New Phone Numbers

Eagle Balloons has a new telephone number since the April Balloon Buyer's Guide was printed. The new number is 815-344-5520. The number listed in the April issue will reach Eagle Balloons through a sister company.

The phone number listed for Thunder & Colt in Canada in the April issue was incorrect. The correct number is 519-644-1117. Fax number and toll free numbers were correct.

The Balloon Works

The Balloon Works, Statesville, North Carolina, manufacturer of FireFly hot air balloons, has announced the addition of a new team member. Tom Rathke will join TBW this month as the company's Sales and Marketing Manager for both FireFly and Galaxy Balloons.

Rathke brings with him a BSBA from the University of Arkansas, ten years experience as an entrepreneur, and 15 years experience in the sport of hot air ballooning.

Rathke was introduced to ballooning in 1983. He started a balloon ride business in Park City, Utah and later in Moab, Utah. He has extensive mountain flying experience, has flown competitive tasks, and scientific flight experiments for the Air Force as a civilian contractor.

The Balloon Works believes that Rathke's diversified experience and passion for the sport will be a great asset.

"My first balloon was a FireFly. I have always loved the Old World charm and aesthetic beauty of the FireFly system and have been astounded at its performance in some very challenging flying experiences I have used it in," Rathke told Balloon Life. "I find it an honor to be representing such a finely crafted aircraft."

For more information contact The Balloon Works, 810 Salisbury Rd., Statesville, NC 28677, phone 704-878-9501, e-mail: FireFlyBln@aol.com.

UltraMagic Balloons

UltraMagic over the America's now offers 27 - U.S. Type Certified models from 42,000 to 355,000 cubic feet. A full range of sport, adventure, commercial, and passenger ride systems are designed to meet individual needs. For competition UltraMagic offers a type designed MV-65 competition race balloon. Artwork quality is a hallmark of the UltraMagic team building each balloon. Special Shapes are also offered with Pilots and Crew in mind, designed for safety in flight and easier handling on the ground. The DiGiorni Flying Pizza has been a very successful shape for the Kraft Pizza Co. For more information about UltraMagic visit their web site at http://www.ultramagic.com/ or call 760-438-9550, fax: 760-634-1474.

Davies Insurance

As of May 1, 1998, The Davies Company has announced that it will no longer be handling balloon insurance. President Tom Davies, Sr. announced that IMC has purchased the balloon division of The Davies Company and IMC will be taking over management of all policies as of that date.

Davies established his company in 1972, becoming the first agency in the United States to insure hot air balloons. In 1973, Davies sold his agency to Alexander & Alexander and the balloon business was taken over by A&A. After leaving A&A in 1980, Tom bought the balloon business back from A&A and resumed day-to-day handling of the balloon insurance business in conjunction with his general agency, InterMountain Insurance Services, located in Vail, Colorado. The growing demand of InterMountain and the need to focus on that area of concern has prompted Davies to sever his long established relationship with the balloon insurance business.

Under Tom Reusse's leadership and with tremendous confidence in the excellent staff at IMC, Davies is proud to be able to offer his select insureds to the IMC agency. All policies will continue to be in effect, and starting May 1, 1998, all servicing of the policies will be handled specifically by Beth Miller in the IMC office. Ms. Miller has been managing balloon insurance for over 8 years. IMC plans to continue the long standing relationship established by Davies with Lloyd's of London. Beth Miller can be contacted at 800-245-0023.

Tommy Gate

Tommy Gate Company, Woodbine, Iowa, manufacturer of the Tommy Lift® hydraulic lift gate, has introduced a new option for the Tommy Gate's traditional cable series: the extruded aluminum platform.

The platform is heat treated and consists of Grade A extruded aluminum components that interlock for added strength. In addition, the rust free, streamline design is lightweight, allowing for easy platform closure.

In a separate announcement the company said that a main frame box cover, which is removable with the lift in either a raised or lowered position, is now standard. The new feature provides easier access for servicing. Other new standard features include a 150 amp circuit breaker with manual reset and a new conductor cable. The molded power and ground cables provide premium grounding protection.

