1996 News Abstracts
U.S.AVIATOR, January, 1996:

HANGAR FLYING
By J.R. "Zoom" Campbell

What Goes UP, Must Come DOWN

       "The real question is where?" says Joe Kittinger of his many
gas balloon flights. "That's what makes ballooning such a great
adventure - you never know where you are going to come down,
"Kittinger muses from the early 1900s era surroundings of the
Steinauer, NB (Pop 92), local tavern. In the middle of the afternoon,
Kittinger is doing what he enjoys best - relaxing with friends and
family and enjoying reliving his latest adventure.

        "This flight brought us to the heartland of America. I love
the people in this part of America - it's where you can find the true
definition of `family values.' Last night we spent the night in a
former convent - that's certainly my first time ever for that
experience.  You won't believe how much effort one local lady has put
into restoring this abandoned convent and converting it into a lovely
bed and breakfast. It is a really beautiful spot in this remote, rural
part of America."

        "All we have to do now is pack up and make it back 800 miles
to the blue skies of Albuquerque where we started. Unfortunately the
weather wasn't kind to us but we had a beautiful flight - at times we
were zipping along at 65 mph.  On Saturday night, the race winners
will be announced at the `Survivors Banquet' which all the balloonists
able to struggle back to Albuquerque will attend."  With a twinkle in
his eye, Kittinger adds, "I think divine guidance was again with us
this year to find this spot and all the wonderful people we've met
along the way. I can't wait for my next adventure."

        Kittinger had been flying for almost 24 hours in 1 of 12 gas
balloons competing in this year's America's Challenge  Gas Balloon
Race. Kittinger is well known for his still current world record
parachute jump of 102,800'.  The red-haired Kittinger, who often
sports a trademark red bandana, has often been called a flamboyant
aviator. In 1984, he was the first man to ever fly solo by balloon
across the Atlantic Ocean. Perhaps his greatest adventure will be his
long-planned solo balloon flight around the world&;"all I need
is a sponsor who shares the vision."

        At the close of the second day of the race, Kittinger was one
of seven entries to have landed.  Five balloons were still flying. Joe
Kittinger is the subject of a new Naval Institute book, THE
PRE-ASTRONAUTS, by Craig Ryan.  FMI: Art Lloyd, Jr, Media Coordinator,
America's Challenge Gas Balloon Race, 8309 Washington Place NE,
Albuquerque, NM 87113.

EXPEDITION NEWS, Darien, CN, Feb 1996:
V3 N2, p. 2 -

VIRGIN GLOBAL CHALLENGER
DEFLATED BY MOROCCAN WEATHER

    ... After four years of drought, Morocco has received the heaviest
spell of rain since weather record-keeping began in 1917.  Commenting
upon the interminable weather delays was American balloonist Joe
Kittinger who recently returned from Marrakesh, "It seemed like waiting
for paint to dry.  Except it's been too wet for that to happen
either."


The Atlantic Flyer, April 1996:
Vol. 11, No. 2 -

CLAS BALLOON SEMINAR AN IMPRESSIVE SHOW

by Jim Ellis

        Over 100 balloonists, primarily from New England and the
Northeast but including at least one aeronaut from as far away as
Alaska, saw an impressive array of speakers at the Connecticut Lighter
Than Air Society (CLAS) Safety Seminar held on March 9-10 at
Middletown, CT. The speakers included Joe Kittinger and Bob Rice,
giants in their fields who make only rare speaking appearances.

        CLAS President Kevin Brielmann opened the seminar with a
moment of silence to dedicate the event to the memory of Alan B.
Fraenckel and John Stuart-Jervis, Gordon Bennett race pilots who were
killed when their hydrogen balloon was shot down by a Belarus
helicopter gunship. The moment was particularly meaningful because
Brielmann himself, along with BFA President Mike Wallace, was also
forced down and detained in Belarus during the race....

        The biggest name and most interesting speaker of the seminar
was Joe Kittinger, who made the first solo balloon crossing of the
Atlantic, and who still holds the record for highest parachute jump
ever made (102,800 feet on August 16, 1960 in Project Man High).

