2010 Giant Hot Air Balloon Race - Indiana Propane Gas Association

OFFICIAL PROGRAM
2010 Giant Hot Air Balloon Race
Table of Contents
Event Times . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Event Officials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Balloon Race History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Event Sponsors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Propane Safety Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.
Race Participants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9
Photo Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Hoosier Burn Camp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Balloonist Prayer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Ballooning Q & A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-14
Map of Infield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Propane Water Heater Rebate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Back Cover
Event Times
Friday, August 13, 2010
8:15 p.m.
Spectators should plan to arrive by this time
Dusk
Balloon Night Glow
Saturday, August, 14, 2010
6:30 a.m.
Sunrise
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Spectators should plan to arrive by this time
Giant Hot Air Balloon Race
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Event Officials
Ruthie Hoffbauer - Balloon Events Coordinator
Nick Hoffbauer - Balloonmeister
Tamara Hoffbauer - Assistant Coordinator
Jeff Dean - Launch Field Director
Rick Lofland - Launch Field Director
Dave Smith - Chief Scoring Officer
Balloon Race History
Ballooning events at the Indiana State Fair began in 1975. Directors
responsible for the other events that were taking place at the fair,
realized that the interest in hot air ballooning was growing and that
it was a perfect time to include ballooning as an annual event here in
Indiana. And so they set the wheels in motion to bring you the
events we enjoy today.
Since that time, spectators have been treated to the beautiful sight of
these “Giants” as they drifted across the Indiana sky. Pilots from
many states have participated during the past 1/4 of a century of this
tradition. Many of the pilots here for this year’s events are past
winners and each has a story to tell of how they piloted their
aircraft to the winner’s circle. National, regional and local
businesses have helped to continue this tradition by their support of
the events. Their continued support ensures that the tradition will
live on in the future.
The addition of the “Balloon Night Light” or glow on the evening
prior to the race at dusk has become another tradition that continues
to grow each year. The opportunity for spectators to meet the pilots
and crews as they inflate the balloons and remain on the ground has
become increasingly popular over the past few years.
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Event Sponsors
Title Sponsor: Indiana Propane Gas Foundation –
PROPANE Exceptional Energy
Balloon Sponsors:
The Estridge Companies
Indiana Pork Producers Assoc.
Jasper Engines & Transmissions
Oliver Winery
Pepsi
Pioneer Hi-Bred, Intl.
Re/Max
Runyon Equipment Rental
Propane Safety
Propane is a safe, economical, clean burning, and versatile fuel when
properly used. Propane can be used as a heating and cooking fuel in
homes and commercial establishments, as a motor fuel for many
types of vehicles, a clean burning industrial and agricultural fuel, an
emergency fuel in disaster areas and in situations where electrical
service is interrupted. However, as with all other types of energy
sources, safety and safe handling is extremely important.
Most accidents involving propane are caused by failure to comply
with the established mandatory safety standards or improper use and
installation of propane equipment. For this reason, we urge you to
contact your local propane supplier for the safe installation of any
propane system or appliance.
Regardless of the type of energy you choose, the Indiana Propane
Gas Foundation also encourages all Hoosiers to install smoke/fire
detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.
For more information on the safe handling of propane, contact your
local propane supplier or contact the Indiana Propane Gas Foundation
at www.indianapropane.com.
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Race Participants
Hare Balloon
Pilot: Mike Wade
Lexington, KY
Balloon: Multicolor
Sponsor: Indiana Propane Gas Foundation – PROPANE
Exceptional Energy
1978 & 1996 race winner. Mike will launch first today and
determine the target area for the rest of the field. Mike has
been the Hare balloon for many years and has done an
“Exceptional” job.
Basket #1
Pilot: Kurt Alexander
Yorktown, IN
Balloon: “Rainbow
Rider” (multicolor
Aerostar)
Years of Participation: 10
2008 race winner.
Basket #2
Pilot: Sean Askren
Middletown, OH
Balloon: Jasper Engines
and Transmissions
Years of Participation: 1
5
Basket #3
Pilot: Allen Baird
Tipton, IN
Balloon: Pioneer Hi-Bred
“The Pioneer” (Cameron)
Years of Participation: 31
Basket #4
Pilot: Tim Basey
Louisville, KY
Balloon: White, black &
blue Lindstrand
Years of Participation: 12
2000, 2001 & 2005 race
winner.
