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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