        Kittinger said that the solo flight balloon was built in 1978
to attempt the first ever Atlantic flight. He challenged Maxie
Anderson and Ben Abruzzo to a race across the Atlantic. They were
ready before his balloon was, and they took off and made it. His
balloon went in a box. In 1984, Kittinger found a new sponsor for a
solo attempt, and the balloon came out of the box. The purpose of the
flight was for adventure, to set world records, and to fly the
Atlantic solo. All objectives were met! The flight took off from
Caribou, Maine. It landed in a forest in northern Italy with
thunderstorms closing in all around and ballast and helium running
low. Kittinger said that the boat shaped gondola had originally been
designed to be sailable, but that he had no intention of sailing
anywhere and left the mast and tiller behind. He said that seeing 30
knot winds whipping up the surface of the ocean under him during
portions of his flight convinced him that his decision was correct.

        Kittinger believes that a huge hot air balloon with precise
altitude control to enter and ride jetstream winds would have the best
chance to succeed in an around-the-world flight. It is still his
dream, a dream that he developed during his stay as a P.O.W. at the
Hanoi Hilton during the Vietnam War. He referred to the Atlantic solo
as "a training flight!" What he needs is a sponsor, and estimated the
cost of the venture he seeks at around $2.5 million. A true pilot's
pilot in every sense of the word who has flown everything from
research balloons to Air Force combat jet fighters to hot air ride
balloons to barnstorming open cockpit biplanes, Kittinger summed up
his life by saying "Flying is my business; the sky is my office."

        Bob Rice, meteorologist for almost every major Atlantic and
Pacific balloon crossing (23 in all) from Anderson and Abruzzo to Joe
Kittinger to Branson and Lynds trand to Steve Fossett, was the "big
gun" on Sunday morning. His first Atlantic crossing support was for Ed
Yost in 1976, where Yost went over 5000 miles before landing in the
Atlantic. Rice still believes that Ed Yost would have made it to Spain
if he had stayed up another day, but Yost thought he was curling back
to the west and landed. On Abruzzo and Anderson's Double Eagle I
flight, Rice claimed that the two were "two New Mexico ski types who
didn't understand cold North Atlantic weather."

        The flight ended when cold rain was encountered near Iceland.
They probably could have made Norway, says Rice, if they had been
wearing some New England rain slickers instead of ski parkas. He
protected Double Eagle II from rain by keeping it in a high pressure
cell, which he said took a long time (130 hours). He said that the
publicity from Double Eagle II was the turning point in his life,
leading primarily to interest from racing sailboats that now
constitute 90 percent of his business. (He was weatherman from the
successful New Zealand entry in the America's Cup race, which he would
only refer to as "The Black Boat").

        He sarcastically referred to Double Eagle III's Pacific
crossing as "a flight with nobody flying it. Maxie Anderson and Ben
Abruzzo were otherwise occupied, and never flew together again." He
had the highest praise for Kittinger. When the balloon was only
making 14 knots the first night and in danger of being overrun by a
high level weather pattern, he recommended that Kittinger "put it
between 8,000 and 9,000 feet." The next report he heard from the
balloon was that the ball oon was at 8,500 feet and traveling at 35
knots. On the Branson/Lindstrand Pacific crossing, he said the track
was not optimum but the best available at the time. The decision was
made to go because Desert Storm was about to begin, which would
eliminate all news coverage. The balloon was deliberately flown into a
high level jet and at one point was traveling at 240 knots.

        Rice derided "the blow dry types" on television, saying that
"you have to feel the weather ... you have to understand it. It's not
just computer models, it's a living, breathing thing. Models are a
significant part of the answer, but not the whole answer."  He said
that the Weather Channel "used to be a good, rational source, but
they've joined The Hype School. You get The Storm of the Century
every two and one-half weeks. A millibar drop in pressure is
Armageddon."