Basket #5
Pilot: Cliff Barbour
Indianapolis, IN
Balloon: “Divine
Inspiration” (Aerostar)
Years of Participation: 19
Basket #6
Pilot: Jim Birk
Defiance, OH
Years of Participation: 8
1983 race winner.
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Basket #7
Pilot: Dave Bobel
Rochester, IN
Balloon: “That A
Way” (Cameron)
Years of Participation: 35
1987 & 1991 race winner.
Dave was the pilot for the
ISF balloon for many years.
Basket #8
Pilot: Jerry Copas
Sellersberg, IN
Balloon: “Elwood
1” (Cameron)
Years of Participation: 15
Basket #9
Pilot: Dick Donnelly
Anderson, IN
Balloon: an Avian
Years of Participation: 14
Basket #10
Pilot: Stew Gibboney
Grove City, OH
Balloon: “Snapdazzle”
Yellow, blue, red and black
Aerostar
Years of Participation: 6
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Basket #11
Pilot: Pat Fogue
Balloon: Pepsi Special
Shape Can
Years of Participation: 12
Basket #12
Pilot: David Hoover
Little Rock, AR
Co-Pilot: Jack Semlar
Carmel, IN
Balloon: Runyon
Equipment Rental
Multicolor “Chasing
Dreams”
Years of Participation: 2
Basket #14
Pilot: Steve Ruster
Muncie, IN
Balloon: Aerostar “Neon
Twist”
Years of Participation: 2
Basket #15
Pilot: Alvin Hansen
Winamac, IN
Balloon: “Hot Air Affair” black with multicolored
pennants (Cameron)
Years of Participation: 9
7
Basket #16
Pilot: Nick Hoffbauer
Carmel, IN
Balloon: Aerostar
Years of Participation: 30
Nick is also the
Balloonmeister for the
event & operates a
passenger ride business.
Basket #17
Pilot: Larry Lankenau
Fort Wayne, IN
Balloon: Aerostar Aurora
“Wanderer”
Years of Participation: 3
Basket #18
Pilot: Frank McCrory
Knobs Creek, IN
Balloon: “This End Up” multicolored checked
(Cameron)
Years of Participation: 7
Basket #19
Pilot: Jeff Menchhofer
Balloon: Re/Max of Indiana
Years of Participation: 32
1982 & 2002 race winner.
Past National Champion of
hot air ballooning.
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Basket #20
Pilot: Mike Nelson
Fortville, IN
Balloon: “Midnight
Racer” (Cameron)
Years of Participation: 2
Basket #21
Pilot: Warren Smith
Bloomington, IN
Balloon: Oliver Winery
Years of Participation: 7
Basket #22
Pilot: Tom Steinbock
Crestwood, KY
Balloon: black &
multicolor
Years of Participation: 10
2003 race winner.
Basket #23
Pilot: Gary Tarter
Fishers, IN
Balloon: Lindstrand
Years of Participation: 17
1981 race winner.
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Basket #24
Pilot: George Troutman
Louisville, KY
Balloon: Lendstrand
“Celtic Cross”
Years of Participation: 10
1977 race winner.
Basket #25
Pilot: Travis Vencel
Bloomington, IN
Balloon: Red, blue &
yellow checkered
Lindstrand
Years of Participation: 20
2004 & 2007 race winner.
Basket #27
Pilot: Geoff Ziegler
Cicero, IN
Balloon: The Estridge
Companies (160,000 cubic
ft Cameron)
Years of Participation: 33
1979 race winner.
Basket #28
Pilot: Tony Sandlin
Fishers, IN
Balloon: “Blown
Away” (Yellow Lindstrand)
Years of Participation: 3
Basket #26
Pilot: Chris Smart
Huntington, IN
Balloon: Blue, white &
pink Cameron “Dream
Catcher”
Years of Participation: 11
2009 race winner
In 2010, the ballooning community as a whole, especially the
Indiana ballooning community, lost a special friend. Pat Newell
was an 18 year veteran of the Indiana State Fair Balloon Events
and winner of the 1999 Balloon Race. He will be greatly missed
by his fellow balloonists during these wonderful, annual events.
