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About the President
My first experiments with hot air ballooning took place on October 8, 1966. Using charcoal in a pot belly stove to heat a neoprene balloon, the end result was mostly a lot of smoke.
My next experience (as a passenger) was in Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1973. No, it wasn't the big festival which they have in October of every year. There were only a couple of balloons, but they were beautiful. At first I was a little concerned because I get nervous on a ladder, but I really enjoyed my first balloon ride.
In 1990 I took my first flying lesson in a hot air balloon. It was fascinating. There was so much to learn, but it was also a lot of fun. Working with the crew, flying, talking with passengers - it was an adventure every time.
For many years I learned, crewed, and flew under the guidance of Ken Smith of Fantasy Balloons, a balloon ride company in Middletown, New York.
As a Student Pilot I was not permitted to fly as Pilot in Command with passengers on board, so in 2005 I decided to get my Private Pilot's license. I took lessons with Mike Ranieri of Catskill Mountain Balloon and am now licensed with a "Lighter-than-Air Free Balloon" rating. As such, I can fly as pilot in command with family and friends, strictly for pleasure.
Meanwhile, I now have my own hot air balloon company. When I offer rides to the general public, the pilot on command (not me) has a commercial pilot's license.
The next step is for me to get my own commercial license, which I plan to do this year. |
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