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IRVINE, CA (Sept. 29, 2015): The Great Park Balloon has been temporarily grounded for scheduled repairs. However, the Balloon will remain inflated and installation of the iconic pumpkin face begins this week.
As part of a regular routine inspection, a delaminated panel recently was found at the top of the Balloon. Experts from the Balloon manufacturer, Aeromobile, examined the panel on Sept. 23 and determined the Balloon was not fit for passenger flight due to the deterioration of the fabric.
The new balloon envelope is undergoing fabrication and is tentatively scheduled to replace the current envelope by the end of the year, consistent with the City’s replacement schedule.
The City Council, as part of the Fiscal Year 2015-16 budget, on June 23 approved replacement of the balloon envelope, netting and winch cable, which have reached the end of their lifecycle. The replacement was last performed in 2010.