EDITOR

Winter Preparation
It is winter, the cold has settled into most of the country and snow blankets many areas. Some balloonists have packed their equipment away until spring. Others are flying over snow covered countryside, enjoying he beauty of winter wonderland.
Winter is not without its perils. The cold temperature can wreak havoc on equipment and people. Proper planning is important for both pilot and crew. Proper clothing, equipment preparation, and planning makes winter flying a unique time of the year to be outdoors. Balloon Life's Special Report on Cold Weather Preparation provides tips for the crew and for pilots in their flight planning.
With colder temperatures propane pressure decreases. The primary methods for raising the pressure to a satisfactory level are warming the fuel tanks and adding nitrogen. In Heat Tapes vs Nitrogen the two methods are compared, giving advantages and disadvantages of both. Some people feel strongly about one method over the other. One method is not necessarily better then the other. Heat tapes work better for some and nitrogen for others.
What is important, which ever method of pressurization a pilot chooses, is to be aware of the hazards that exist with either method. Every year someone over heats their tanks and the pressure release valve opens. On numerous occasions this has lead to an explosion and fire. A number of homes and at least one restaurant have been destroyed. Nitrogen pressure likewise presents its own problems. Exercise caution with either method and be aware of the potential problems that could arise.
Finally, if you are resigned to staying indoors and keeping nice warm this winter Balloon Life offers 8 Tips for Winter Storage on page 36.

Lift Your Spirit High
For the last ten years Sacramento balloonist Rick Unger and his family have spent countless hours in hospitals. Rick discovered ballooning about the same time his daughter was diagnosed with leukemia. The balloon pictures that he would bring to her room not only lifted Chatra's spirits but many of the other children whom were in the hospital. From this simple joy an idea and organization was born-Lift Your Spirit High. The organization's primary purpose is to bring joy to children who are in the hospital for long term care.
Balloon Life first told the story of Lift Your Spirit High in November 1990. This update is more than relating the fine work that the group does. It is about how balloonists joined hands donating their money, equipment, and time to make a dream come true. Spirits Are Still High is about helping others and sharing the joy that ballooning brings to so many people. Our story begins on page 12.

Sign of the times
Long established, full service, reputable balloon business in the "Mecca" of ballooning is for sale. The owner wants to retire and will sell the assets with or without the Corporation. Currently, the company operates an FAA Certified Repair Station, RD1R-448K for all brands of hot air balloons including experimental and an FAR Part 141 Flight and Ground school, RD1S-448K for both Private and Commercial curriculum.
The business was incorporated in 1972 to stage the first World Hot Air Balloon Championship. contact Sid Cutter, 4800 Eubank NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111 for more information or call (505) 293-6800. Cloudbouncer, AAAA Newsletter, November.

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