All the major news sources are reporting about a six year old boy that accidentally launched his parents helium balloon while he is still aboard. Hard to believe but it's being shown on CNN right now.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33330516/ns/us_news-life/ among other sources.
Sounds like a perfect job for Colorado Wing!
Just tuned in. I really don't think anyone is in there. It wouldn't be listing at 60 degrees with a 100 lb payload - nor would it be lifted by that little amount of gas. Notice a couple of compartments have deflated. That much weight with that much loss of gas would have brought it down by now.
Quote from: capn_shad on October 15, 2009, 07:05:11 PM
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33330516/ns/us_news-life/ among other sources.
Sounds like a perfect job for Colorado Wing!
To do what? There won't be any searching necessary with all of those cameras watching it, and the rescue group is going to be in place LONG before that balloon ever touches ground.
20 ft X 5 ft X say 10 ft.... 1000 cu ft of helium.. umm.. no.
There's another thread in the Aviation forum about this...
Quote from: desertengineer1 on October 15, 2009, 07:33:06 PM
20 ft X 5 ft X say 10 ft.... 1000 cu ft of helium.. umm.. no.
Seems reality trumps your math and physics...stupid reality....Stupid math and physics...
No, I mean, there's no way a 100 lb kid would be lifted by that. It took 45 balloons of almost 5,000 liters each to lift the "Chair guy".
This thing was what, 15 ft X 5 ft, saucer shape? no more than about 10 lbs is my guess.
Silly question, but as a Cop who has spent hours looking for lost kids who ended up being found next door at their aunts house, did they confirm hes actually in it?
according to the reports, a sibling saw him get into the balloon before the tether released. Now they didn't say they saw him get in and then the tether released so he could have gotten out before it floated away. Until they find him, no one will know for sure.
Quote from: swamprat86 on October 15, 2009, 07:54:23 PM
according to the reports, a sibling saw him get into the balloon before the tether released. Now they didn't say they saw him get in and then the tether released so he could have gotten out before it floated away. Until they find him, no one will know for sure.
So NOW it's a good job for CAP.
Calculated in the other thread, no more than about 90 lb total lift (Not including weight of the balloon itself).
See, Nathan, I was just a little ahead of the facts. ;D
Seriously, as mentioned in the other thread, the authorities need to activate the Child Abduction Response Team, which has specific training in doing a missing child search and STARTING at the home and working outwards. It's likely the kid is hiding because he thinks he's in trouble.
I am NOT going to miss the Daily Show tonight.
Balloon landed and no child inside.
Figures. Now the family should have to pay for the cost of the National Guard Helicopters and Police overtime and etc.
Quote from: desertengineer1 on October 15, 2009, 07:58:39 PM
Calculated in the other thread, no more than about 90 lb total lift (Not including weight of the balloon itself).
This, and the fact that people are saying 100lbs!?
My sister is 6, she is MAYBE 45 pounds...
Quote from: capn_shad on October 15, 2009, 08:10:54 PM
It's likely the kid is hiding because he thinks he's in trouble.
That's probably EXACTLY the reason, which is why you're absolutely right. This kid isn't going to want to be found, especially since, if he's ever watched TV, he's probably going to think that the cops are looking to arrest him or something. They need to use a group that specializes in people who don't want to be found... such as child abductors...
I know the ground search has begun for the boy. Do we have any contact with our compatriots from that area? Has CAP been called in to help in the search effort?
No requests for CAP assistance that I am aware of (I haven't received a page from Wing Ops today).
Quote from: Angus on October 15, 2009, 08:41:55 PM
I know the ground search has begun for the boy. Do we have any contact with our compatriots from that area? Has CAP been called in to help in the search effort?
Yes CAP has been called out.
^ Do you have a reputable source for that?
Quote from: DC on October 15, 2009, 09:10:43 PM
^ Do you have a reputable source for that?
Yes my friend announced it on Facebook.
Quote from: capcadetwilliams on October 15, 2009, 09:15:16 PM
Quote from: DC on October 15, 2009, 09:10:43 PM
^ Do you have a reputable source for that?
Yes my friend announced it on Facebook.
Haha, NOT a reliable source, but at the same time it could be happening...
Quote from: capcadetwilliams on October 15, 2009, 09:15:16 PM
Quote from: DC on October 15, 2009, 09:10:43 PM
^ Do you have a reputable source for that?
Yes my friend announced it on Facebook.
Is your friend also a cadet? I think people mean someone with authority of at least Squadron Senior leadership.
Is a Cadet and is launched for the search to find the kid.
Quote from: capcadetwilliams on October 15, 2009, 09:29:12 PM
Is a Cadet and is launched for the search to find the kid.
... and is on Facebook instead of working?
Quote from: McLarty on October 15, 2009, 09:33:17 PM
Quote from: capcadetwilliams on October 15, 2009, 09:29:12 PM
Is a Cadet and is launched for the search to find the kid.
... and is on Facebook instead of working?
No he was on Facebook got the call and said it on facebook and left to the scene.
Im going to speculate that he was never in the baloon. There, Ive said it.
There's conflicting reports CAP is there and not but I know this friend from Facebook very well. So I would believe him.
Heh, kinda like that other cadet who got arrested for a plane crash 911 call.
COWG is not showing any missons for 15 Oct in WMIRS.
Quote from: capcadetwilliams on October 15, 2009, 09:49:48 PM
There's conflicting reports CAP is there and not but I know this friend from Facebook very well. So I would believe him.
Ever meet him in Person?
Quote from: mashcraft on October 15, 2009, 09:55:29 PM
COWG is not showing any missons for 15 Oct in WMIRS.
Thus NO Mission!
