Hot Air Balloon Inventor and Pioneer Honored

Ed Yost, the 88 year old Father of the Modern Hot Air Balloon, is honored with a medallion struck in honor of the anniversary of his invention and first flight. Newly licensed lighter than air pilots can apply for a free medallion in order to share in the celebration.

Austin, TX (PRWEB) March 5, 2006

In order to honor Paul Edward Yost on the 45th anniversary of the first modern controlled hot-air balloon flight, the International Aeronauts League has commissioned a special medallion.

On October 22, 1960, Ed built and piloted the first modern hot air balloon for the United States of America's Office of Naval Research. This aircraft consisted of an envelope manufactured from plastic film which was heated by 5 plumber’s pots burning white kerosene. The design quickly evolved to incorporate a nylon envelope, familiar wicker gondola and an ingenious propane fuel burner system that included self-contained vaporization coils which allow the propane fuel to burn optimally in all conditions. Today, events like the annual Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta are a testiment to the beauty and fun Ed's work launched for thousands of pilots and millions of spectators who enjoy events like this all over the world.

The medallion features a three quarter profile bas-relief bust of Ed on the face. The background of the portrait depicts a scientific gas balloon rising through a cloudy sky. The scientific balloon reminds us of Ed’s tireless work to insure that the work launched at the Stratobowl by the pre-astronauts of the 1930's is not lost to the ages. During the 1930's man first reached the stratosphere in balloons bearing pressurized capsules as they conducted cosmic ray research and the effects of high altitude flight on man. The Balloon Historical Society was established by Ed in 2002 with the intention of creating a permanent shrine and museum to the work done at this important staging and launch site in western South Dakota.

The back of the coin depicts Ed as he mans the controls below ONR X 40 Raven 1 on its historic ascent the morning of October 22, 1960 in Bruning, Nebraska.

The man commissioned to create the beautiful artwork for the coin is Texas artist Jacob Steimer. Jake is a prolific artist with an eclectic award-winning portfolio. Jake was very excited during the planning and execution of this work. He noted, “I tried very hard to capture the steely determination of Ed Yost. I hope I have done justice to his strength and brilliance.” Jake consulted photographs and friends of Yost like, publisher and historian, Christine Kalakuka to find just the right elements to infuse into his portrait of the father of the modern hot-air balloon.

In order to fully share this award with the public and further encourage newcomers to attain their pilot certificate – part of the International Aeronauts League charter - a version of the medallion has been created that will be awarded to all new private LTA pilots who wish to have one. This award applies to certificated pilots anywhere in the world. The special 1.5 inch medallion has been double die-struck from a solid ingot of nickel. When asked why he commissioned the medallion, IAL founder John Craparo stated, “To honor Ed and those who have taken up ballooning. In addition, the Montgolfier brothers of France had a medallion struck in their honor by Louis XVI which is still clinking around collections more than 220 years after it was minted. Ed deserves to be honored in such a lasting way.”

Anyone who attains a first Lighter than Air (LTA) pilot certificate on or after October 22, 2005 is eligible to receive this 1.5 inch medallion. To order, please send your name, address and proof that you received your first certificate (photocopy of certificate or temporary certificate) on or after October 22, 2005 to:

International Aeronauts League

PO Box 200931

Austin, Texas 78720-0931

USA

The International Aeronauts League is a world-wide-web based association of individuals from around the world. The association’s 1,000 members share a passion for Lighter-Than-Air flying in all of its forms. Membership in the IAL is free and more information can be obtained at http://www.interaeroleague.com.

Media Contact:

John S. Craparo

512-740-2506

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