Julian was founder of the modern ballooning movement and one of its greatest, most creative exponents. During his long and extraordinary career he broke 79 World Ballooning Records, and 96 British Records, including exceeding 55,000 feet in a hot air balloon. His records span many classes – hot air, helium, superpressure and combination balloons – and encompass altitude, distance and time aloft.

He had the unusual distinction of being both a Senior Member of the American Institute of Aeronautics, recognizing engineering experience, and a Member of the elite Society of Experimental Test Pilots, recognizing unique experimental flying.

Julian was the only pilot in the history of the Society elected for experimental piloting of balloons.