- Manufacturer (registry)
- BALLOON WORKS
- Model
- FIREFLY 9
- Registry code
- 1050120
- Registered
- 3 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 · 34
| 1988 | 4 |
|---|---|
| 1989 | 6 |
| 1990 | 2 |
| 1991 | 3 |
| 1992 | 3 |
| 1993 | 1 |
| 1995 | 4 |
| 1996 | 4 |
| 1997 | 2 |
| 1999 | 1 |
| 2000 | 3 |
| 2001 | 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 ('1050120'))
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 ('1050120'))
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 9
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 ('1050120'))
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 ('1050120'))
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 · 3
N2570EDekoevend Enterprises Inc · Fort Garland, CON3085ZAeronautical Solutions LLC · Taos, NMN7027ARocky Mountain Balloon Adventures LLC · Pagosa Springs, CO
Query 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 ('1050120')
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 ('1050120')
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 · 7
Aircraft matched to this model through the registry, by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model.
Of 1 case 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 6 cases with NTSB’s older coding, defined in its coding manual.
NTSB DFW08LA088Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBalloon Works Firefly 9 · Questa, NMThe balloon's encounter with a wind gust/downdraft during landing, which resulted in a hard landing.NTSB SEA04CA109Accident · Serious injuriesData collectionFinal reportBalloon Works Fire Fly 9 · Aurora, ORPilot's failure to compensate for wind conditions. Wind was a contributing factor.NTSB DEN99IA154Incident · No injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportBalloon Works Firefly 9 · Hartsel, COTotal failure of the deflation line due to heat damage (as evidenced by glazing), most likely caused by the improper use of the flight controls (burner system) by person(s) unknown.NTSB NYC98LA199Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBalloon Works Firefly AX-9 · Brookhaven, NYThe failure of the passenger to comply with the pilot briefing, and properly brace herself for landing.NTSB DEN91LA007Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBalloon Works AX9 · Cedar Crest, NMPilot's delayed precautionary landing and the subseuqent fuel exhaustion. A factor was the encounter with high winds in flight.NTSB LAX90LA340Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBalloon Works Firefly 9 · Vacaville, CAThe Balloon's encounter with a sudden increase in wind speed accompained by a strong down draft beyond the compensation capability of the Balloon.NTSB LAX90LA280Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBalloon Works Firefly 9 · 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 ('1050120')
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 ('1050120')
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 · 11
Matched to this model through the registry, by N-number and event date, checked against the reported make and model.
Accident 20080331832199ABalwks FIREFLY9 · Questa, NM(-23) On March 31, at 0830 MDT a balloon works firefly 140 FF9, N72345, was destroyed in a fire after a hard landing in a valley in the wild river park west of Questa, new Mexico. The commercial pilot sustained minor injuries and the 5 passengers sustained…Accident 20040617011029ABalwks FIREFLY9 · Aurora, OR(-23) Lighter-than-air free balloon with a pilot and six passengers experienced a harder than normal landing after encountering strong gusty wind conditions. The pilot received a broken ankle and one passenger experienced cracked ribs. No damage to the…Incident 19990811027559IBalwks FIREFLY9 · Hartsel, CO(-23) As balloon approached it touchdown point, pilot pulled the ripcord to allow hot gases to escape the envelope. The ripcord broke and the basket touched down, tipped over and spilled its occupants on the ground. Envelope sustained minor damage during…Incident 19960622025429IBalwks FIREFLY9 · Millersburg, MONarrative: on June 22, 1996, Mr. Jason eugene jones operated balloon works, firefly 9, N9088W, as pilot in command near Millersburg, Missouri. N9088W is owned and operated by balloon stormers, inc., of columbia, Missouri and is used primarily for commercial…Incident 19960320010569IBalwks FIREFLY9 · Palm Desert, CANarrative: commercial sight seeing flight. Pilot was attempting to land in a large field. Power poles were obscured by trees. Didn't see power lines until last minute. Pilot applied heat but contact with power lines was made. This incident is closed.Incident 19950520026159IBalwks FIREFLY9 · San Diego, CABasket hit a boulder landing tipping pilot and passengers out. Became airborn. Passenger landed the balloon.Incident 19930819033979IBalwks FIREFLY9 · Pineville, NCPassenger felt faint. Upon landing basket tipped over. Appears passenger broke wrist.Incident 19910809043309IBalwks FIREFLY9 · Tracy, CAWhen rope with quick release was used a gust caught balloon. Rope snapped back hitting passengers face.Accident 19901006045079ABalwks FIREFLY9 · Cedar Crest, NMWind speed increased during sightseeing flight. Elected to extend flight over mountains. Out of fuel crash landed.Accident 19900929050179ABalwks FIREFLY9 · Vacaville, CASudden wind increase then hit by whirlwind and unable to stop descent. Struck wires and dragged on ground.Accident 19900807031109ABalwks FIREFLY7 · Napa, CAEncountered severe wind gusts and downdrafts. Hit objects and ground on forced landing. Thunderstorm 30 mile 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 ('1050120')
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 ('1050120')
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 · 3
SDR 2004FA0000765Valve · destroyedDURING FLIGHT, 3 OF 4 VALVE WINDOWS FAILED BY SEPARATING AT SEAMS. UPON SEPARATION, REMAINING WINDOW MATERIAL MELTED AWAY, THUS CREATING 3 LARGE HOLES IN THE TOP OF THE BALLOON, WHICH RAISED INTERNAL TEMP, AND CAUS HIGH (EXTREME) FUEL CONSUMPTION AND RENDEREDSDR 20000731SH009Hose · splitOUTER COVERING OF FUEL HOSES SPLIT AT CRIMP END FITTING. 10 BAD HOSES. (X)SDR 99ZZZX3176Valve Line · failedIN A HOT AIR BALLOON ENVELOPE EQUIPPED WITH A PARACHUTE, TOP DEFLATION SYSTEM INCLUDING A 3:1 PULLEY ASSIST, THE UPPER SECTION OF THE VALVE LINE (BRAIDED KEVLAR CORE COVERED WITH BRAIDED POLYESTER OUTER COVERING) SEPARATED IN A CLEAN CUT BREAK FIVE FEET BELOW
Query with SQL
duckdb -csv -c "SELECT sdr_id, difficulty_date, n_number, aircraft_make, aircraft_model, part_name, part_condition, jasc_code, discrepancy FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/faa_service_difficulty_report.parquet' WHERE aircraft_model_key = 'FIREFLY9' ORDER BY difficulty_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 sdr_id, difficulty_date, n_number, aircraft_make, aircraft_model, part_name, part_condition, jasc_code, discrepancy FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/faa_service_difficulty_report.parquet' WHERE aircraft_model_key = 'FIREFLY9' ORDER BY difficulty_date DESC
Run 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.
STCs that may be installed · 15
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 SB00565ATInstallation of Cameron carriage assemblies Under Firefly 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 SL2829SOInstallation of the Galaxy 6072 and 6072T baskets on Firefly 9, Firefly 9B-15, Firefly10, and Firefly 11 envelopes and installation of the Galaxy 6096 basket on Firefly 9, Firefly 10, and Firefly 11 envelopes.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 SB00382DEInstallation of an Ultra Magic C5 Basket (S/N:14) assembly and MK-10 Burner assembly (TC No. B02CE) to a Balloon Works Model F9 Balloon. (FIREFLY 9 F9-060)STC SB00407LAInstallation of foam padded tank covers.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 ('1050120')
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 ('1050120')
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.
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 = 'FIREFLY9' AND m.code NOT IN ('1050120')
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 = 'FIREFLY9' AND m.code NOT IN ('1050120')
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.