Quote from: mashcraft on October 15, 2009, 09:55:29 PM
COWG is not showing any missons for 15 Oct in WMIRS.
I will have a exact word in moments.
Quote from: capcadetwilliams on October 15, 2009, 10:00:23 PM
Quote from: mashcraft on October 15, 2009, 09:55:29 PM
COWG is not showing any missons for 15 Oct in WMIRS.
I will have a exact word in moments.
Ya cause I am sure facebook is available out in the field with no cell towers and all.
I think your friend was fibbing to look Kool. You should tell him CAPTALK has proven him wrong. We will wait for him to substantiate his rumors.
Its official they are on scene but its not public its classified.
^^^^^^
UHHOHHH that classified / OPSEC BS flag flyin' high again,huh??
Quote from: heliodoc on October 15, 2009, 10:10:57 PM
^^^^^^
UHHOHHH that classified / OPSEC BS flag flyin' high again,huh??
I called someone I asked they hung up.
Quote from: capcadetwilliams on October 15, 2009, 10:08:43 PM
Its official they are on scene but its not public its classified.
So CAP is keeping what could potentially be a great PR opportunity 'classified'? From itself (remember, no mention in WMIRS)?
This is where you back off and try to substantiate your claim. If you can't, you admit you were wrong. These kind of arguments are part of the reason you tend to get blown off in the first place.
Boy found alive.
Well, you know what they say ... CNN is the Classified News Network.
Mashcraft: It did get assigned a mission -- 09-M-0911A, but it was for radar forensics. No air sorties. No ground sorties.
Quote from: capcadetwilliams on October 15, 2009, 10:14:27 PM
Quote from: capcadetwilliams on October 15, 2009, 10:13:33 PM
Boy found alive.
Hiding in the attic in garage at house.
The Family needs to go to Jail. They did this all for publicity. They were on the television show "wifeswap", and have a "rap group" that needs funding.
When the hippie neighbor got on and said the family was on "Wifeswap", a quick Google confirms it.
Now.....they should pay for everything and DAD and MOM gets to spend 1 year in Jail for pulling crap like this.
Who the CRAP was assigned to this case locally? Obviously Mall Guards, cause a kid hiding in a box in the garage would surely be a place a real professional would start a search.
Quote from: Flying Pig on October 15, 2009, 09:41:30 PM
Im going to speculate that he was never in the baloon. There, Ive said it.
Yes, your welcome. :clap:
Quote from: capcadetwilliams on October 15, 2009, 10:12:38 PM
Quote from: heliodoc on October 15, 2009, 10:10:57 PM
^^^^^^
UHHOHHH that classified / OPSEC BS flag flyin' high again,huh??
I called someone I asked they hung up.
I believe that someone might have been me. I would HIGHLY recommend that you review your GES and IS100 courses. Calling a random CAP Member asking for information about an ongoing mission is NEVER appropriate. Also, refusing to identify yourself other than to say that "I'm a CAP Member" is again, not acceptable.
Anytime there is an active mission, most folks GTL and above are very busy on the phone coordinating a LOT of different things with different people, especially a mission like this one where the primary is an outside agency. Wasting someone's time for your own curiosity is not acceptable. This is why we have alert rosters, and clear chains of authority. I would advise you to follow them in the future.
OK, changing topics:
This was a good learning experience for us. We have been working on getting an official MOU with Larimer County in order to make it easier for them to call us out in aid of the county's own high-quality search team. Today would probably have been a lot less waiting on standby for a mission number, etc. and a whole lot more action had this been in place. Our biggest hang-up working with them recently has been getting a mission number and approval in a timely manner, which hopefully the MOU will solve in the future. So, yes, there was some involvement and communication with them, which is why I believe it was briefly reported on the news (at least local news) that we were part of the search parties, but we never deployed on the mission.
Again, COWG Group 2 was on standby, but NEVER deployed on this search.
Quote from: McLarty on October 15, 2009, 10:18:26 PM
Well, you know what they say ... CNN is the Classified News Network.
Mashcraft: It did get assigned a mission -- 09-M-0911A, but it was for radar forensics. No air sorties. No ground sorties.
I didn't think to ping CAPTalk earlier today. I hate when my "job" interferes with goofing off and CAP. ;)
We were in fact paged to assemble COWG Group 2 ground teams but shortly thereafter we were told to standby while coordination was figured out. As far as I know no one actually left home for a mission.
My squadron commander did talk to the Denver news folks a lot since he is a balloon pilot. I didn't hear them credit him as a CAP member, but he wasn't speaking on behalf of CAP either...AFAIK. The news did mention CAP a few times in passing. Apparently they thought we could be useful.
The "UFO" launch was about a mile from my house. Maybe I should start wearing my tin foil hat and look for small creatures in my attic ::)
Quote from: wuzafuzz on October 15, 2009, 11:27:29 PM
The "UFO" launch was about a mile from my house. Maybe I should start wearing my tin foil hat and look for small creatures in my attic ::)
Does make you wonder what they were building it for, doesn't it? ;D
Quote from: Pingree1492 on October 15, 2009, 11:31:38 PM
Quote from: wuzafuzz on October 15, 2009, 11:27:29 PM
The "UFO" launch was about a mile from my house. Maybe I should start wearing my tin foil hat and look for small creatures in my attic ::)
Does make you wonder what they were building it for, doesn't it? ;D
If it was me that balloon would be a tethered tactical repeater platform!
Boy found hiding in house attic.
In the late 50's or early 60's, there was a Timmy and Lassie movie in which they "accidently" took off in a balloon. There was even a scene with a CAP plane looking for the balloon and then scenes of a Canadian search for it. I don't know the title or any of the particulars. I do remember that it was in color. Wonder if the kids family got the idea from that if it was a hoax.
