Aviation Archives — Rich Collier

Balloon over ABQ

Everest

I shot this photo from the window of a Jetstream 41 this morning. The tall peak in the background is the summit.

I thought that taking a scenic flight around Mount Everest might hinder my desire to climb it, yet the attraction has only increased.

I still see an expedition in my future.

Ballooning ABQ

Converts liquid propane into heat energy to give the balloon it's lift from the trapped hot air

Converts liquid propane into heat energy to give the balloon it’s lift from the trapped hot air

Balloons are first filled with air from a fan

Balloons are first filled with air from a fan

Then comes the fire from the burners

Then comes the fire from the burners

Soon, the balloons start to rise into the air

Soon, the balloons start to rise into the air

Just after takeoff

Just after takeoff

Shortly after takeoff we started to rise into the sky quickly

Shortly after takeoff we started to rise into the sky quickly

We came in low over the highways

We came in low over the highways

ABQ intersection

ABQ intersection

Looking up into the balloon from inside the basket. It's very hot in the basket.

Looking up into the balloon from inside the basket. It’s very hot in the basket.

Rylan at the 2016 Stuart Airshow

He sure is a little aviator, just like his daddy.