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Photo Tips
Move Closer
Simplicity is good. Close-ups provide variety and add interest to pictures. The
picture will be bolder and uncluttered. Take the overall view, then a right view, then
some close-ups of the details.
Watch the Background
Look for simple backgrounds to minimize distraction from the subject. Explore the
variety of viewpoints available for your subject. A low angle, looking into the blue
sky can produce a simple and pleasant background. Try a low angle when posing
friends near a balloon.
Subject Placement in the Frame
Off-center placement of your subject creates a dynamic balance.
Front Lighting
When the sun shines over your shoulder you’ll capture the brightest and most
saturated colors.
Side Lighting
When the light shines across the scene, the mix of light and shadow creates a
realistic, 3D-looking photograph with an excellent feeling for depth and texture.
The Magic Hour of Twilight - Glow Pictures
Dawn or dusk create beautiful lighting opportunities where the warmth of “Balloon
Glow” blends with velvet blue or muted skylight. Photographers call this “the jewel
box effect”. Twilight and night are low levels of light which require high-speed
films. Flash will help in situations of close range, but will not help for overall
scenes.
Lens Choice
Normal (50mm) or wide angle (24,28 or 35 mm) allows moving close to the balloons
to avoid people. Use telephoto or telephoto zoom (70-210 mm) for details out of
reach.
Keep your camera steady!
Gently squeeze the shutter release for sharper photos.
Keep Shutter Speeds Fast!
Faster shutter speeds, such as a 1/250 of a second, generally provide sharper pictures
when using telephoto lenses and handholding your camera.
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Hoosier Burn Camp
The Indiana Propane Gas Foundation (IPGF) will be selling
glow necklaces during the Balloon Night Glow for $1. Necklaces
are available at the event tent (see map on page 15). All
proceeds will benefit the Hoosier Burn Camp.
Hoosier Burn Camp offers a life-enriching, unforgettable summer
camp experience for young men and women who have experienced
injuries from burns. The special programs made available at camp
help the children build self-esteem and realize their highest
potential while learning to deal with the obvious burn scars and the
deep psychological trauma they often suffer.
It costs approximately $1,000 per child to attend camp. The camp is
supported solely through donations. If you would like to assist the
Hoosier Burn Camp family in the commitment towards the positive
development of young people visit www.hoosierburncamp.org.
Balloonist Prayer
MAY THE WIND WELCOME YOU WITH SOFTNESS.
MAY THE SUN BLESS YOU WITH ITS WARM HANDS.
MAY YOU FLY SO HIGH AND SO WELL
THAT GOD JOINS YOU IN LAUGHTER
AND SETS YOU GENTLY BACK INTO THE LOVING
ARMS OF MOTHER EARTH.
This traditional saying is often used at the conclusion of the first
flight that a passenger takes to celebrate the beauty and
peacefulness of hot air ballooning.
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Ballooning Q & A
How do you steer a balloon?
Balloons simply float with the wind. The pilot can control the
balloon’s altitude to find a wind going in the desired direction, but
you cannot fly upwind or crosswind. Preflight planning insures the
pilot knows which way the balloon will be traveling, and the pilot
makes sure there are plenty of suitable landing sites downwind.
How do the balloons "race"?
The “Hare” balloon (with the Propane Exceptional Energy logo)
will be launched from the infield of the Fairgrounds, and the pilot is
Mike Wade from Lexington, KY. Shortly after the “Hare” has lifted
off, the ground crews and pilots will be given the signal to inflate
their balloons. Within a few minutes the 7-8 story balloons are
ready to give pursuit.
The race is one of accuracy. The pilots, who successfully read the
winds, anticipate the “Hare” balloon's evasive actions and maneuver
carefully will be in the chase. 15-45 minutes after launch the “Hare”
balloon hopes to have negotiated to an open area and landed. Upon
landing the scoring team will place a fabric X on the ground at the
"Hare's" landing site. Each pilot of the “Hound” balloons was
assigned a number and a bean toss bag with streamer to use as his
marker of the accuracy of his throw at the center of the target. In
order to score well, it is essential that the pilot navigate as close to
the center of the X as possible. The slightest miscalculation can
mean missing by inches, feet or sometimes miles. However it is not
unusual to have all of the pilots at the race score within 250 feet of
the center of the X.
