I first heard about Ed Yost a week ago today. It was while discussing hot air ballooning films during the crew training day I invited everyone to that we learned about Ed, "The Father of Modern Day Hot Air Ballooning." In the late 50s
Ed experimented with propane and kerosene burners, lightweight synthetic fabric and vents, openings and shapes to help make ballooning what it is today. Thanks to Ed, pilots today can unpack and launch a 100,000 sq. ft. balloon, float for miles, hit a target and land and deflate exactly where they planned to, most of the time.
Ed died last Sunday, the day I first learned about him. After years of soaring heavenward on calm breezes, may his spirit forever float with angels. Ed was 87.
