Frank Prell
Owner and Chief Pilot
Frank owns and pilots all the balloons at Oxford.
Frank is a land developer with holdings in Kentucky and
Florida. He has loved flying as long as he can remember.
He started flying fixed wing planes in 1972 and balloons in 1977. In 1985 he received his
gas balloon rating while attending the World Championships in Battle Creek, Michigan.
Frank received his British Pilot's Licenses in 1989 before receiving his first special
shape balloon. In 1994 he received his Austrailian License and in 1995 received his
Japanese License.
Frank's first balloon, "THE WIZARD", soon became a familiar sight around the
country with a unique design of a black balloon with a moon, stars and a myriad design of
the universe.
In 1986 he premiered his second balloon, "THE WIZARD II" which brought
thunderous applause from crowds all over the country as this beautiful, multicolored
pastel rendering of Merlin & Nimue flew the skies.
"THE CLOWN" balloon, manufactured in England in 1989 was Franks next toy. Being
his first special shape balloon, he has enjoyed flying all over the world with the Clown
at different balloon events. Children of all ages are sure to be delighted when the
British registered G-GWIZ inflates and takes to the sky.
In 1990, Frank received his second special shape balloon. And who else to keep the
attention of the children of the world better than "SANTA CLAUS." This
spectacular balloon stands 186 feet tall and the envelope alone weighs 890 lbs.
G-HOHO is
the balloon's British registration. The Santa Claus has flown beside the Clown in the USA,
Canada, Holland, Belgium, England, Switzerland, Japan and Australia. Both balloons have
functional waving arms that greets spectators as they ascend and descend upon the crowds.
In January 1993, Frank flew the maiden voyage of his third special shape balloon in
Chateau-d'Oex, Switzerland. This balloon will continue to create smiles and celebrations
for the children that Frank loves so much. "THE WISH CAKE" balloon took off in a
joyous applause from all the spectators in Chateau-d'Oex. The balloon is decorated with 16
pink candles, 8 red roses & white icing with colored trim The Wish Cake was built by
Lindstrand Balloons Ltd. in Oswestry, England and holds the registration of G-WISH.
This balloon has been so popular we ordered a replacement envelope in 2001.
At the Millennium Frank purchased his next special shape
balloon. The "Bouquet of Tulips." Its an amazing balloon
that has 24 tulips on top in Red, White, Blue & Orange. Originally
designed by a Dutch pilot the balloon is now a member of Frank's Fleet of
special shape balloons.
Frank has accumulated more than 1100 hours flight time and has participated in events
across the US, Canada, Belgium, Holland, France, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Japan,
Russia, Latvia, England and Scotland. He was a member of the "Balloon Exploration Society" open
only to balloon pilots who have flown in at least 10 countries other than their own.
In Franks spare time he is an avid pin collector and has published a book, "Balloon
Pins" back in 1985. It documents balloon pins Frank has collected from around the
world. Frank holds one of the largest collection of balloon pins in the world.
When Frank isn't flying his balloons, you probably can find him
on Captiva Island FL.
Frank's love of flying and the smiles of children have combined in a most unique way.
Smiles, laughter and fun have resulted in his special shapes, "The Clown,"
"The Santa Claus," "The Wish Cake" and the "Bouquet of
Tulips"