- Manufacturer (registry)
- BALLOON WORKS
- Model
- FIREFLY 8
- Registry code
- 1050109
- Registered
- 18 aircraft
- Type
- Balloon
- Engines
- None
- Seats
- 1
- Weight class
- Up to 12,499 lb
- Certification
- Type certificated
- Data sheet
- TCDSA14SO
- Holder
- JR Aerosports Ltd.
Model codes come from the FAA registry’s reference file. ADs are matched to them by model name and maker.
On this page
Aircraft by year built · 55
| 1981 | 1 |
|---|---|
| 1982 | 1 |
| 1984 | 1 |
| 1990 | 12 |
| 1991 | 4 |
| 1992 | 7 |
| 1993 | 5 |
| 1994 | 4 |
| 1995 | 4 |
| 1996 | 5 |
| 1997 | 3 |
| 1998 | 1 |
| 1999 | 6 |
| 2000 | 1 |
Airworthiness directives that may apply · 2
ADs whose products match this airframe model. Each AD’s applicability may narrow it by serial number, part number or configuration.
| 1976 | 1 |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 1 |
Query with SQL
duckdb -csv -c "SELECT d.ad_number, d.status, d.subject, d.effective_date
FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/faa_directive.parquet' d
WHERE d.ad_id IN (SELECT ad_id FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/faa_aircraft_model_directive.parquet' WHERE aircraft_model_code IN ('1050109'))
ORDER BY coalesce(d.effective_date, d.publication_date, d.issue_date) DESC, d.ad_number DESC"Prints the whole list as CSV. It reads the release’s Parquet files over HTTPS, so there’s nothing to download first. Install DuckDB to run it.
SELECT d.ad_number, d.status, d.subject, d.effective_date
FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/faa_directive.parquet' d
WHERE d.ad_id IN (SELECT ad_id FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/faa_aircraft_model_directive.parquet' WHERE aircraft_model_code IN ('1050109'))
ORDER BY coalesce(d.effective_date, d.publication_date, d.issue_date) DESC, d.ad_number DESCRun it at the DuckDB prompt, or in any tool that reads Parquet over HTTPS. More ways to query the release are on Use the data.
Information bulletins that may apply · 1
Airframe · Balloon Works FIREFLY 8
SAIB CE-11-44Fuel: Cylinder Strap InstallationQuery with SQL
duckdb -csv -c "SELECT s.saib_number, any_value(s.title) AS title, max(s.issue_date) AS issue_date, any_value(s.status) AS status
FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/faa_saib.parquet' s
WHERE s.saib_id IN (SELECT saib_id FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/faa_aircraft_model_saib.parquet' WHERE aircraft_model_code IN ('1050109'))
GROUP BY s.saib_number ORDER BY issue_date DESC"Prints the whole list as CSV. It reads the release’s Parquet files over HTTPS, so there’s nothing to download first. Install DuckDB to run it.
SELECT s.saib_number, any_value(s.title) AS title, max(s.issue_date) AS issue_date, any_value(s.status) AS status
FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/faa_saib.parquet' s
WHERE s.saib_id IN (SELECT saib_id FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/faa_aircraft_model_saib.parquet' WHERE aircraft_model_code IN ('1050109'))
GROUP BY s.saib_number ORDER BY issue_date DESCRun it at the DuckDB prompt, or in any tool that reads Parquet over HTTPS. More ways to query the release are on Use the data.
Registered aircraft · 18
N25536Dekoevend Enterprises · Fort Garland, CON25902Blue Ridge Hot Air Balloons LLC · Front Royal, VAN30922Hart Randy Alan · Meridian, ID
See all 18 registered aircraftQuery with SQL
duckdb -csv -c "SELECT n_number, serial_number, year_manufactured, status, registrant_name, registrant_city, registrant_state
FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/faa_aircraft_registration.parquet'
WHERE aircraft_model_code IN ('1050109')
ORDER BY n_number"Prints the whole list as CSV. It reads the release’s Parquet files over HTTPS, so there’s nothing to download first. Install DuckDB to run it.
SELECT n_number, serial_number, year_manufactured, status, registrant_name, registrant_city, registrant_state
FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/faa_aircraft_registration.parquet'
WHERE aircraft_model_code IN ('1050109')
ORDER BY n_numberRun it at the DuckDB prompt, or in any tool that reads Parquet over HTTPS. More ways to query the release are on Use the data.
NTSB investigations · 6
Aircraft matched to this model through the registry, by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model.
Of 2 cases NTSB coded with a defining event. All defining events
Findings NTSB made part of the probable cause. A case can have several. All findings
Of 4 cases with NTSB’s older coding, defined in its coding manual.
