The American balloonist with the most records is contemplating another one.

Troy Bradley believes he might be able to better the hot air duration record of 55 hours. He could make it 60 to 72 hours, he says, if stocked with propane. But the key to success relies on one thing: extremely cold temperatures. The colder it is outside, the better the fuel economy — as less hot air is needed to rise.

“We’d probably have to take off in Montana in subzero temperatures,” explains Bradley, a Denver native who lives in Albuquerque, N.M. “To be able to stay in the basket in subzero temperatures for three days is a big part of that one.”

Bradley likely has the chops to do it. His 64 world records in distance, duration and altitude in all three types of balloons (hot air, gas and a hybrid of gas and h

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