783, in Versailles. A large crowd of around 130,000 people witnessed the event and among the guests were Louis XV1, Mary Antoinette and the French court. The passengers suspended below a hot air balloon were a sheep, a duck and a cockerel. Why these particular animals were chosen, I don't know. The balloon flew for 2 miles, and the passengers returned to earth safely (but probably with a bump) 8 minutes later. Here they are mid-flight wondering what's going on. (http://www.jethrobuck.com/freefall-2013/#/aerial-pioneers/)