Hot Air Expeditions Mourns the Loss of President and Project Manager

Scottsdale AZ. - Hot Air Expeditions is distressed to announce the loss of their President, Margie Long, and Project Manager, Carl Prince. Margie and Carl passed away on May 31st, 2013 at the ages of 59 and 43.

Carl and Margie were aboard a training flight Friday, May 31st, 2013 out of Deer Valley Airport in Phoenix, Arizona, which was involved in a mid-air collision with another plane. No survivors were identified. Carl, an FAA-certified Fixed Wing Pilot, had been providing flight instruction to Margie Long since August 2012. Exact details of the incident have not yet been confirmed.

Margie had a passion for all things aviation and her most beloved hobby was studying to obtain her pilot's license. We are all deeply saddened by the accident that occurred and the Long family requests privacy during this difficult time. Margie's passion lives on through her two loving daughters and loyal Beagle.

Margie graduated from San Diego State University in 1976 with a degree in Anthropology, after which she began working towards her dream of starting a business. Margie was a proud representative of the Balloon Federation of America, the Arizona Business Travel Association, and multiple Arizona-based Convention & Visitors Bureaus, amongst other organizations. Margie's passion for community involvement aided her in becoming a finalist for the Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce, Small Business of the Year award in 2008, 2010, and 2011. She was very proud of achieving such an honor for multiple years. Both Carl and Margie were founding members of the USA Eye Foundation.

Hot Air Expeditions Inc. will continue full operations. They will continue to focus on their number one priority, providing a superior experience and customer service to passengers and clients, which has always been the greatest importance to the company as a whole. As President, Margie put forth everything she had into Hot Air Expeditions, and we look forward to watching the company thrive, as she would have wanted.

We are deeply saddened by the loss of Margie Long and Carl Prince, but know that their spirits will continue to flourish throughout the company. Information regarding funeral services has not been released as of today.