For more information about Tommy Lift® hydraulic lift gates contact, Tommy Gate Company, Bus Brown Dr., Woodbine, IA 51579, phone 1-800-LIFTGATE, or e-mail: info@tommygate.com

Speedtech Instruments

Speedtech Instruments, Great Falls, Virginia, has introduced Skywatch Elite, a new windmeter with more features than any other digital unit. This Swiss-made, omni-directional instrument allows hands-free operation and can be mounted on a tripod or flat surface. Skywatch Elite accurately measures current, average, maximum wind speed; current, minimum, maximum temperature and wind-chill. It incorporates a compass, includes a Beaufort scale, and allows a choice of measurement unitsknots, MPH, KPH, M/sec; Fahrenheit or Centigrade. Automatic shutoff after 36 hours allows statistical sampling of wind speed and temperature. Skywatch Elite is powered by a 25 plus year lithium battery, is weatherproof, and comes with a protective cap. Suggested retail price is $125.00.

In a separate announcement Speedtech has introduced the new Outback ES compass, made in the U.S. by Precision Navigation. The patented magnetic sensors and many extra features make this improved model the most advanced hand-held electronic compass available. it has +/-15 degree tilt adjustment; +/-2 degree accuracy, is water resistant and powered by two lithium batteries which provide approximately 200 hours of use. Headings are displayed in digits, cardinal points and compass rose; damping is adjustable. Outback ES takes and holds ten bearings, will store ten legs as you travel, and allows pre-programming of up to ten courses, with off-courses indicators. The unit is backlit and/or the night navigation feature uses red and green lighted arrows to keep you on course. Declination is electronically corrected and magnetic deviation has automatic adjustment. Outback ES measures 3.9 by 2.8 by 1.2 inches and weighs 4.2 ounces. Batteries are included. Suggested retail price is $99.95.

For more information on these two products contact Speedtech Instruments, 10413 Deerfoot Dr., Great Falls, VA 22066 or call toll free 1-800-760-0004 or e-mail: info@speedtech.com.

The Schantz Agency

The Schantz Agency is moving to new headquarters May 11. The Schantz Agency represents an "A" rated domestic insurance company, and also writes up to 50 percent commercial balloon insurance as well as offering event coverage through several different underwriters.

The new office address is 302 Third St., Suite 7B, Neptune Beach, FL 32266. The new telephone number is 904-246-1018, Fax 904-241-1780. The toll free number remains the same 1-800-359-6342.

All mail should still be sent to PO Box 51591, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32240-1591.

BFA Junior Balloonist

Tina Reeves, chairperson of the Balloon Federation of America Junior Balloonist program, has announced that the BFA Board has unanimously approved a new award to be given out each year, The BFA Bill Murtorff Jr. Balloonists Person of the Year Award. It will presented to someone that has contributed time and effort to help the BFA Jr. Balloonist program.

In a separate Tina wants to remind all the Jr. Balloonist that the end of the school year in approaching. Those who have been working hard in their studies and earn a straight A average or improve their grades will be eligible for a free subscription to Balloon Life.

For more details on how to earn the free subscription, become a Jr. Balloonist, or other JB programs contact Tina Reeves, 10472 Ashby Place Lane, St. Ann, MO 63074 or visit the JB web site at http://www.stlmo.com/skyangel.

Harmon Trophy

The National Aeronautic Association has recently become the administrator of the Harmon Trophies and the former Harmon Trust. In partnership with the National Air and Space Museum, the NAA is in the process of reactivating the three trophies. The "Aeronaut" trophy for ballooning will be reactivated first and the NAA has offered the BFA a partnership in all aspects of the annual award.

Harmon Trophy nomination is for the most outstanding international achievements in the arts and/or science of aeronautics (ballooning) for the preceding year with the art of flying receiving first consideration.

Nominations should give complete, but concise, details justifying the award to the nominee, with such background information as considered pertinent, and any other relevant information that would assist the Selection Committee. The complete contact information for the nominee and person making the nomination.

Deadline for nominations is June 15. For more information or to make a nomination contact Trish Behrmann, BFA Awards Chair, 8405 Monitor Dr. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109, phone 505-821-8537.

Virgin Skyrides

In mid-March construction crews from France and England arrived in Birch Run, Michigan to install the winch and ground equipment for the areas newest attractionthe Virgin Skyride.

