"Once you have flown you will walk the Earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you long to return..."
Leonardo Da Vinci
Emerald City Expres Co Pilot: "JuJo the Clown"
Few things can instantly grab our imagination as the sight of a hot air balloon floating over the land. These majestic sky giants are not bound by the earth. Gently drifting along, the wonder of a balloon captures our dreams pulling us along for the ride. Flying in a balloon is a remarkable experience. The whole world is transformed into something magical.
Originally a New York balloon, Emerald City Express made its Nebraska debut on Memorial Day, 2010, over Waterloo, Nebraska. It is piloted by Michael Jones who first was inspired by ballooning as a teenager. His fascination rekindled 30 years later just after one flight.
The Emerald City Express is an Aerostar Rally RX-8 - 90,000 cubic foot balloon that stands nearly 70 feet tall and 60 feet wide. It weighs less than 600 lbs empty and can lift approximately 900 pounds of passengers and fuel in ideal weather conditions. Emerald City Express is named for a fusion between Michael's Kansas birthplace, his love for Seattle - known as the Emerald City - and the appearance the teal and green colors give the balloon.
Originally a New York balloon, Emerald City Express made its Nebraska debut on Memorial Day, 2010, over Waterloo, Nebraska. It is piloted by Michael Jones who first was inspired by ballooning as a teenager. His fascination rekindled 30 years later just after one flight.
The Emerald City Express is an Aerostar Rally RX-8 - 90,000 cubic foot balloon that stands nearly 70 feet tall and 60 feet wide. It weighs less than 600 lbs empty and can lift approximately 900 pounds of passengers and fuel in ideal weather conditions. Emerald City Express is named for a fusion between Michael's Kansas birthplace, his love for Seattle - known as the Emerald City - and the appearance the teal and green colors give the balloon.