Color, Craftsmanship and Flight
Our Fleet
A hot air balloon is more than an aircraft. Its colors, shape, size, history, and flying characteristics give it a personality all its own.
Buzzard's Glory has flown many balloons since 1974. Some were designed for training, some for competition, and others for carrying passengers. Together, they tell the story of decades spent sharing ballooning with Eastern Iowa.
Flying Fleet
The Original
Named, designed, and flown by Peter Stamats, Buzzards Glory is the balloon that gave the company its name.
Its 77,000-cubic-foot envelope is used primarily during the cooler months. It has also served as the company's principal training balloon, helping new pilots learn the art and science of balloon flight.
Competition Balloon
Alley Cat is smaller, quick to respond, and built for the precision required in balloon competition.
At 56,000 cubic feet, the smaller envelope allows the pilot to climb and descend quickly while searching for useful wind directions. The original site describes the envelope as being made with a special fabric called “Sore-coat.”
Passenger Balloon
The Cedar Rapids Bank and Trust balloon is one of the larger passenger-carrying balloons in the fleet.
Its 90,000-cubic-foot envelope provides the capacity needed to carry as many as four people, depending on conditions and operating requirements.
Passenger Balloon
Cost Cutter is another of the larger balloons used for passenger flights.
The 90,000-cubic-foot envelope has carried many people on their first balloon adventures. Matt has been the pilot most often associated with flying this balloon.
A Newer Addition
Midnight Glory joined the fleet as a newer 77,000-cubic-foot balloon.
Its striking nighttime appearance makes it especially well suited for balloon glows, when the burners illuminate the envelope from within.
Part of Our History
Although these balloons no longer fly with the active fleet, they remain an important part of Buzzard's Glory history.
Retired
The Guaranty Bank balloon was a familiar sight over Cedar Rapids for many years.
Its 90,000-cubic-foot envelope was considered a special-shape balloon because of the distinctive yellow extensions projecting from the envelope—often affectionately described as its “Cheeto” parts.
Retired
Blackie was an unmistakable balloon constructed from all-black fabric.
The 84,000-cubic-foot envelope began its life as the McLeod USA balloon and originally carried enormous yellow stars. Those stars were later removed, leaving the distinctive black envelope remembered today.
See Them in the Air
Explore photographs from flights, competitions, balloon events, and the many adventures shared by Buzzard's Glory pilots and crews.
Visit the Photo Gallery