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When humans finally achieved the dream of flight they did it in hot air balloons. The first successful human flight in a balloon was in France in 1783. Hot air balloons were quickly replaced by hydrogen filled gas balloons that were considered safer. In the 1960s hot air ballooning began a resurgence in popularity among sport pilots. Competitions and festivals are held around the world with the largest being held in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This gathering attracts nearly 1,000 balloons each year. The Avian Falcon II is a medium sized balloon often used in competition flights and for carrying passengers.
All photographs and text copyright Arizona Aerospace Foundation, 2009 and may not be used in any way without express written permission.
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| Diameter |
51 ft |
| Height |
61 ft |
| Weight |
1,000 lbs (loaded) |
| Service Ceiling |
10,000 ft. |
| Crew |
1 pilot, 2 passengers |
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