Under New Management — Las Cruces, New Mexico
The Cloudhopper Spirit of Arizona, originally built by Roland Cleveland, continues active use under new ownership in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Following an initial mechanical issue during its early operation, two of the three current owners have completed flights with the system.
On a calm morning with winds around 1 mph, Brian Smith conducted the first flight since the transfer of ownership. The flight lasted approximately thirty minutes before adjustments to the harness configuration were required. Afterward, Dan Erhard took over and performed a full flight evaluation.
Operating in an open area provided a safe environment for extended flight testing. Erhard continued flying until the final fuel warning sounded and landed smoothly after seventy minutes. The performance demonstrated stable handling and strong endurance under light wind conditions.
Later that same day, the team completed a second flight from a more populated area. The Cloudhopper’s low altitude and visibility attracted public attention, leading several vehicles to stop nearby to observe the landing. The event highlighted the distinct appearance and maneuverability of the single-person system in flight.
Flight results confirmed that the 40,000-cubic-foot envelope size performs well in the local climate. The larger volume provides adequate lift during cooler months while maintaining efficiency in summer. The pilots noted that the Cloudhopper requires minimal packing effort compared with full-sized hot-air balloons. Its compact form reduces setup time and physical strain, particularly in high temperatures.
At this stage, the balloon continues to operate under its original name, The Spirit of Arizona, although the owners have discussed the possibility of a new designation in the future. The aircraft remains jointly owned by Dan Erhard, Brian Smith, and Harold Connell, who continue to evaluate its performance and suitability for regional flying conditions.
