1987 Aerostar RX-7, (Rally) 77,500 cu. ft.

1987 Aerostar RX-7, N64036. 624 TT. Top 2/3 of envelope replaced progressively within the last 350 hours. All fabric replacement work done by AERCO using Aerostar Diamond Weave and square weave fabric. New factory Spring top installed at 358.5 TT. The top 2/3 is in excellent condition as would be expected with Aerostar fabric. Mostly all fabric below lower equator band is original. This system is in current annual through July 2009 and a fresh 100-hour annual will be included at the time of sale. It flies like a new balloon and goes through very little fuel (15 gallons per hour with a full load).

Gondola is a Classic (RWS), with no warping or lean whatsoever. Four-point aluminum uprights with A-block connections & Service Bulletin cables installed. Two V-15 stainless steel vertical tanks recertified 7/2008, with floor protection hardware installed in the basket. All new factory hoses installed in July 2008. Single HPII Update (liquid pilot) burner. Ball 655 Instruments with basket & envelope cables. Black scuff leather, brown cordura padded bolster, cordura upright covers. Poly skid runners, lots of accessories included (fire extinguisher, document pouch, tool pouch, dropline, AEROSTAR waterproof factory down cover, AERCO convertible basket down cover [uprights on], waterproof envelope carry bag cover, tieoff line & quick release). Very little wicker damage - extremely clean! This system does have a lot of hours, but it has lots more life left in it.

Asking $4500
Will include a new skirt (your choice of black, white, red, blue or yellow) for particular buyers if desired.
Will sell envelope or basket separately, but will not part out basket.

Contact Jon Radowski in in Elverson, PA - 908-208-1869 or njhotair@njhotair.com
Potential buyers are more than welcome to check it out and/or test fly.

Fabric Replacement & Major Work:

11/16/1990, 147.3TT: Replaced Gores 12A 12B 12C - Station 53.75-75.21 (AERCO)
11/16/1990, 147.3TT: Replaced Gore 1A - Station 64.75-75.21 (AERCO)
10/1/1992, 255.4TT: Replaced White in Gore 1B 1C 4A 4B 4C 5B 5C 6A 8A 8B 8C 9A 9B 9C 10A - Station 64.75-75.21 (AERCO)
6/6/1994: 322.1TT: Replaced Gores 4A 4B 4C 5A - Station 7.02-38.75 (AERCO)
6/6/1994: 322.1TT: Replaced Gores 8A 9A - Station 11.25-15.75 (AERCO)
5/4/1995, 351.2TT: Replaced Gore 7A Panel 3 (AERCO)
21/1/1995, 358.5TT: Replaced Spring Top Cap yellow (AERCO)
21/1/1995, 358.5TT: Replaced Gores 2B 2C 3A 6B 6C 7A 10B 10C 11A - Station 64.75-75.21 (AERCO)
21/1/1995, 358.5TT: Replaced Gores 3B 3C 7B 7C 11B 11C - Station 53.75-75.21 (AERCO)
11/22/1996, 384.2TT: Replaced all White panels - Station 53.75-64.75 (AERCO). Fuel hoses replaced.
2/11/1998, 418.7TT: All fabric in "Panel 2" - Station 38.75-53.75 (AERCO)
2/11/1998, 418.7TT: Replaced Gores 2B 2C 3A 6B 6C 10B 10C 11A - Station 53.75-64.75 (AERCO) (Blue, Purple & Green)
4/2/2002, 461.2TT: Replaced Gores 1A 2A 5A 12A 12B 12C - Station 64.75-75.21 (AERCO)
7/25/2008, 616.1TT: Fuel hoses replaced.

Fabric Grab Strength tests performed 2/11/09:

All fabric types, time in service and colors above lower equator pulled to 45+ pounds and no porosity.

Fabric colors below Lower Equator band:
White: 46.62 warp, 46.76 fill (tore)
Purple: 45.4 warp, 46.3 fill
Blue: 47.98 warp, 47.52 fill
Green: 46.46 warp, 51.02 fill
Yellow: 47.22 warp, 48.12 fill
Red: 46.76 warp, 43.12 fill (tore)

For 100-hour annual, a minimum of 35 pounds grab strength is required in fabric below lower equator band (a non-key area). There are no porosity requirements below lower equator band. To pass a 50-hour annual, a minimum of five grab tests must be done in each weave direction per color to at least 30 pounds.