Avian Balloon Company
Avian Balloon Company was founded by Forey Walter in 1974. We claim the distinction of being the oldest balloon manufacturing company in the United States which still has its original name and management.

Avian manufactures five different models under its four FAA Type Certificates. Envelopes range from 42,000 to 140,000 cubic feet in volume. All envelopes are of the horizontal cut and are offered in 16, 20, and 24 gore styles depending on the envelopeÕs volume. Our double pulley parachute design allows for easy operation and is standard on all our models. AvianÕs unique ÒUltra-VentÓ positive open deflation port is offered as an option. All envelopes come standard with our heavy duty 1.9 oz./yd. double ripstop nylon that is finished with a urethane coating. We also offer as an option, for the pilot who wants the ultimate in balloon fabric, our Rhino-Tough Tear fabric. This material is virtually untearable and comes with its own extended warranty.

High performance burners and simplicity have always been our motto. From our superior fuel flow ÒBallÓ blast valve, to our blowout proof pilot lights, weÕve kept up to date in burner performance while actually eliminating burner parts. High performance burners have always been our trademark. As burner technology advanced so did our burners. But where others added items to their burners we eliminated parts and made our burners quieter. Our ÒBallÓ valve design used on our main burner blast valves and pilot lights are, bar none, the most maintenance free in the industry. This design feature, together with our blowout proof pilot lights, makes our burners superior in performance and reliability. With only two moving parts in the burner, they are the most trouble free as well.

All Avian baskets are crafted from only the highest quality rattan. The rattan is natural and is woven vertically. This is a more time consuming and expensive way to weave, but this design has proven to be far superior than conventional horizontal designs. The vertical weave allows the basket less resistance with the ground in drag landings and has traditionally sustained less damage. The vertical weave also enables the step to become an integral part of the basket, and not an after thought which can be seen on horizontal basket designs. All baskets are trimmed in suede leather on the handrail and burner supports, while the step and bottom are covered in rawhide leather. Wood skid plates cover the outer perimeter of the basket and all inner support cables. This adds extra strength to the basket bottom and makes it almost indestructible.

Our new four display DT-34B digital instrument finishes off our balloon system. This instrument features an altimeter, variometer, envelope temperature (with ambient & delta temperature function), and flight timer (with total time and stopwatch capabilities).

In the works for this year is to finish our latest project, a 185,000 cu. ft. balloon with compartmented basket, and the introduction of replacement envelopes for some of our competitorsÕ more popular models.

				Model		Sparrow		Falcon II	Skyhawk		Turbo 8	Magnum IX
Volume (cu. ft.)		42,000		60,000		80,000		105,000		140,000
Certified Gross Lift		700 lbs.	1,000 lbs.	1,400 lbs.	1,800 lbs.	2,500 lbs.
FAI Category			AX-5		AX-6		AX-7		AX-8		AX-9
Wicker Basket			36" x 36"	39" x 48"	39" x 48"	47" x 60"	47" x 72"
System Weight with Full Fuel	325 lbs.	380 lbs.	480 lbs.	975 lbs.	1,000 lbs.
StainlessSteel 15 gal.FuelTanks	Two		Two		Two		Four		Four
Number of Burners		One		One		One		Two		Two
Price				$13,645.00	$15.950.00	$16,675.00	$23,775.00	$27,825.00