I just had to look it up: http://episodes.lassieweb.org/lassie09.htm
Scroll down to the bottom of the page.
Quote from: Pingree1492 on October 15, 2009, 11:21:16 PM
Quote from: capcadetwilliams on October 15, 2009, 10:12:38 PM
Quote from: heliodoc on October 15, 2009, 10:10:57 PM
^^^^^^
UHHOHHH that classified / OPSEC BS flag flyin' high again,huh??
I called someone I asked they hung up.
I believe that someone might have been me. I would HIGHLY recommend that you review your GES and IS100 courses. Calling a random CAP Member asking for information about an ongoing mission is NEVER appropriate. Also, refusing to identify yourself other than to say that "I'm a CAP Member" is again, not acceptable.
Anytime there is an active mission, most folks GTL and above are very busy on the phone coordinating a LOT of different things with different people, especially a mission like this one where the primary is an outside agency. Wasting someone's time for your own curiosity is not acceptable. This is why we have alert rosters, and clear chains of authority. I would advise you to follow them in the future.
OK, changing topics:
This was a good learning experience for us. We have been working on getting an official MOU with Larimer County in order to make it easier for them to call us out in aid of the county's own high-quality search team. Today would probably have been a lot less waiting on standby for a mission number, etc. and a whole lot more action had this been in place. Our biggest hang-up working with them recently has been getting a mission number and approval in a timely manner, which hopefully the MOU will solve in the future. So, yes, there was some involvement and communication with them, which is why I believe it was briefly reported on the news (at least local news) that we were part of the search parties, but we never deployed on the mission.
Again, COWG Group 2 was on standby, but NEVER deployed on this search.
Sorry if it was I asked outside sources but they refused to say.
Which outside sources?
Quote from: JThemann on October 16, 2009, 02:03:35 AM
Which outside sources?
Larimer County Search and Rescue, Larimer county Sherriff's.
Quote from: desertengineer1 on October 15, 2009, 07:24:58 PM
Just tuned in. I really don't think anyone is in there. It wouldn't be listing at 60 degrees with a 100 lb payload - nor would it be lifted by that little amount of gas. Notice a couple of compartments have deflated. That much weight with that much loss of gas would have brought it down by now.
Quote
To do what? There won't be any searching necessary with all of those cameras watching it, and the rescue group is going to be in place LONG before that balloon ever touches ground.
QuoteSilly question, but as a Cop who has spent hours looking for lost kids who ended up being found next door at their aunts house, did they confirm hes actually in it?
QuoteIt's likely the kid is hiding because he thinks he's in trouble.
CAP really needs to take over the media. Reading through this topic, every post above was the logical thought process, and the correct thought process, while the media went on its series of assumptions and "experts" (though every now and then something useful was aired).
QuoteI am NOT going to miss the Daily Show tonight.
Wow, so I'm not alone in that thought. I really was thinking about that right in the middle of all this. Definitely concerned for the kid, but with the media coverage (especially Fox - I like Fox News, but today's coverage was ::) ) I've got to watch tonight.
Quote from: capcadetwilliams on October 15, 2009, 09:15:16 PM
Quote from: DC on October 15, 2009, 09:10:43 PM
^ Do you have a reputable source for that?
Yes my friend announced it on Facebook.
That made my day.
In all seriousness though, it was interesting to see the entire country was keeping an eye on the situation concerned about just one person, and the massive air and ground response that was made. Fact that the kid was in the attic kind of hints that the locals didn't exactly search hard enough, but watching everyone on the ground swarm the area when it hit the ground was pretty impressive.
Quote from: McLarty on October 15, 2009, 10:18:26 PM
Well, you know what they say ... CNN is the Classified News Network.
Mashcraft: It did get assigned a mission -- 09-M-0911A, but it was for radar forensics. No air sorties. No ground sorties.
Not that I doubt you, but I just checked WMIRS again, still no mission in the system. ???
Quote from: olefido on October 16, 2009, 12:41:06 AM
In the late 50's or early 60's, there was a Timmy and Lassie movie in which they "accidently" took off in a balloon. There was even a scene with a CAP plane looking for the balloon and then scenes of a Canadian search for it. I don't know the title or any of the particulars. I do remember that it was in color. Wonder if the kids family got the idea from that if it was a hoax.
Lassies Journey Season 9 (1963). I have the movie on VHS. It is a pretty good episode.
Quote from: mashcraft on October 16, 2009, 02:37:04 AM
Quote from: McLarty on October 15, 2009, 10:18:26 PM
Well, you know what they say ... CNN is the Classified News Network.
Mashcraft: It did get assigned a mission -- 09-M-0911A, but it was for radar forensics. No air sorties. No ground sorties.
Not that I doubt you, but I just checked WMIRS again, still no mission in the system. ???
Cause didn't.
Quote from: caphistorian on October 16, 2009, 02:47:18 AM
Quote from: olefido on October 16, 2009, 12:41:06 AM
In the late 50's or early 60's, there was a Timmy and Lassie movie in which they "accidently" took off in a balloon. There was even a scene with a CAP plane looking for the balloon and then scenes of a Canadian search for it. I don't know the title or any of the particulars. I do remember that it was in color. Wonder if the kids family got the idea from that if it was a hoax.
Lassies Journey Season 9 (1963). I have the movie on VHS. It is a pretty good episode.
cause all were on standby thats why.
Quote from: capcadetwilliams on October 16, 2009, 02:07:16 AM
Quote from: JThemann on October 16, 2009, 02:03:35 AM
Which outside sources?
Larimer County Search and Rescue, Larimer county Sherriff's.
