The Stone family of Indianola recently provided an exhibit for the Museum consisting of their balloon “Fly On” including the envelope, burner and gondola. The Stone family has been involved in hot air ballooning from its start in the area in the early 1970s.

In 1977, the Stones bought their first hot air balloon – a used Piccard. They named it “Fly Away”. Randy Stone became the first licensed pilot in the family in 1978 at age 17. He was one of the youngest pilots, if not the youngest pilot, in the United States at the time.

Stone hospitality was famous among the ballooning community. The pasture east of the farmhouse became known as a good place to launch or land because balloons were always welcome. It still is.

As the years went by, Fly Away got older and didn't hold air as well anymore, and the Stones wanted to upgrade. Therefore, Warren and Virginia bought their second balloon in 1984. It was another Piccard. They named it “Fly On”.

In 2001, when Fly On had to be retired, there was a time when it was thought the Stone ballooning tradition might come to an end. But the ballooning bug is strong in the family and Randy and his wife Lisa, through family help and prayer, bought a new balloon – “Heart's Desire”. Now “Fly On” is now exhibited at the Museum and the brightly colored new “Heart’s Desire” can often be seen carrying on the family flying tradition.

For more interesting information about the Stone family history of flying, and the tradition of the “Mini Nationals” which was started by the Stone family, come and visit this exhibit.

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