Stratobowl Launch
Sep 30, 2013
Pilots and crew of 10 hot air balloons flew from the historic Stratobowl on September 20-22. “Other than enjoying the magical gift of flight from such a special place in aviation history, it was an opportunity to share this special unique canyon with others,” says pilot Kay West.
The Stratobowl is a natural depression in Black Hills National Forest, southwest of Rapid City. In 1934 and 1935, the Army Air Corps and National Geographic Society launched manned balloon flights into the stratosphere from this location to a record 72,395 feet. The Explorer II flight proved man could survive the altitude in a pressurized capsule, an important part of the space program and our quest to walk on the moon. Since then, the Stratobowl has hosted aviation pioneers Ed Yost, Steve Fossett, Troy Bradley and others.
Kay West, who arranges the Stratobowl launch with her husband Mark, says all of the pilots are selected by invitation only and must have the experience and skills to fly in mountainous areas. Kay is a flight instructor and the FAA Designated Examiner for the State of SD. Mark West is Chief Technology Officer at Raven Industries.
Photos by Jeanne Apelseth. See more of Apelseth’s photos at www.sunchaserfineart.com.
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Pilot Gary Palmer, Yankton, and crew prepare for the morning flight with a hot inflation. -
Kay West, Sioux Falls, heads upward into the morning. -
Mark West taking “Red, White & Pooh” up for a tethered ride. -
“Moonshadow” eager to get off the ground. Pilots Dave and Denise Christensen call Sioux Falls home. -
Stan Berger, Sioux Falls, Scott Wooge, St. Louis and Mark West, Sioux Falls, heading up. -
“Integrity” from below with aeronaut Gary Palmer from Yankton. -
“Moonshadow” inflation being done by Anne Christensen, a student pilot. -
“Gus T. Guppy” from Minnesota was a hit with the kids. Aeronaut Larry Konash and Pam Johnson, from Burnsville, Minn., fly it. -
Sunday was too windy for a freed flight, so the balloons set up for tethered rides in the bottom of the Stratobowl. Larry Konash fires up the burner. -
Kay West takes first-time passenger, Lisa Koch, out for a free flight. -
“Gus T. Guppy” always seemed to be leading the way. Of course, he was the only balloon with a face! -
The smallest crewmember, Ben, helping to put away the guppy balloon. -
This patchwork-patterned balloon is flown by aeronaut Scott Wooge from St. Louis. -
Bob Kross’ balloon is hot inflated for the morning launch. Nine balloons participated in the rally this year. Bob is from Rapid City. -
“Intergrity” decided to go down in a pasture next to Reptile Gardens, while several other balloons "parked" by the side of Highway 16. Imagine the reaction of the people driving down the road! -
Gary Palmer ready for take-off in his balloon, “Integrity.” -
Gus T. Guppy seems to take the lead, followed closely by "Moonshadow." -
Balloons heading up over the rim of the Stratobowl. “Integrity” on the left, “Moonshadow” center and "Scream Catcher.” -
Three colorful and patriotic balloons hang together.
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