[4]   In 1975 to support this theory, he designed and piloted the Nazca Prehistoric Balloon, using only methods and materials available to the Pre-Inca Peruvians 1,000 years ago.

[2][3] Nott believed, “...setting a world record is indisputable proof of the success of a new design.” In 1979 he designed and built the first hot air balloon with a pressurized gondola.

The ICI Innovation gondola is permanently displayed at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum at Dulles Airport.

[1] Nott pioneered the use of hybrid energy for lift, where solar power is a significant heat source, and using this technology in 1981 he crossed the English Channel.

[3] The superpressure balloon concept was further developed and used by NASA to carry unmanned payloads of up to 8,000 pounds (3,600 kg) at up to 110,000 feet (34,000 m); circumnavigating the Earth for 7 to 55 days.

[2] As Senior Balloon Consultant, Nott helped Alan Eustace break the world's highest parachute jump record from an altitude of 135,890 feet (41,420 m) on 24 October 2014.

[2] As an adjunct professor at Cal Tech and the University of California, Nott lectured on entrepreneurship for scientist, engineers, and mathematicians.