The balloon set off from Colorado

The explorer landed safely on Tuesday after reaching a claimed 43,000ft.

Officials in America are investigating whether he was issued with a US licence for the Roziere balloon flight, and whether he was in restricted airspace.

Mr Hempleman-Adams said: "Tim Cole, who liaised with air traffic control, has done five flights from the same place."

He added: "He went through the same procedure then as he did for my flight.

"He is as confused as everyone else."

We are investigating reports that he entered restricted airspace designated for jets approaching Denver international airport Allen Kenitzer Federal Aviation Administration

"I am satisfied everything was done correctly and we have proper documentation to support this. We did not break any rules as far as I am aware.

Mr Hempleman-Adams added that the query should not affect him claiming the altitude record.

Federal Aviation Administration spokesman Allen Kenitzer said three aspects of the flight were under investigation.

"We are investigating whether this pilot had a US licence. Any pilot must have a US Aviation Certificate with a balloon rating to fly, a UK licence is not what is required.

"Secondly, we are investigating reports that he entered restricted airspace designated for jets approaching Denver international airport.

"Preliminary reports to the FAA suggest that the balloon was not carrying the correct transmitter or that the instrument on board was not operating properly. This is also under investigation."

Mr Kenitzer said the preliminary investigation by the FAA could take up to two weeks.

Although the team is still waiting for official confirmation, they believe the explorer broke the current Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI) record, which was set by Per Lindstrand in November 1996.

Mr Hempleman-Adams endured temperatures a low as -80C and breathed oxygen to cope with the thin air during the flight, which lasted about three-and-a-half hours.