Scott Appelman was founder and president of Albuquerque-based Rainbow Ryders, one of the largest hot air balloon business in the country. He died Thursday at 66. Chancey Bush / Journal ...

The Rainbow Ryders founder Scott Appelman founded the hot air balloon company in 1983 and expanded it to offer balloon rides in all Four Corners states.

Scott Appelman, a pioneer in the ballooning community, has died. The founder of Rainbow Ryders Hot Air Ballon Ride Co. was 66 years old.