AApex Sunrides Announces A New "Special Shape" Balloon

Aapex Sunrides, the company that owns and operates the US Flag Balloon, has announced the newest special shape hot air balloon in the United States. Commissioned by Barry and Teri DiLibero in July of 2002, the decision was cemented to honor 100 years of powered flight, or Heavier than Air flight for 2003.

'What to build' turned out to be a difficult process. Trying to express the magic of flying with wings, while not flying with wings... In the past century, human flight has evolved from basically an aerodynamic wooden birdcage with a 4 cylinder engine that produced less horsepower than many of today’s garden tractors to rockets. Speed has changed the way we look at flight.

In commissioning this project, the big question remained, "All of the advancements, achievements and milestones in one century of flight, how is it possible to demonstrate this history in conjunction with the world’s oldest, simplest form of human flight?"

The decision was a difficult one. It was finally decided that it would have to follow the actions of the fathers of powered flight. By taking the oldest form of winged flight, the glider, just as the Wright brothers did, and adding the most powerful form of propulsion, the rocket engine; the history of flight can be brought together from beginning to present day.

So... at the end of January, 2003, the Space Shuttle PATRIOT hot air balloon is scheduled for completion. At present, Aapex believes it will be the tallest Special Shape balloon registered in the United States. Towering over all other aircraft, PATRIOT will be available for balloon events, airshows and special events starting in May, 2003.

FMI: www.usflagballoon.com