HAHA that gif.
Tbf, the setting was the 18th century so they don't know a lot yet. But what James and Amelia did helped in the exploration of science. The other scientists were mocking him in the early part of the movie but after he came back, he got a standing ovation. Their landing was rough but I expected that. UGH. With today's modern technology, nothing like that will happen especially cause you can easily track hot air balloons now.