So, you decided to not only waste my time, but waste the time of other agencies as well? In the middle of a large search that attracted national media attention? All so you could try to legitimize yourself on an internet message board? One can only hope that you didn't identify yourself as a CAP member.
You started a topic earlier asking what professionalism is. Your stated actions here are a perfect example of what professionalism ISN'T. Hopefully, you will learn from this. Hopefully.
wait wait wait, i have to get this straight. capcadetwilliams called pingree1492, to request information on the active search, and when that didn't pan out he contacted the county sheriff's office and the county sar? ??? ??? ???
Quote from: capcadetwilliams on October 15, 2009, 10:08:43 PM
Its official they are on scene but its not public its classified.
..and you wonder why people don't take you seriously?
Ohio is pretty far from Colorado. The air bag isn't moving that fast.
My sources tell me that the boy was found hiding in his attic.
Quote from: NCRblues on October 16, 2009, 06:06:11 AM
wait wait wait, i have to get this straight. capcadetwilliams called pingree1492, to request information on the active search, and when that didn't pan out he contacted the county sheriff's office and the county sar? ??? ??? ???
..uhh.. yup, and hopefully didn't act like this on the phone to too many people.
Seriously, Cadet ...
You need to go back to BCS and start over. You just don't get it.
Slow down. You pull this kind of stuff at a SAREX and you'll be tossed out so fast you won't know what the heck just happened and you won't be doing favors for anyone that may have signed off any of your SQTRs.
I was pretty convinced that kid was probably hiding under the house or something, for letting the thing go. It got loose and he ran and hid. Sure seems like thats what happened. I think I said something in the other thread and it got locked instead of merged when someone else started this one out in the lobby.
Cadet Williams,
As a very young senior member, I would like to give you some words of advice. When I was a cadet, I wanted everyone to know I was in cap, and I wanted everyone to like what cap was. I thought I was the coolest kid in the world, I mean think about it, the air force gives you the opportunity to really support and help your nation long before others have a chance. Now, being young, I told me friends all the neat stuff I was doing, but I also made stuff up to look neat in their eyes. Do I regret this? Of course I do. I understand your enthusiasm to show your knowledge to fellow cap members. I understand your need to be involved and feel important, for I felt the same when I was younger, but you must realize that there are times where you won't be. There are times where you just won't be important. It's just not possible to be their 24/7 365 for everything. So getting to my point, it was wrong of you to contact SM and request information, it was also wrong of you to contact an outside agency to request information. I hope you did not identify yourself as a cap member, because that will not be looked highly upon by said agencies. By posting what you did, I am sure there are some on here that will say they won't take you seriously anymore, but take that in a stride, push on, expand your knowledge, grow and learn from this mistake. Take it or leave it, but I hope you take it.
NCRblues = Words of Wisdom.
Lots of threads on this topic. Lots of media on this stupid story. Not one for the missing pilot of the F16? This country is sad. :(
Shaw Air Force Base (WLTX)-- Two F-16 fighter jets from Shaw Air Force Base collided in mid-air Thursday night, leaving the condition of one pilot and his fighter unknown.
The collision happened over the Atlantic Ocean 40 miles east of Folly Beach at about 8:30. The jets were taking part in night training maneuvers when the accident happened.
The F-16 piloted by Capt. Lee Bryant was able to land safely at the Charleston Air Force Base. Capt. Bryant was unharmed.
Both the other pilot, Capt. Nicholas Giglio, and his jet are missing. The Coast Guard is searching the ocean east of Charleston using both aircraft and surface vessels.
Quote from: Thrash on October 16, 2009, 12:17:54 PMNot one for the missing pilot of the F16? This country is sad. :(
And this relates to the Balloon Boy Hoax how?
So was the Balloon Boy a Hoax or not?
The boy said on Larry King that is was all done for show.
General discontent about lack of coverage?
Quote from: DG on October 16, 2009, 01:36:30 PM
So was the Balloon Boy a Hoax or not?
The boy said on Larry King that is was all done for show.
As little faith as I have on the facts of the story, I'm going to believe a 6 year old's statement was out of context.
Quote from: DG on October 16, 2009, 01:33:58 PM
Quote from: Thrash on October 16, 2009, 12:17:54 PMNot one for the missing pilot of the F16? This country is sad. :(
And this relates to the Balloon Boy Hoax how?
He saying all this media hype over a hoax, and in REAL LIFE, there is a fighter pilot and his plane missing in the Atlantic and nothing is being said about it. Priorities.
Quote from: Flying Pig on October 16, 2009, 02:55:09 PM
Quote from: DG on October 16, 2009, 01:33:58 PM
Quote from: Thrash on October 16, 2009, 12:17:54 PMNot one for the missing pilot of the F16? This country is sad. :(
And this relates to the Balloon Boy Hoax how?
He saying all this media hype over a hoax, and in REAL LIFE, there is a fighter pilot and his plane missing in the Atlantic and nothing is being said about it. Priorities.
Thank you. Someone gets it.
Quote from: olefido on October 16, 2009, 12:41:06 AM
In the late 50's or early 60's, there was a Timmy and Lassie movie in which they "accidently" took off in a balloon. There was even a scene with a CAP plane looking for the balloon and then scenes of a Canadian search for it. I don't know the title or any of the particulars. I do remember that it was in color. Wonder if the kids family got the idea from that if it was a hoax.
More likely it was Lawn Chair Larry:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Larry_Walters (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Larry_Walters)
My interpretation of the boy saying "you said we did it for the show", perhaps could have been .. along the lines of "oh $#!+, you said we are making that UFO for some show, and I just let it loose, and he's really mad at me"
(the kids are allowed to cuss.. )
You see how squirmy that kid was? National episode or not, that kids got issues.
