1999 AEROSTAR RB12 LOWER END

This is Aerostar's largest ride balloon basket. The RB12 is a ten to twelve passenger partitioned ride basket, with 4 separate padded passenger compartments for maximum passenger safety. S/N RB12-109.

FUEL: It comes equipped with three 23.5 gallon V23 fuel tanks, giving it the highest on board fuel capacity using only three fuel tanks of any brand ride balloon on the market, thereby maximizing available passenger space within the basket.

BURNERS: It is powered by Aerostar's 45,000,000 BTU/HR Zone V Triple burners, allowing one handed burner operation of one, two or all three burners, as needed. The triggers on this burner operate as easily as tickling the ivories on a piano!

TRIPLE REDUNDENCY: Each burner has its own tank and fuel hose, so each functions completely independently from the others providing THREE completely redundant systems. No crossover valves to open or close. No need to open or close tanks mid-flight if manifolded, or worry about switching hoses from tank to tank.

CONDITION: This is a nice looking basket in good condition. It has brand new padding under the outer bolster. Upright suede is in very good condition. Bolster suede shows slight wear from use and from where the padding under it was worn, but no tears or holes. I have cleaned and brushed out the suede and it now looks much better than it did when these pictures were taken. Scuff leather is in good condition with normal wear. Horizontal weave wicker is in fair to good condition with some broken pieces here and there as you would expect on a ride basket with ~600 hours, but no major breaks or damage areas. Vertical wicker is in good condition with none broken that I could find. Step holes are in good shape. Floor is in very good condition. Skids and skid protectors are in good shape. Superstructure is in good condition. Interior sidewall padding is in very good condition. While the bolster was off, I completely soaked the wicker and treated it with Danish oil. Tanks are in very good condition; tank valves turn smoothly and easily, gauges function properly and covers and tank straps are in good shape. Burners are in very good condition; blast valve triggers operate smoothly, metering valve turns smoothly and straight, pilot light valves are smooth & piezzos function properly, pressure gauges function properly though two have fogged lenses.

COMPATABILITY: This basket was originally certified by Aerostar to fly under their 175 – 245 size envelopes, but can be flown under almost any major manufacturer’s envelope including, but not limited to, Cameron, Lindstrand & Balloon Works. Cameron has included Aerostar baskets on their Type Certificate, so all that is required is a simple log book entry and a flight manual supplement. Lindstrand and Balloon Works have both STC’d their envelopes over Aerostar lower ends. I have a set A-Blocks available if needed to accommodate a carabineer installation.

PRICE: This beautiful lower end is available for immediate delivery for only

$12,500 as it sits, or for $13,995 ready to fly with new hoses, tank recertifications and a fresh annual.

The ride season is upon us, don’t wait. This beautiful basket won’t last long at this price.

Contact Bruce Wood (970) 309-3366 or email bwood@sopris.net.