Sentence:  The balloon, however, having been torn in the lower part, both the cords and netting of the railing of the car broke, the wind again forced away the gentlemen from the tree they were strongly clasping; but with the assistance of a new, though last exertion, the <WSD>aerialists</WSD> had an opportunity of leaving the car and balloon, which fell upwards of 200 yards farther. 
Meaning of the word marked with <WSD> tags:  One who operates a flying machine; a balloonist or aviator.