        The seminar also included working sessions on Crewing, DUAT,
Ballooning as a Business, Night Flying, and Preparing for a
Checkride. One question for organizer Polly Lasher and the CLAS: What
do you do for an encore?


The Washington County Observer, West Fork, AR, Thur June 6, 1996:
p. 1 , c. 1-3 -

PHOTO Caption:

Ready to fly high... Karen Dougherty, a member of the West Fork School
Baord in front seat, and Chuck Daily, Editor of the WASHINGTON COUNTY
OBSERVER behind Dr. Steve Wilson, a board member from the Arkansas Air
Museum, are set to take off in the Beagle Air Messenger with Colonel
Joe Kittinger.  The 1929 bi-plane cruises at 75 mph and is powered by
a Wright J-6-7 engine.  Rides will be available at Drake Field Friday,
June 7th through Sunday, June 9th.

GENUINE AMERICAN HERO FLIES HIGH AT DRAKE

By Velda Brotherton
Observer City Editor


Northwest Arkansas Times, Fayetteville, AR, Fri June 7, 1996:
p. , c.  -

SMILES AND OPEN SKIES KEEP KITTINGER IN THE COCKPIT

By SCOTT FLANAGIN
Times Staff Writer

        Col. Joe Kittinger has set several world records in his
lifetime, and if he has his way he will set the record for putting
smiles on people's faces too. Kittinger and his open-cockpit biplane
are in Fayetteville for the Arkansas Air Museum's 10th Anniversary Air
Fest celebration, and he will be giving rides today through Sunday at
Drake Field. "This is fun. I love making people smile," Kittinger
said. "Our motto is touring America, and that is what we are doing,
bringing happiness and fun to a lot of people."

        From April to Labor Day, Kittinger and his wife Shirley tour
the country taking people on the ride of their lives in the restored
1929 New Standard Biplane. Kittinger, a U.S. Air Force veteran of 28
years, set the world record parachute jump in 1960 when he plummeted
about 103,000 feet from a balloon. During that jump he became the
first man to break the sound barrier in a free fall. In 1984 Kittinger
also became the first man to fly a balloon solo across the Atlantic
Ocean. Kittinger has flown a lot in his life, serving three combat
tours in Vietnam where he was shot down and held as a prisoner of war
for over one year. He has been "barnstorming" in the New Standard for
four years now, and he gives many people their first taste of high
altitudes and wind in the face.

        "For a lot of people this is the first flight ever made,"
Kittinger said. "Back in the 20's people had the same smiles, because
you are in a beautiful open cockpit, the wind is flying by, and it is
just a feeling of freedom you can't get if your in a closed airplane."
During flights for area media Thursday, Terry Evans and Mike Disney of
KOFC Christian Radio took the first flight. "I have flown quite a bit,
but this is the first time in an open cockpit," Evans said. "You got
to feel the effects a lot more. This was great. I just wish he had
done a few dipsy-doodles and stuff." Disney had only one word to
describe the sensation - "Awesome."

        Kittinger will be giving rides for $25 per person today and
all weekend, weather permitting. The day-long celebration will be
Saturday with other planes on display, and skydiving demonstrations
throughout the day.


The Morning News of Northwest Arkansas, Springdale, AR, Fri June 7, 1996:
p. 1 , c. 1-3 -

PHOTO Caption:

FANTASTIC FLIGHT:  Legendary barnstormer Col. Joe Kittinger pilots his
1929 New Standard biplane over Fayetteville's Drake Field on Thursday.
Kittinger is in town for Airfest '96, which be held Saturday at the
Arkansas Air Museum, located in the historic White Hangar at Drake
Field.  The festivities are part of the Air Museum's 10th-anniversary
celebration.  Kittinger is a former Air Force test pilot and holder of
the world's highest free-fall parachute jump, 103,000 feet.  The New
Standard was designed to meet the needs of the barnstorming "flying
circuses," which were crisscrossing the country in aviation's
formative years.  It was larger and sturdier than the World War I
surplus aircraft often used and came with the economic appeal of
having room for five passengers.  The aircraft often operated out of
farmers' fields.  The event will feature classic airplanes, displays
of special and experimental aircraft, skydiving demonstrations,
airplane rides and special displays.  The day will be capped with a
dinner and dance at the Fayetteville Hilton.



