In the summer of 1970, Fred Dinkler was recruited as a teenager to chase balloons in Iowa. He was assigned to David Schaeffer and Bruce Comstock, both legendary pioneers of hot air ballooning. By the luck of the draw, Fred found a life-long passion for aviation.

After graduating from college in 1976, Fred was commissioned an Officer in the United States Marine Corps. He spent the next 14 years flying as an Attack Helicopter Commander, seeing action in Iran in 1980, in Boat People rescue operations, and in other Indian Ocean operations.

After leaving active duty in 1985, Fred built a successful career in technology consulting across the globe, all while continuing to make lasting friendships in the balloon community.

Fred and his Crew Chief for Life, Christel, were full-time RVers and now make their home in southeast Idaho.

Fred holds commercial licenses in lighter than air, rotary wing and fixed wing aircraft. He is a Life member of the Balloon Federation of America, and he received the Ed Yost Master Pilot Award for 40 years of accident-free flying. He has also received the Sheilds Trauger Award for managing the BFA website.

"Carried Away" is a Kubicek classic spherical balloon, known for being very stable and easy to fly.

The K17 basket is large, tall and flat-topped for enhanced passenger safety. It also includes a door, making it easy for passengers with mobility challenges to climb aboard.

The balloon's design incorporates zero lateral stress, which eliminates the need for horizontal load gores.

Its multicolored pattern shines like a beacon when the balloon is glowing at night.