In Memoriam: Denny Floden, 1st World Hot Air Balloon Champion
By Debbie Spaeth, Chair, CIA Public & Media Relations (PMR). Image shows Denny Floden on commemorative flight at the 2022 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Credit: Debbie Spaeth
On July 3, 2025, the 1st World Hot Air Balloon Champion, Dennis E. Floden, known to many as “Captain Phogg”, passed away in Bradenton, Florida at the age of 85. Denny held the distinction of being the Champion of the First World Hot Air Balloon Championship, sanctioned by the FAI Ballooning Commission (CIA) in 1973, held in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
In 1968, Denny took his first hot air balloon flight sparking a lifelong passion that would define his legacy. As Capt. Phogg, he became a pioneering figure in ballooning, winning the U.S. National Hot Air Balloon Championship in 1971. Denny was inducted into the United States Ballooning Hall of Fame in 2013.
Denny shared his memories of the First World Hot Air Balloon Championship during an interview commemorating the 50th anniversary of the 1st World HAB Championship. Read the interview.
The FAI Ballooning Commission extends their sincere sympathy to the family and friends of this ballooning pioneer.
Denny Floden, aka Captain Phogg Photo Credit: Courtesy of the Sid Cutter Estate