The Arkansas Democrat & Gazette, Little Rock, AR, Fri June 7, 1996:
Sec. B, p. 1 , c. 1-3 -

PHOTO Caption:

BIRD'S EYE VIEW  Joe Kittinger looks over downtown Fayetteville as he
flies a 1929 New Standard D-25 biplane Thursday afternoon.  Kittinger
and the plane will participate in the Arkansas Air Museum's 10th
anniversary celebration on Saturday in Fayetteville.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/DAVID GOTTSCHALK


The Southwest Times Record, Fort Smith, AR, Fri June 7, 1996:
p.  , c. 1-5 -

PILOT SOARS
THROUGH LIFE,
SHARES JOY

By Jeremy Cowen
Times Record staff
------------------

The Daily Journal, Tupelo, MS, Thur June 27, 1996:
Sec B, p. 1, c. 1 -

KITTINGER NAMED BARNSTORMER OF YEAR

         CORINTH - Aviation pioneer Joe Kittinger was named 1996
"Barnstormer of the Year" by the International Society of Aviation
Barnstorming Historians at a banquet held Wednesday night honoring
Kittinger and his wife and roustabout, Sherry.

        Kittinger and his open-cockpit 1929 new Standard Bi-plane were
the favored attraction last summer at the Roscoe Turner Balloon Race,
where he gave barnstorming rides.

        Kittinger is traveling north Mississippi promoting the
Mississippi International Balloon Classic which is being held in
Greenwood this week.

The Daily Corinthian, Fri June 28, 1996:
p. 10A, c. 3-5 -

DALE'S DEAL
-----------
Dale A. Leonard

TAKING AN UNFORGETTABLE 'WALK'

        I've always had dreams of my job as a sports correspondent
soaring to new heights. Yesterday morning, it literally did.

        One of the greatest experiences in life was bestowed,
reminiscent of the Glory Days through the exhilarating sport of
Barnstorming. It's origin centers around the 1920's when aviators
landed in fields for an overnight stays then gave rides to the public
the following day.

        Initially, this "assigment" belonged to another staff member
who shall we say for various reasons, could not make the trip Since
yours truly is the new kid on the block - wa la! instant nomination.

        Having never graced the skies naturally reluctancy was at it's
highest peak. Some serious thought was required, after all the flight
was in an open cockpit 1929 New Standard D-25 plane.

        However, my decision relied heavily on the man at the
controls, Colonel Joe W. Kittinger Jr. His resume was quite
impressive. Col. Kittinger received on Wednesday night the 1996
Barmstormer of the Year Award sponsored by the International Society
of Avaiation Barnstorming Historians spearheaded by Corinthian Milton
Sandy Jr. His lovely wife, Sherry, received the Roustabout of the Year
Award. Her duties as a roustabout consist of the human relations and
financial aspects of the sport.

        In addition, the famous colonel has earned the Silver Star
Award, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross and Harmon Trophy
to name a few. Topping the list is the World Record Parachute Jump at
102,800 feet or the equivalent of 20 miles. Hmm, I figured the worst
scenario would be the colonel bailing out in search of another record.

        We were slated to depart from legendary Roscoe Turner Airport
in Kossuth.

        It's Thursday morning. I hoped out of bed and my only regret
is not puchasing sleeping pills with the Dramamine. I woke up more
times than a small kid awaiting the start of vacation.

        Rather than prepare a list of do's and don'ts, I decided to
take the events of the day one step at a time. Immediately after
stepping out of the  shower comes a power outage. I wondered if this
was an omen. Then the question "is my life insurance paid?" arose.

        Early arrival at the airport earned me the distinction as the
only member of the entourage present. I proceeded to admissions and
seated myself.  Eight o'clock, our designated meeting time, arrived.
Still no members of the party were in sight.