The first of its kind in the United States, the Virgin Skyride is a 100 foot tall, helium filled balloon which can carry up to 30 passengers. It is controlled on its ascent to 500 feet and descent by an underground winch system, and unlike a hot air balloon, can be operated 24 hours per day in winds of up to 25 miles per hour. The ride offers a silent and smooth unique sensation of flight and breathtaking aerial views for the passengers. The sheer size and constant repetition of flights (approximately four per hour), will become a new identifier for the Birch Run community. The public Grand Launch Day is scheduled for mid-May.

The project is managed and operated by Virgin Skyrides Michigan, LLP, a partnership between Virgin Aerostations, Inc. and Michigan Balloon Corporation. Michigan Balloon Corporation is an established balloon operations company providing commercial hot air balloon operations and passenger charter flights in the United States.

For more information contact Virgin Skyrides Michigan, PO Box 288, Birch Run, MI 48415, phone 517-624-8055.

Cattron Remote Control

Cattron is now supplying a portable radio remote control system to improve operational safety in running winches that control ascent, descent and mooring of the Super SkyTrips Ltd. tethered passenger balloon located near Vauxhall Bridge in London, England.

In addition, five identical systems were supplied to Hydrotechnics Ltd. of Bedfordshire for balloons in London, Dudley, Longleat, Copenhagen and Gothenburg. The balloon provide passengers with superb view of the cities and surrounding area. The large tethered passenger-carrying helium-filled balloons can carry up to 30 passengers, including wheelchairs.

Originally, these winches were operated with pendants held by a ground-based crew member who took instructions via radio from the pilot in the gondola.

For more information contact Sherman & Associates, Warren, OH 330-399-4500. Internet: http://www.shermanassoc.com/

Honda Grand Prix

The 1998 Hot Air Balloon World HONDA Grand Prix is a new style of balloon competition. The competition will allow teams of three pilots to compete in three countriesJapan, USA, and Luxembourg. The USA portion of the competition will be a four day event to be held in Monroe, Wisconsin from July 23 to July 26, 1998.

For 1998, the limit will be 30 teams. Total prize money, from first to 15th place will be approximately $95,000. This prize money will be awarded at the conclusion of the final event in Sendai, Japan.

There is no restriction on nationalities to make up the teams. For example, one team may comprise one pilot from USA, one from the UK and one from Hong Kong. One will compete in Japan, one in Luxembourg and one in Wisconsin.

If you are interested in participating and forming a team for this event contact Debbie Spaeth or Tom Sheppard at 414-338-2300 or e-mail: ssatds@hnet.net. Or you may contact Masashi Kakuda in Japan at +81-423-94-9078 or e-mail: mkakuda@imailbox.com.

Butler Parachute Systems

Butler Parachute Systems, Inc., Roanoke, Virginia, specializes in the engineering and manufacture of parachutes, recovery systems and related items. The "mission specific" emergency equipment ensembles built for Dick Rutan and Dave Melton, Global Hilton, included: a harness with parachute riser releases; a backpack parachute container with an integrated life raft pack; an integrated survival equipment vest with flotation and survival items suitable for use worldwide; four days of rations and an oxygen bailout bottle.

Dick Rutan told Butler, after he and Melton bailed out over the New Mexico desert, "On behalf of myself and Dave MeltonGood Job Guys; you ought to be proud on yourselvesyou saved our butts."

For more information on Butler Parachutes Systems contact the company at PO Box 6098, Roanoke, VA 24017, phone 540-342-2501, or e-mail: butlerchut@aol.com.

Alex Richtie

Alex Richtie, 52, team member of the Virgin Global Challenger, passed away on April 11. Richtie had been hospitalized since a parachuting accident in Marrakech, Morocco in January.

Per Lindstrand is a statement said, "Alex was the foremost engineer for the design and construction of the Virgin Global capsule. He also was the third crew member of the flight team. His contribution to Lindstrand Balloons however, was much greater than this. He designed and prototyped the JetStream burner range, which gave LBL the best possible start in an extremely competitive market. His understanding of all aspects of our business will be missed, as well as his perpetual smile."