Tim Cole (balloonist)

Tim Cole
Cole with son Tim Jr and daughter in law expecting Tim Cole III
Born
Timothy Scot Cole

(1945-11-11) 11 November 1945
OccupationInsurance agency owner
EmployerMountain Storm Insurance
Known forSpirit of Freedom (balloon)
Steve Fossett's Project Director
SpouseVikki
Children2
AwardsFAI Diplome Montgolfier
ballooning's highest honor
Fellow of the Explorers Club of New York

Timothy Scot Cole (born 11 November 1945) is the balloonist who designed and built the Spirit of Freedom balloon capsule. This was the first aircraft of any type to carry a solo pilot around the world. In 2002 pilot Steve Fossett flew the Spirit of Freedom on the first successful nonstop solo circumnavigation flight.