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Philip Branstuder
Philip Branstuder
Philip began his aviation journey as a helicopter pilot in the United States Army, where he flew the Bell UH-1 Iroquois which is often referred to as the “Huey” and the Bell AH-1 Cobra. After retirement at the rank of Major he began to search for a way to continue his aviation journey. While attending the Hot Air Balloon Nationals in the early 90’s which was being held at the State Fair Grounds he found his love for hot air balloons. It wasn’t long after that, that he and his wife, Jane designed and bought their first balloon “Po-Dawg”. He then used this balloon to attain his commercial hot air balloon license. This discovered love for hot air ballooning inevitably is the reason both Shawn and Chad are pilots today and this business even exists.
Po-Dawg
Po-Dawg
Registration Number - N45172
Year of Manufacture - 1990
Make - Head Balloons
Model - AX8-88
While Po Dawg is no longer an airworthy balloon, it still deserves it's recognition due to being the first balloon in the family. Fun fact Po Dawg has flown in many places and festivals, to include the International Balloon Festival that takes place annually in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Also, the ears on the "Dawg" were 16 feet long and would flap in the wind.
The name originated from Philip telling his wife, Jane that they were going to be poor as a dog after buying a hot air balloon.
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