Airsaurs One
Rick is a new Adams balloon owner, purchasing an A55S 83,000 cubic foot pop-top which he calls Airsaurs One, a spin-off of Air Force One. He purchased A1, as he calls it, from Dan Jones in Statesboro, Georgia. Airsaurs One is really a hit, especially with the kids because of the artwork. In addition, he owns a Cameron 0-65, called "The Rocket" which he purchased in Rockford, Illinois. His chase vehicle is named "The Launch Pad".
Rick was born is Cambridge City, Indiana on 7 April 1958. He has lived in Indianapolis, Indiana, Baton Rouge, Louisiana and Atlanta, Georgia. He attended Lincoln High School, and Ball State University in Indiana. He taught High School Industrial Arts in Hagerstown, Indiana. He and his wife Diane now live in the outskirts of Atlanta, Georgia. Rick is currently the Regional Sales Manager for Dayton Superior Corporation.
Rick got into ballooning, the same way most pilots do, he took his first flight in Arizona in 1996. He loved the experience and when he got back to Atlanta he signed on as chase crew. Through the natural progression of these things, he bought his own balloon, The Rocket, and began his lessons. He hooked up with Gary Zielinski who pilots "The Sky’z The Limit", and earned his Private Pilot license on June 18th, 1999. He continued his intensive training program and became a Commercial pilot on July 9, 1999.
Seeing the need to get more lift than was available with the Cameron, he decided that buying the available Adams balloon was the answer so that he could take more passengers. After all, when you own your own balloon company which Rick named "FLY ‘N COLORS, Inc." Hot Air Balloon Team, you need to have the capacity to take at least two passengers on the flight. He flies in the North Atlanta area. His company also does advertising and promotional tethers. His web site can be seen at www.Fly-N-Colors.com. His wife Diane is Rick’s Crew Chief although she disavows that title in favor of sleeping in on some occasions when Rick is flying.
Rick has flown in rallies in Helen, Georgia (Helen to Atlantic), Sky High Festival in Calloway Gardens, Georgia, Freedom Weekend Aloft in Anderson South Carolina, City of Lakes in Warsaw, Indiana, Allen County 4H Festival in Ft. Wayne, Indiana and the Dogwood and Cherry Blossom Festivals in Atlanta. He belongs to the BFA, GBA (Georgia Balloon Association), SBS (Southern Balloon Society), and AAAA (Albuquerque Aerostat Ascension Association). He is a board member of the GBA. Rick flew in the Kodak Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta®, where there were over one thousand balloons present. The theme for that Fiesta was "One Thousand in Two Thousand". The skies over Albuquerque were emblazoned with every color in the rainbow.
Rick is active in the community, being involved in local blood drives. He attained Eagle Scout rank, and was named Salesman of the Year for his company in 1996 and 2000.
Rick’s crew includes:
Day Job: Regional Sales Manager for Dayton Superior Corporation
Weekend Job: PIC, FLY ‘N COLORS, Inc. Hot Air Balloon Teams.
Hobbies: Ballooning, Woodworking, Canoe/Kayaking, and NASCAR.
Rick’s Motto To Live By: Boy Scout Motto: Be Prepared. Enjoy life while you can.
Best Ballooning Experience: Flights over his house with Diane while all the neighbors were outside waving. Also high on the list was a splash and dash in local Lake Winward. The Indiana Festivals were also high points when more than 20 of Rick’s family were chasing.
Worst Ballooning Experience: Rick says, "Its like sex, the worst I’ve had was wonderful".
You may Email Rick with any questions at flyncolors@adelphia.net