Sounds like the UFO wasn't the only thing that got untethered.
Quote from: Pingree1492 on October 16, 2009, 05:48:25 AM
Quote from: capcadetwilliams on October 16, 2009, 02:07:16 AM
Quote from: JThemann on October 16, 2009, 02:03:35 AM
Which outside sources?
Larimer County Search and Rescue, Larimer county Sherriff's.
So, you decided to not only waste my time, but waste the time of other agencies as well? In the middle of a large search that attracted national media attention? All so you could try to legitimize yourself on an internet message board? One can only hope that you didn't identify yourself as a CAP member.
You started a topic earlier asking what professionalism is. Your stated actions here are a perfect example of what professionalism ISN'T. Hopefully, you will learn from this. Hopefully.
No.
Quote from: capcadetwilliamsNo.
Well, then..
Multiple FAILS in this thread!
So, any new news on this situation. Seems like the media dropped it for some F-16 crash or something.
Quote from: capcadetwilliams on October 16, 2009, 05:35:00 PM
Quote from: Pingree1492 on October 16, 2009, 05:48:25 AM
Quote from: capcadetwilliams on October 16, 2009, 02:07:16 AM
Quote from: JThemann on October 16, 2009, 02:03:35 AM
Which outside sources?
Larimer County Search and Rescue, Larimer county Sherriff's.
So, you decided to not only waste my time, but waste the time of other agencies as well? In the middle of a large search that attracted national media attention? All so you could try to legitimize yourself on an internet message board? One can only hope that you didn't identify yourself as a CAP member.
You started a topic earlier asking what professionalism is. Your stated actions here are a perfect example of what professionalism ISN'T. Hopefully, you will learn from this. Hopefully.
No.
No what?
Cadet Williams, believe us when we're honestly trying to help you.
Rest of messages taken to PM.
Fox News has video posted of mom and dad being present when the balloon launched. Unless that was a previous launch (how did they recover it if so?), it would seem to contradict earlier statements the family made.
My money is on a hoax of some kind. Given all the effort that family has made to draw attention to themselves, they definitely deserve some close examination.
I'm no authority on aviation law, but is it OK to release a huge untethered balloon within 5 miles of an airport?
Quote from: wuzafuzz on October 16, 2009, 07:02:56 PM
Fox News has video posted of mom and dad being present when the balloon launched. Unless that was a previous launch (how did they recover it if so?), it would seem to contradict earlier statements the family made.
My money is on a hoax of some kind. Given all the effort that family has made to draw attention to themselves, they definitely deserve some close examination.
I'm no authority on aviation law, but is it OK to release a huge untethered balloon within 5 miles of an airport?
No. And since it had a compartment someone could sail in, it becomes and aircraft, and needs an airworthiness certificate.
Minimum fine is $5,000 just for that. I am sure they will be tacking on other fines in the days ahead, as well as taking the kids from the parents. The Dad put the kids life in danger on multiple occasions "hunting" tornadoes, and he videotapes it. Shame on him. I would never put my kids life on the line like that.
They apparantly have a history here in Calif.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,567640,00.html
Quote from: Spike on October 16, 2009, 08:50:01 PM
No. And since it had a compartment someone could sail in, it becomes and aircraft, and needs an airworthiness certificate.
Minimum fine is $5,000 just for that. I am sure they will be tacking on other fines in the days ahead, as well as taking the kids from the parents. The Dad put the kids life in danger on multiple occasions "hunting" tornadoes, and he videotapes it. Shame on him. I would never put my kids life on the line like that.
Not exactly. If the purpose of the compartment is to carry instrumentation and the balloon was never capable of carrying a person to begin with (reference previous calculations verified by a LOT of people), that argument is DOA.
If, however, someone proves the parents launched the balloon with intent of scaring everyone, prison time and LOTS of fines are possible.
Here's my angle... If the Dad built the balloon, or has even a couple of brain cells working, he would have known from the start this thing couldn't carry much more than 20 lbs more than a few feet off the ground. With that known, why did he say on national TV that he thought his kid went airborne in it. If he knew it was impossible to carry 60-90 lbs, why wasn't he doing everything within his power to keep the search local?
Am I the only one really confused with this?
In my whacked mind, the only logical explanation is that it was a planned hoax from the very beginning. That aligns with the kid being nervous on TV and saying what he did.
I hope they go after the parents for every dime of this "rescue" operation - right down the the pencil lead used to fill out the AF 781's.
Quote from: Jill on October 16, 2009, 09:17:47 PM
They apparantly have a history here in Calif.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,567640,00.html
Drudge Report is referring to it as the "Loon Balloon." ROFLMAO! :clap:
AN aerospace education project gone truly awry.......
AEO's best be on the lookout for cadet aero ed copy cat projects out there!!
They are just hiding waiting to come out! ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
This is just getting funny. The kid is puking, the father calls a news conference to tell them to write their questions and put them in the box.
"We don't ground our children" .. There's something eccentric about these people.
The children can cuss in the house. So.. they basically can do whatever with no accountability.
Weirdorama.
The pendulum swings...
"Sheriff: Charges are expected to be filed against Richard Heene, whose son was thought to be in runaway balloon Thursday"
"A Colorado State University physics professor, using dimensions given by Richard Heene, had told sheriff's officials as they were tracking the balloon Thursday that it was plausible for it to lift off with 37-pound Falcon inside."
"Using the true dimensions, the professor determined it could not have launched with the boy inside, Alderden said."
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_balloon_boy
Does anyone think that it was really built to carry a person? So, if it wasn't, I don't necessarily expect some random guy to be able to do the math while worried about his kid to determine if it was possible in the first place that his son somewhere aloft in it.