NTSB ERA16LA284Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBalloon Works FIREFLY8 · Northwood, NHThe balloon pilot’s inadequate weather planning and improper decision to depart in reported increasing variable winds with nearby thunderstorms, which resulted in a subsequent hard landing and a serious passenger injury.NTSB CEN11CA654Accident · Serious injuriesData collectionFinal reportBalloon Works Firefly 8 · Mingo, IAThe pilot’s failure to maintain control of the balloon’s descent during the landing, which resulted in the balloon having a hard landing in a ditch and causing a passenger to be seriously injured.NTSB FTW00LA224Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBalloon Works Firefly 8 · Tulsa, OKThe passenger's failure to comply with the briefing administered by the pilot. Factors were the passenger's physical impairment due to an injury sustained during the initial ground impact and the high wind condition.NTSB ATL99LA047Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBalloon Works AX-8 · Beech Island, SCThe pilot's failure to follow the balloon checklist that resulted in a ground fire that destroyed the balloon envelope.NTSB LAX94LA244Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBalloon Works Firefly 8 · Acton, CAthe pilot's improper in-flight planning and his misjudging the wind speed information. Contributing factors were the gusty winds and the lack of suitable terrain.NTSB LAX90LA279Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBalloon Works Firefly 8 · Napa, CAThe flight's encounter with a probable microburst weather phenomena with down drafts and winds beyond the performance capability of the Balloon.
Query with SQL
duckdb -csv -c "SELECT c.\"ntsbNumber\", c.\"eventDate\", c.\"eventType\", c.\"eventCity\", c.\"eventStateOrRegion\", a.n_number, a.\"aircraftMake\", a.\"aircraftModel\", c.\"highestInjuryLevel\", c.\"totalFatal\", c.\"completionStatus\", c.report_url
FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' a JOIN 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_case_detail.parquet' c ON c.\"mKey\" = a.case_mkey
WHERE a.aircraft_model_code IN ('1050109')
ORDER BY c.\"eventDate\" DESC, c.\"ntsbNumber\" DESC"Prints the whole list as CSV. It reads the release’s Parquet files over HTTPS, so there’s nothing to download first. Install DuckDB to run it.
SELECT c."ntsbNumber", c."eventDate", c."eventType", c."eventCity", c."eventStateOrRegion", a.n_number, a."aircraftMake", a."aircraftModel", c."highestInjuryLevel", c."totalFatal", c."completionStatus", c.report_url
FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' a JOIN 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_case_detail.parquet' c ON c."mKey" = a.case_mkey
WHERE a.aircraft_model_code IN ('1050109')
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESCRun it at the DuckDB prompt, or in any tool that reads Parquet over HTTPS. More ways to query the release are on Use the data.
FAA incident reports · 10
Matched to this model through the registry, by N-number and event date, checked against the reported make and model.
Accident 20160806010759ABalloon Works Firefly 8 · Northwoods, NHPilot departed field in pittsfield NH with 5 passengers. During the landing the Balloon hit the ground hard and bounced back airborne approximately 5 ft. the Balloon then landed the second time subsequently tipping the basket on its side, and then dragged…Accident 20110916021719ABalloon Works Firefly 8 · Mingo, IADuring a hard landing in a hot air Balloon, a passenger on board suffered a broken ankle. The landing occurred in 10 knots of wind, which is near the normal maximum operating limits for ballooning. The pilot and other passenger had no injuries and the Balloon…Incident 20100928046599IBalloon Wor Firefly 8 · Reasnor, IAWhile maneuvering the Balloon into position for the purpose of dropping a bean bag into a vehicle located on a road below, the pilot failed to maintain sufficient enough altitude to clear the power lines that ran across his flight path. This failure resulted…Incident 20041009031889IBalwks FIREFLY8 · Springfield, IL(-23) Balloon was on a local pleasure flight and had been airborne for approximately 15 minutes and was headed in southwesterly direction. The pilot reported that the main burner failed to ignite. The pilot switched bottles with no results. At this time the…Accident 20000806006379ABalwks FIREFLY8 · Catoosa, OK(-23) The pilot stated that he was participating in a balloon race with gatesway international balloon festival. He had four passengers on board. The winds had picked up before the end of the flight. He selected an open field to land in that was surrounded by…Accident 19990206001219ABalwks FIREFLY8 · Beech Island, SCFirefly AX-8 hot air balloon landed in a hay field, the basket tipped over and the pilot light set the hay field on fire which spread to the balloon envelope. Other circumstances are unknown. (.4)on February 6, 1999, at 1700 eastern standard time, N32877, an…Accident 19940605015229ABalwks FIREFLY8 · Acton, CAImpacted in a ravine during high wind lalnding. Reported forecast indicated light winds. Low on fuel had to land.Incident 19921101048049IBalwks FIREFLY8 · Sepulveda, CAStrong winds caused pilot to attempt to land balloon. Pilot landed by collapsing the canopy few feet above ground.Incident 19920614030439IBalwks FIREFLY8 · Napa, CAWhile attempting to land pilot unable to adjust his altitude. Descended onto a house in housing development.Accident 19900807031079ABalwks FIREFLY8 · Napa, CAEncountered severe wind gusts and downdraft. Ground impact injured passenger. Thunderstorm 30 miles north.