        By the time 8:15 rolled around, I had checked my watch two
dozen times. Nervousness had set in. I needed a drink and coffee was
the strongest thing going. A debate about regular or decaff led to
none at all. Biting my nails did the trick.

         Five minutes later the phone rings. I hear my name at the
counter. The gentlemen at the counter relays my party is waiting on
me.

        Standing in front of the plane waiting to board I thought this
is an episode of "Quantum Leap," my last name is Wright and we're in
Kitty Hawk, N.C.

        It's 8:30. To the skies, we took. I hoped my wholesome
breakfast of a Pop Tart and glass of milk stayed down. By now, I
figured the motion pill had gone it's last mile.

        Once we were in the air I was fine. Much to my surprise I was
awed by what my eyes feasted upon. The world suddenly turned into a
small-scale city.  Fields resemble patchwork quilts. Trees seemingly
formed an artistically shaped pattern. The beauty of nature was
breathtaking.

        Taking a look at my watch, I noticed we had been airborne only
five minutes. Looking up again, we were in the clouds. My first
thought was smoke, the engine's on fire!

        After another look at the ticker, I veered into the depths of
the earth trying to determine exactly where we were. I wanted to wave
to my mother if we flew over. Sorry, Mother, once we were airborne, I
was clueless.

        Occasionally, swaying to the opposite side, Col. Kittinger
performed dips and dives. A feeling of relaxation coaxed by body. As
we weaved among the clouds, a sense of freedom came about as the winds
cascaded off my face from every conceivable angle.

        The third check of my watch proved to be the final. When I
rose I could see highways 45 and 78. It was 9 a.m. and our destination
was upon us. At that point I realized I had lived the dream of anextraordinary flight. Essentially what I had experienced was an
unforgettable walk among the clouds.

        How I wish I could have continued with Col. Joe and Sherry to
the four-day Mississippi International Balloon Classic which goes
through Sunday in Greenwood. What a joyous time it shall be for
everyone who takes to the skies with the colonel.

        I would truly like to thank our newspaper, Col. Kittinger and
his wife along with Mr. Sandy for allowing the opportunity to expand
my horizons. It was truly one of the great honors of a lifetime that
will forever be embedded in my mind.

---------------------------------
Dale A. Leonard is a staff writer
for The Daily Corinthian.



The Washington Missourian, Washington, MO, Weekend Aug 10-11, 1996:
p. 6, c. 4 -

BARNSTORMER RIDES
THIS WEEKEND AT
WASHINGTON AIRPORT

        Authentic barnstormer open cockpit biplane rides will be
offered through Sunday at the Washington Airport.

        Col. Joe Kittinger, pilot of the restored 1929 New Standard
biplane, began giving the rides Wednesday at the airport.

        "I am proud to be here to help Fair visitors relive a small
part of the wonderful aviation history of the City of St. Louis," said
Col. Kittinger.

        "The smiles on my passengers' faces today are identical to
those of early 1920 passengers who flew with Charles Lindbergh,
another local barnstormer before his world famous flight," he added.



The Kansas City Star, Kansas City, MO, Tues Oct 22, 1996:
p. 1, c.  -

STATION CASINO KC PLANS HUGE SPLASH

3rd-largest gaming floor in the
U.S. will be among the attractions.

By: RICK ALM; KEITH CHROSTOWSKI Staff Writers

...

NEW CASINO EVEN WILL TAKE TO SKY

    Besides its other oddities and amenities, Station Casino Kansas
City will have its own air force.

     A replica of a 1920s-era biplane, to be used for skywriting and
other promotions, is to be delivered at Downtown Airport today by
daredevil Col. Joe W. Kittinger, an Air Force retiree who holds world
records for his high-altitude skydiving and solo ballooning exploits.

     Weather permitting, Kittinger will give a skywriting exhibition
above Downtown Airport about 2:30 p.m. today.

© 1996 The Kansas City Star

Sources:

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Web site: http://www.aflyer.com/
Copyright 1996


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