That being said, throw the book at these folks.
He gave wrong info to the scientist to do the numbers. And the thing was held with duct-tape...
The payload box was thin plywood.
From CNN:
Three days after the world watched a giant balloon fly through the air as a tearful family expressed fears that their 6-year-old boy could be inside, authorities announced what millions already suspected: The whole thing was staged.
Charges have not been filed, but authorities expect to recommend felony charges including conspiracy, contributing to the delinquency of a minor and attempting to influence a public servant, Alderden said. They also plan to recommend a charge of filing a false police report, which is a misdemeanor.
^ Good!
Take away the kids, throw the parents in prison and move on.
The best thing would be to break this family up now. The Dad put his kids lives in danger on countless trips to "chase" tornadoes.
This guy is an eccentric nut bag .. and a great example of weird a$$ parenting.
.. the whole thing is becoming pretty heeneous ;-)
Quote from: NCRblues on October 16, 2009, 06:24:35 AM
Cadet Williams,
As a very young senior member, I would like to give you some words of advice. When I was a cadet, I wanted everyone to know I was in cap, and I wanted everyone to like what cap was. I thought I was the coolest kid in the world, I mean think about it, the air force gives you the opportunity to really support and help your nation long before others have a chance. Now, being young, I told me friends all the neat stuff I was doing, but I also made stuff up to look neat in their eyes. Do I regret this? Of course I do. I understand your enthusiasm to show your knowledge to fellow cap members. I understand your need to be involved and feel important, for I felt the same when I was younger, but you must realize that there are times where you won't be. There are times where you just won't be important. It's just not possible to be their 24/7 365 for everything. So getting to my point, it was wrong of you to contact SM and request information, it was also wrong of you to contact an outside agency to request information. I hope you did not identify yourself as a cap member, because that will not be looked highly upon by said agencies. By posting what you did, I am sure there are some on here that will say they won't take you seriously anymore, but take that in a stride, push on, expand your knowledge, grow and learn from this mistake. Take it or leave it, but I hope you take it.
As previously stated - words of wisdom!
I'm sure many more seasoned contributors to this forum have sought to counsel young "Williams" so I hope that other posts have encouraged him to spend less time on CapTalk and more time on his CAP studies (and school!)
Cadet Williams, young CAP jedi - put your enthusiasm to more productive use - listen to those who are as wise as Yoda (and probably as old ;-) who seek to teach you the ways of the Force (GSAR) and hopefully keep you from the darkside (aircrew ;-)
"Heeneous indeed"...
She copped a plea
Chucked him under the bus..
Quote(CNN) -- The Colorado father at the center of the "balloon boy" saga created the giant helium balloon specifically for a hoax to draw media attention, his wife told authorities, according to court documents.
o Mayumi Heene says she and husband knew 6-year-old was safe during scare
o They told authorities child might have blown away inside giant balloon
o Couple told children to lie to authorities and media, document says
I am relatively certain the end of times (or perhaps Halloween) has begun early and surprisingly enough in Denver Colorado, actually an hour north in Ft. Collins. Balloon Boy is there! There's a crazier story from Ft Collins today: http://www.denverpost.com/ci_13626909
So while San Francisco used to be the Capital Crazy of the Country and Boulder was the Crazy Capital of Colorado... it looks like Ft. Collins is a winner and at least weekly champs for the last 14 days.
So Wuzafuzz - Group One wishes Group 2 - Happy Halloween (or perhaps the "best" end of times)
Crazier? thats referencing CSU Pueblo. Wrong end of I-25.
You miss a link?
Quote from: Smithsonia on October 23, 2009, 11:49:41 PM
I am relatively certain the end of times (or perhaps Halloween) has begun early and surprisingly enough in Denver Colorado, actually an hour north in Ft. Collins. Balloon Boy is there! There's a crazier story from Ft Collins today: http://www.denverpost.com/ci_13626909
So while San Francisco used to be the Capital Crazy of the Country and Boulder was the Crazy Capital of Colorado... it looks like Ft. Collins is a winner and at least weekly champs for the last 14 days.
So Wuzafuzz - Group One wishes Group 2 - Happy Halloween (or perhaps the "best" end of times)
Watch it there Smithsonia, we're a few steps away from Boulder! And anyway, that story was from the Springs, there's not even a comparison there! :P
And I think that lady might have a fighting chance at homecoming queen, being that one of the other candidates is a guy and all... Will be interesting Saturday to see the results! :clap:
^^^^ Ah yes Pingree- I saw the story on TV and failed to pick up that it was Pueblo, not Ft. Collins. So I need to insult Pueblo AND Ft. Collins. Sorry my mistake. Happy Halloween to the Crazy/Odd/Sick populace of CO/WG Groups Two and Three from the folks of Group One.
Quote from: Smithsonia on October 23, 2009, 11:49:41 PM
I am relatively certain the end of times (or perhaps Halloween) has begun early and surprisingly enough in Denver Colorado, actually an hour north in Ft. Collins. Balloon Boy is there! There's a crazier story from Ft Collins today: http://www.denverpost.com/ci_13626909
So while San Francisco used to be the Capital Crazy of the Country and Boulder was the Crazy Capital of Colorado... it looks like Ft. Collins is a winner and at least weekly champs for the last 14 days.
So Wuzafuzz - Group One wishes Group 2 - Happy Halloween (or perhaps the "best" end of times)
Hoo boy! That's quite a story.
Incidentally, I learned the Balloon Boy balloon flew right over my office shortly before it made the news. Had I realized the flight path took it my way I could have shot it down with the computer chip in my brain. Apparently the voices in my head were silent on that issue. Where's my foil hat with CAP logo on it?