How long does it take to inflate and deflate the balloon?
A good ground crew can inflate and launch a balloon in fifteen
minutes or less. It takes about the same amount of time to deflate
and pack up the balloon after the flight.
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Why don’t balloons fly in the middle of the day?
Balloons fly early in the morning, right after sunrise and late in the
day, right before sunset. This is when the wind is calmest since the
sun is low in the sky.
Why is the angle of the sun important?
The sun is the source of wind, because it heats the earth unevenly.
Sunlight falls directly on the equator, for example. The North Pole
receives weaker, slanted rays of sunlight. Clouds may keep one
area cool while another heats up. Water and land heat up at
different rates. Hot air is lighter than cool air, so it rises. As hot air
rises, cool air slides in to replace it. The result: wind. It isn’t safe
to fly during the daytime when different pockets of air are rising
and falling.
How do you get back to where you started?
A chase crew follows along in a van or truck. The chase crew is in
radio contact with the pilot, so they can be there when the balloon
lands (or soon afterwards).
How much do balloons cost?
About the same as a car or boat. The most popular sport size
balloons cost from $18,000 - $25,000. Support equipment adds
from $2,000 - $5,000 more. You can also buy used balloons.
What are the envelopes made of?
Ripstop nylon is the most common material. Polyester and other
fabrics are sometimes used.
Do you need a license to fly a balloon?
Yes. A balloon pilot certificate is issued by the FAA in the USA.
You have to complete the prescribed training requirements and met
the minimum hours of instruction required and pass a written, oral
and practical test before you are granted the privileges of a balloon
pilot certificate.
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What fuel do hot air balloons use and where is it carried?
Propane, a truly “Exceptional Energy” is used for fuel. It is carried
in aluminum or stainless steel tanks that range from 10 - 20 gallons
in size. Average fuel consumption is about 15 gallons a flight.
Propane, an inexpensive, clean, stable fuel, has made it possible for
the “regular person” to participate in this sport that was begun over
200 years ago and supported by royalty in its beginnings.
How should I act around a hot air balloon?
Watch and listen to the chase crew for instructions. But generally
speaking, you don’t want to walk on the fabric, stand close to the
inflator fan when it is running, step on or straddle any ropes or
smoke around a balloon. While here at the balloon race we do ask
that all spectators stay behind the tape barricades during the launch.
The area is secured in this manner at the request of the Federal
Aviation Administration who oversees these activities and has the
responsibility of the general public safety.
If you are at the landing or target area we ask that you stay away
from the Target itself, watch the sky for incoming baggies or
balloons, listen to the instructions from the scoring officers at the
field and don’t pick up any of the baggies - they can’t be scored if
they are moved! Have Fun! Enjoy the View!
Where can I view the glow and race?
Night Glow: Spectators can watch the balloons light up on the
infield or from the grandstand.
Giant Hot Air Balloon Race: Spectators can watch the balloon lift
off from the infield. The field will be secured for spectator and crew
safety. Only flight crews will be allowed to get close to the
balloons.
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parking
parking
parking
parking
picnic/viewing area
balloons only
parking
Map of Infield
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proud sponsor of the Giant Hot Air Balloon Glow and Race for the
tenth year
Safe Propane Appliance Rebates Available
• $300.00 for the safe installation of a propane water heater (replacement of
an existing non-propane water heater or new construction installation.)
• $500.00 for the safe installation of a propane furnace (replacement of an
existing non-propane furnace or new construction installation.)
Contact your local propane dealer or visit www.indianapropane.com for
more information.
WHERE GREEN MEETS THE GREENBACK
Times may be tough, but Indiana
homeowners are still interested in
investments that will make their home
more energy efficient.
Propane can be an exceptional energyefficient option for homeowners
interested in “greening” up their homes
and keeping their greenbacks.
For more information on how propane
can help you keep your greenbacks and
be more green, contact your local
propane marketer today.
www.indianapropane.com