Because we are often invited to fly at events held at locations that are not large enough to accommodate the real 100 foot tall “First & Finest,” we decided to purchase a flying scale model replica “First & Finest.”
Since 2006 “Junior” has flown in smaller venues such as school gyms, church parking lots, playgrounds, civic auditoriums etc.. One of the most unusual inside flights was for the Federal Aviation Administration’s “Aviation Day For Kids.” We flew inside the FAA Technical Center, at Atlantic City New Jersey, in the main building atrium up to the fourth floor.
At larger outside events “Junior” has flown along side his dad, the “First & Finest.”
First & FinestBalloon
Height
Approximately 100’ Tall
Width
Approximately 50’ Diameter (at equator)
Weight
Approximately 650 lbs
Fuel
Two 15 gallon propane tanks. (Fuel for approximately 2-3 hours of flight)
Capacity
Pilot + 3 or 4 passengers
Longest Non-Stop Distance Flown
Deptford NJ to Mays Landing NJ (36 miles)
Average Flight Duration
One Hour
Average Flight Distance
Varies according to conditions
First & FinestJuniorBalloon
Height
Approximately 20’ Tall
Width
Approximately 10’ Diameter (at equator)
Weight
Approximately 30 lbs
Fuel
Four 1/2 liter propane tanks. (Fuel for approximately 1/2 hour of flight)
Capacity
Scale model police officer (“Corporal Punishment”)