Okay, so...
[img alt=]http://captalk.net/MGalleryItem.php?id=63[/img]
Thats what it was all about.
Parents are awaiting sentencing and are facing jail time, repayment of search costs and the forfeiture of any monies made as a result of their exploitation and criminal behaviors...
http://www.wmur.com/news/22042572/detail.html
I only saw if briefly, but I believe the father got 90 days w/four years probation; mom got 20 days/two years probation. Like I said, I didn't take any notes.
Quote from: Gunner C on December 23, 2009, 06:34:36 PM
I only saw if briefly, but I believe the father got 90 days w/four years probation; mom got 20 days/two years probation. Like I said, I didn't take any notes.
They also aren't allowed to profit from the incident for four years.
He serves 30 days starting on the 11th of January, and 60 days will be work release. Mother will serve after he is done, with the option to split it up, say into 10 weekends.
... after all, someone needs to stay home and properly supervise the children.
Unfortunately, "Lust for Fame" has become a new kind of criminal intention. With these people an example must be made. Otherwise, the spotlight grabbing wannabee celebs will send the do-gooders scurrying off in all directions. I can't help but think there is soon to be a real emergency that some otherwise diligent 911 Operator will miss-read as a hoax. Someone will die. The operator will be fired. The Balloon Boy Parents are to blame. That is bad for all of us.
Quote from: Smithsonia on December 23, 2009, 08:19:55 PM
Unfortunately, "Lust for Fame" has become a new kind of criminal intention. With these people an example must be made. Otherwise, the spotlight grabbing wannabee celebs will send the do-gooders scurrying off in all directions. I can't help but think there is soon to be a real emergency that some otherwise diligent 911 Operator will miss-read as a hoax. Someone will die. The operator will be fired. The Balloon Boy Parents are to blame. That is bad for all of us.
Sorta like the people who attended that formal at the White House or that peeping Tom with that sportscaster?
Fox news said that the FAA is considering fines of up to $11,000 for "operating an unauthorized aircraft". There are a bunch of people including a farmer with a trashed wheat field standing in line for compensation and fines. My question is, aside from the question of this being a hoax insofar as the claim of a child on board, how is it different than any other meteorological balloon launch? Is it just because there was not a NOTAM? I am not asking this because I think we should show mercy to them ( In fact, I think removing their organs and leaving them in a bathtub filled with ice would be a bit overly permissive)
Major Lord
I honestly dont think it would have been made this big a deal if CN hadnt picked up the story and followed it relentlessly. Like was said earlier weather baloons do this all the time and nobody makes a big deal about it.
Balloon Boy's dad was on Larry King tonight. He recanted his confession and stated it was NOT a hoax. OK here an unofficial suggestion -
Let's get the "Stolen Valor" pretender from another thread - to respond to the Henne's emergency calls from now on in.
Quote from: Smithsonia on January 07, 2010, 05:21:57 AM
Balloon Boy's dad was on Larry King tonight. He recanted his confession and stated it was NOT a hoax.
Another example of the fact that,
in today's culture,
there is no such thing as "bad" publicity.
Next thing, this guy will be elected to public office, or get a multimillion dollar contract on a reality TV show.
Quote from: DG on January 07, 2010, 02:10:27 PM
Quote from: Smithsonia on January 07, 2010, 05:21:57 AM
Balloon Boy's dad was on Larry King tonight. He recanted his confession and stated it was NOT a hoax.
Another example of the fact that,
in today's culture,
there is no such thing as "bad" publicity.
Next thing, this guy will be elected to public office, or get a multimillion dollar contract on a reality TV show.
Of course he'll do all of this AFTER he completes his jail term. He's still a convicted criminal.
Can't profit from this incident for 4 years though.
if only people would ignore these attention whores....
^ I blame the short attention spans of the American Citizen. Our country is slowly turning into a populace of needful, adrenaline seeking immature halfwits.
These "parents" knew how to get attention, and make money off of a crime, that is a national joke now. They are attention seeking felons, that should never be allowed within 3 feet of a child under the age of 18 again. The punishment they received was neither sever enough or just.
If this were a perfect world, the parents would lose everything they ever had and sent to a mental institution, clearly not sane enough for society.
I expect the family to make millions from either a book deal or a made for TV movie on Lifetime. "Balloon Boy" will forever be a side note in American history right underneath the paragraph on the American Economical collapse of the early Twenty-First Century.
If the news media hadnt picked the story up it wouldnt have been that big a deal.
Flyguyo6;
^^^^I think you could say that about every story.
Balloon Boy Dad was on NBC Today show this morning.
It was not a hoax.
Absolutely not.
The local sheriff was persecuting him.
Because he is up for election in two years.
It was not a hoax.
Absolutely not.
Quote from: DG on January 08, 2010, 02:14:25 PM
Balloon Boy Dad was on NBC Today show this morning.
It was not a hoax.
Absolutely not.
The local sheriff was persecuting him.
Because he is up for election in two years.
It was not a hoax.
Absolutely not.
ROFL. Sheriff Alderden is not running for sheriff in 2 years. He is prevented from running again by term limits. Anyone living near Fort Collins knows that, and so should Mr. Heene. It's been all over our local news. But hey, that's just the truth and there's no room for that kind of stuff in Heene's bag of tricks. If his mouth is moving, prepare for lies.
Quote from: wuzafuzz on January 08, 2010, 02:49:22 PM
ROFL. Sheriff Alderden is not running for sheriff in 2 years. He is prevented from running again by term limits. Anyone living near Fort Collins knows that, and so should Mr. Heene. It's been all over our local news. But hey, that's just the truth and there's no room for that kind of stuff in Heene's bag of tricks. If his mouth is moving, prepare for lies.
