Quite the uplifting experience

WOW: Lakeview School pupils Aimee Ford, 7 (left) and twin sister Lisa contemplate the insides of the Patriot space shuttle hot air balloon, being inflated on their school field as a showcase for the upcoming Wairarapa Balloon Fiesta. PHOTOS/ANDREW BONALLACK

Lakeview School children witnessed an aviation treat yesterday afternoon with the inflation of the Patriot space shuttle hot air balloon on their lower field.

The balloon took about 15 people to help inflate it, but once it was up the pupils came running.

"It is an amazing sight to see up close, and I wish I could be in it," said Jodi Carter, 11.

"It's fascinating, awesome, I've never seen anything like it," said Benjamin Faatiga, 11.

Built in Brazil in 2003, the balloon is owned and piloted by American Barry DiLibero.

Mr DiLibero said he used to fly planes but became interested in hot air balloons when one landed on his family farm in the USA.

He decided to commission his first shaped balloon in the form of an American space shuttle as a tribute and important monument post-9/11.

He treated the Times-Age photographer to a rare experience, telling him to stand inside the balloon, with his feet threaded through a vent and on to the grass. When the balloon lifted up around him, those outside saw him seemingly appear from underneath.

At 54 metres in height the balloon is taller than the Statue of Liberty and weighs half a tonne.

It is the balloon's first time in New Zealand and it will be in flight from Thursday for the Wairarapa Balloon Fiesta.