Scott Appelman (aka “Scotty” or “W”) was not only a pioneer in the world of hot air ballooning, but also a visionary whose passion for the industry transformed the skies over Albuquerque and beyond. As the founder of Rainbow Ryders, the largest hot air balloon ride company in the United States, Scott spent decades bringing the joy of ballooning to thousands of people.
Celebration of Life
Scott Appelman leaves behind a legacy that will forever be intertwined with the beauty of flight and the spirit of adventure. While we mourn his loss, we also celebrate the extraordinary life he lived, and the joy he brought to so many.
There will be a celebration of life on Monday, October 7, from 3pm to 6pm at the Sid Cutter Pavilion (located inside Balloon Fiesta Park). If you are interested in attending, please let us know here. If you are unable to attend, there will be a second celebration of life in Phoenix, Arizona later this year, details to come.
Please park in the large parking lot (parking gate two) on the northeast side of the park. You will then enter through admission gate nine. Click here for an interactive Google Map of where to park, where to enter, and where Sid Cutter is located.
A Passion For Flight
A Passion For FlightAfter graduating from the University of New Mexico’s Anderson School of Management, Scott wanted to make his hobby of hot air ballooning into a career. That’s when he decided to first launch Rainbow Ryders in 1983, a company that has since become synonymous with excellence, safety, and the spirit of adventure.
Scott grew the business from one balloon in the garage of his home in Albuquerque to a fleet of over 40 balloons across four states, operating over 3,200 flights per year and flying nearly 40,000 people. That’s 40,000 bucket lists that got their check every year all because Scott believed in ballooning and believed in the industry.
Under his leadership, Rainbow Ryders became the first official ride operator for the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® in 1999, the world’s largest ballooning event, as well as the official ride operator for Colorado Springs Labor Day Lift Off, the largest ballooning event in the state of Colorado.
Leader in the Ballooning Community
Throughout his life, Scott was more than a businessman; he was a mentor, and a champion of the hot air ballooning industry. His unwavering commitment to safety set new standards for the sport. He played a key role in making Albuquerque the ballooning capital of the world, and was the originator and organizer of Balloon Fiesta’s balloon glow from 1987 to 1992, as well as a co-originator of Balloon Fiesta’s Special Shape Rodeo.
Scott logged more than 5,400 pilot-in-command flight hours, 800 tether hours, and was also a special shape balloon pilot.
Scott held positions on the Board of Directors of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® (AIBF), Chairman of the Board for the Albuquerque Convention and Visitors Bureau, Board of Directors of the Albuquerque Convention and Visitors Bureau, President of the Anderson Abruzzo International Balloon Museum Foundation Board of Directors, sat on the Board of Directors for Experience Scottsdale.
Scott was honored with the Heritage Award from the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in 2013 as well as the Tourism Hall of Fame award from the Tourism Association of America. He also held a world record for a high-altitude flight.
One of his proudest achievements was flying the Dos Equis balloon as the Dos Equis Ambassador of Adventure, World’s Most Interesting Balloon Pilot,
He was also the managing partner of Hot Apple Productions, the co-production company for the Colorado Springs Labor Day Lift Off Balloon event. This event draws in over 200,000 spectators and 80+ balloons with entertainment, concerts and concessions.
Beyond the Skies
Scott’s passion for flight was only matched by his commitment to his people. He was known for his generosity, sense of humor, and deep connection to his community. Whether on the ground or in the air, Scott had a way of making everyone feel welcome. His generosity extended far beyond his company, as he frequently supported local charities and was deeply involved in efforts to give back to the community he loved so much.
As a mentor, he wanted to leave behind a legacy that would last for generations. He saw untapped potential in many people, often allowing them to flourish with his guidance. He believed strongly in humility and gratitude, taking great care to never forget where he started.
Scott’s search for adventure extended far beyond the skies. In the last couple of years, Scott finally started taking the time to enjoy the fruits of his labor from the last four decades. Scott could be found on the open road in his RV, exploring new places with his wife Heather. His love for water matched his love for the air, and he spent many cherished moments on his boat, savoring the relaxation only lake life can bring. His two beloved dogs were constant companions, bringing laughter to his life wherever he went.
Every Rainbow Ryders balloon that rises in the sky, every sunrise greeted by our colorful ascent, is a testament to the mark he left on the world. Scotty’s love for ballooning lives on in the hearts and minds of those he mentored, the customers he delighted, and the countless friends he made along the way who often turned into family.
Beyond business, he was a loving husband, a devoted father, and an incredible pilot, always giving back to the community. His legacy will live on not just in the skies, but in the hearts of all who knew him.
A Balloonist’s Farewell
The winds have welcomed you with softness.
The sun has blessed you with its warm hands.
You flew so high and so well,
That now your spirit soars on,
And rests gently in the loving arms of Mother Earth.