[/quote]
Huh?
But Balloon Boy Dad said that, in no uncertain terms, on national tv.
How could he say that, if it was a lie? On national tv.
(all of which is expressed sarcastically)
I think he also said it on Larry King Live.
Now, on a serious note, how can we (or somebody) slam this guy, and others, whenever they are being so blatantly fraudulent?
Quote from: DG on January 08, 2010, 03:41:22 PM
Quote from: wuzafuzz on January 08, 2010, 02:49:22 PM
ROFL. Sheriff Alderden is not running for sheriff in 2 years. He is prevented from running again by term limits. Anyone living near Fort Collins knows that, and so should Mr. Heene. It's been all over our local news. But hey, that's just the truth and there's no room for that kind of stuff in Heene's bag of tricks. If his mouth is moving, prepare for lies.
Huh?
But Balloon Boy Dad said that, in no uncertain terms, on national tv.
How could he say that, if it was a lie? On national tv.
(all of which is expressed sarcastically)
I think he also said it on Larry King Live.
Now, on a serious note, how can we (or somebody) slam this guy, and others, whenever they are being so blatantly fraudulent?
[/quote]
Tie them to a tree in a pen full of amorous, feces hurling, monkeys. >:D
Quote from: flyguy06 on January 08, 2010, 03:55:05 AM
If the news media hadnt picked the story up it wouldnt have been that big a deal.
If Heene hadn't said his kid was in the balloon, the news media would not have cared about it.
Richard Heene admitted in court that he wrongly sent authorities on a wild goose chase across Colorado to save the son he falsely said was aloft in a runaway balloon .
Now Steven C. Barber, a 48-year-old filmmaker, says Heene really thought his son was in the balloon as it spun wildly through the skies on Oct. 15. He plans to prove it, Barber says, when he releases the documentary "Balloon Boy: Guilty Until Proven Innocent" later this year.
Barber has known Heene for more than 10 years and says he has dozens of hours of film of the backyard inventor pursuing one science project after another. He compiled much of that footage, the filmmaker says, in an effort to help Heene land a TV reality show chronicling his science adventures.
What Heene was trying to do with the balloon, Barber says, was solve the world's traffic problems by creating a cheap, lighter-than-air vehicle that would allow people to float over congested freeways.
Barber says, Heene is a "true genius" with a penchant for exploring offbeat scientific theories.
"He's a freakin' genius, a really smart guy — and he's a good guy," Barber, an intense ball of energy, says of Heene as he sits in front of his laptop computer in the breakfast nook of his cluttered beachfront apartment in the heart of Los Angeles' bohemian Venice community.
It is there that Barber is culling through a decade's worth of interviews with Heene, including footage he says he traveled to Colorado to shoot of the balloon before its Oct. 15 launch and footage taken afterward to get Heene's side of the story. He wasn't there on the actual day of the balloon debacle.
He's willing to show only one brief snippet of film, however, taken before the launch, when the balloon was still in pieces on the floor of Heene's Fort Collins, Colo., home and he was explaining how he planned to put it together. Barber said he filmed that segment for one of the many TV show pitches he helped put together for Heene over the years.
"I was out here for years trying to help him get TV shows," he says. "I've gotten him lots of pitches."
Barber declined to show the footage he took after the balloon returned to earth, saying he worries that if any of it is described or Heene is quoted it will only make it harder for him while he's in jail.
Barber, whose previous films include the World War II-era documentary "Return to Tarawa: The Leon Cooper Story," acknowledges he is announcing his plans for "Balloon Boy" just as he is beginning to promote another movie. His documentary, "Unbeaten," on a 267-mile wheelchair race through Alaska, is in theaters in Los Angeles and New York this week in an effort to get consideration for an Oscar at the 2011 Academy Awards.
Although he acknowledges the "Balloon Boy" publicity can't hurt "Unbeaten," Barber says, he's really pursuing the project because he owes it to his friend to try to right a wrong. He adds that he doubts he'll make any money on the venture, claiming investors lost a total of $200,000 on his last two films.
The only documentary filmmakers who profit, he says, are Ken Burns and Michael Moore.
Barber is also adamant that he didn't pay Heene for any of the footage he recorded, either before or after the misadventure. Doing so would violate the terms of Heene's probation and possibly land him in jail for considerably longer than the 90 days he is now doing after pleading guilty to falsely influencing authorities.
Heene sent those authorities racing across Colorado, as millions watched on TV, when he called 911 and said he believed his son was in the balloon.
Barber says he is certain Heene believed what he told authorities was true. He only admitted in court to lying to protect his Japanese-born wife, Mayumi, because he feared she might be deported. She pleaded guilty to a lesser charge.
Authorities still aren't buying that explanation.
"The bottom line is he entered his plea in court and was advised fully by the judge and the evidence was pretty overwhelming," Linda Jensen, a spokeswoman for the district attorney's office, told The Associated Press on Thursday.
Larimer County Sheriff Jim Alderden declined to discuss Heene, saying through a spokeswoman that he was tired of talking about him. Last week, however, he said the evidence was "overwhelming" that Heene and his wife were guilty of concocting the Balloon Boy scenario so Heene could realize his dream of landing a reality TV series.
Heene's phone has been disconnected, a family spokesman couldn't be located and his lawyer declined to discuss the documentary or Heene's guilty plea.
"I'm not his booking agent, I'm not his entertainment lawyer. You'd have to talk to Richard directly on that and he's in the Larimer County Jail," Heene's criminal lawyer, David A. Lane, said this week.
Are you [farg]ing kidding me??
What the crap.
Yawn. Waiting for the next freak show.