The Big Black Bird, now known as “Bird Willy”, has a long history within the sport of ballooning and more specifically within Albuquerque, New Mexico’s ballooning history (which, by the way, is the hot air balloon capital of the world).  Anyone who’s been in and around the sport from the early 1970’s may remember the original Black Bird balloon, appropriately named "Smiley".

Balloon specifications

• Manufacturer - Cameron Balloons US

• Size -80,000 cubic feet

• FAA category - AX/8

• Year built - 2006

• Currently bases - Atlanta, GA USA

The Big Black Bird, Bird Willy stands nearly 60 feet tall and is 55 feet in diameter. The envelope’s capacity is 80,000 cubic feet of hot air and is constructed of  coated, rip-stop nylon for longevity and strength. The basket, made from wicker,  with a double-burner

black bIrd test inflation

Cameron Balloons 2006

system with a fuel capacity of 40 gallons (liquid propane gas). Bird Willy is capable of carrying four passengers (pilot plus three).

The new black bird balloon is bigger and better than ever with a mission: to promote goodwill and fun throughout the communities where it flies, while exposing onlookers to the thrill of flight. Whether on the ground as a crew member, spectator or passenger, the Big Black Bird wants you to experience flight - there's nothing else like it in the world!

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