Query with SQL
duckdb -csv -c "SELECT report_number, event_date, event_type, city, state, aircraft_make, aircraft_model, aircraft_damage, fatal_injuries, n_number
FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/faa_incident_report.parquet'
WHERE aircraft_model_code IN ('1050109')
ORDER BY event_date DESC, report_number DESC"Prints the whole list as CSV. It reads the release’s Parquet files over HTTPS, so there’s nothing to download first. Install DuckDB to run it.
SELECT report_number, event_date, event_type, city, state, aircraft_make, aircraft_model, aircraft_damage, fatal_injuries, n_number
FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/faa_incident_report.parquet'
WHERE aircraft_model_code IN ('1050109')
ORDER BY event_date DESC, report_number DESCRun it at the DuckDB prompt, or in any tool that reads Parquet over HTTPS. More ways to query the release are on Use the data.
Service difficulty reports
No reports name this modelGeneral aviation reporting is voluntary.
STCs that may be installed · 14
Approved for this model: the STC’s model list names it on its data sheet, or a series that includes it. The registry doesn’t record which STCs an aircraft has.
STC SB09657RCInstallation of Aircraft Position LightsSTC SB04407ATInstallation of the DBI-III OmegaSTC SB00078ATInstallation of Thunder & Colt carriage assemblies under Firefly balloon envelopes.STC SB01506ATAttachment of Firefly hot air balloon envelopes.STC SB02972ATInstallation of Aerostar International carriages, burners, and instruments under a Firefly 10 balloon envelope.STC SL2828SOInstallation of the Galaxy 4860 basket on Firefly 8 envelope.STC SA00680SEInstallation of Electronics International model UBG-16 or UBG-16T bar graph engine analyzer.STC SB918GLAddition of a refueling adapter to the main fuel line.STC SB00407LAInstallation of foam padded tank covers.STC SB00408LAInstallation of protective caps on basket oak runners.STC SA1626NM PAGE 1Installation of Electronics Int'l Digital EGT/CHT Instruments and accessories. (201 Series)STC SB1679GLReplace suspension cables with Finn-Bilt Ltd. suspension cableKit No. 119 (Firefly 5, 6B, 7B), Kit No. 219 (Firefly 6, 7B, 8B), Kit No. 319 (Firefly 8), or Kit No. 419 (Firefly 9).STC SA5470NMInstallation of position light.STC SA4302NMInstallation of Electronics Int'l digital automatic engine analyzer.
Query with SQL
duckdb -csv -c "SELECT s.stc_number, s.description, s.holder, s.status, s.status_date, m.matched_model
FROM (
SELECT stc_number, min(matched_model) AS matched_model
FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/faa_aircraft_model_stc.parquet'
WHERE aircraft_model_code IN ('1050109')
GROUP BY stc_number
) m JOIN 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/faa_stc.parquet' s USING (stc_number)
ORDER BY s.status = 'Current' DESC, s.status_date DESC, s.stc_number"Prints the whole list as CSV. It reads the release’s Parquet files over HTTPS, so there’s nothing to download first. Install DuckDB to run it.
SELECT s.stc_number, s.description, s.holder, s.status, s.status_date, m.matched_model
FROM (
SELECT stc_number, min(matched_model) AS matched_model
FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/faa_aircraft_model_stc.parquet'
WHERE aircraft_model_code IN ('1050109')
GROUP BY stc_number
) m JOIN 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/faa_stc.parquet' s USING (stc_number)
ORDER BY s.status = 'Current' DESC, s.status_date DESC, s.stc_numberRun it at the DuckDB prompt, or in any tool that reads Parquet over HTTPS. More ways to query the release are on Use the data.
The same model under other registry codes
Amateur-built copies and renamed makers get their own codes.
Firefly Balloons FIREFLY 812 registered aircraftFirefly Balloons 2010 FIREFLY 811 registered aircraft
Query with SQL
duckdb -csv -c "SELECT m.code, m.manufacturer, m.model, count(g.n_number) AS aircraft
FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/faa_aircraft_model.parquet' m LEFT JOIN 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/faa_aircraft_registration.parquet' g ON g.aircraft_model_code = m.code
WHERE m.match_key = 'FIREFLY8' AND m.code NOT IN ('1050109')
GROUP BY ALL
ORDER BY aircraft DESC
LIMIT 12"Prints the whole list as CSV. It reads the release’s Parquet files over HTTPS, so there’s nothing to download first. Install DuckDB to run it.
SELECT m.code, m.manufacturer, m.model, count(g.n_number) AS aircraft
FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/faa_aircraft_model.parquet' m LEFT JOIN 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/faa_aircraft_registration.parquet' g ON g.aircraft_model_code = m.code
WHERE m.match_key = 'FIREFLY8' AND m.code NOT IN ('1050109')
GROUP BY ALL
ORDER BY aircraft DESC
LIMIT 12Run it at the DuckDB prompt, or in any tool that reads Parquet over HTTPS. More ways to query the release are on Use the data.