Pilots and Their Balloons

Craig Kennedy -

Craig and his bride Jane moved to Albuquerque in 1990 and immersed themselves into the ballooning community, Craig, as a founding member of the AAAA Education Foundation, and flying sponsor balloons for KOB-TV, KOAT-TV, Delta Dental Plan, Auto Club of Southern California, AAA New Mexico & Texas, and Intel Corporation. 

Craig presently serves as vice president of Balloon Explorium, Inc., and is a member of the City of Albuquerque Board of Trustees for the Anderson/Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum.

As a volunteer for the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, Craig organizes and produces the Dawn Patrol Show; with assistance from a team of excellent Dawn Patrol pilots and their able chase crew members.Craig has flown “Dawn 1,” the Intel New Mexico balloon, since Intel began its balloon-marketing program in1995.The current, Lindstrand A-90, is actually Intel’s second balloon since inception of the local/regional program. 

Additionally, Craig is a factory authorized representative for Lindstrand Balloons USA, Eagle Lift liftgates and Multi-Wing fan props.  Craig has also manufactured more than 250 sets of the night position lights used on balloons flying in the dark. The late Ken Kennedy of Broken Bow, Nebraska, introduced Craig and his younger brother and sister to ballooning in 1980.Over the years, all the Kennedy children have flown in Fiesta.  One year with all three, plus their father, piloting different aircraft at the same time.

Craig has followed in his father’s footsteps by building a balloon envelope from his father’s design; and baskets from his own design, as well as that of the father of modern ballooning, the late Ed Yost.

Craig is proud to have shared ballooning with many people over the years, returning to others what was shared with him so many years ago.

Glen L. Moyer- In 2005 Moyer joined The Dawn Patrol Show at Fiesta as the ‘voice’ of this popular pre-sunrise visual spectacle.

In the 30 years that have passed since Glen Moyer took his first balloon ride, he has carved out three distinct careers for himself, all centered on hot air ballooning. Moyer is first a pilot, second a ballooning journalist, and third a balloon event announcer.

Balloonist:

It was 1976 and Moyer was working as a television reporter in his hometown of Beaumont, Texas when he traveled to nearby Houston to report on a U.S. Bicentennial balloon race. There he met the late Bill Murtorff, a pioneer in the sport, and made arrangements a few weeks later for his first balloon ride. His second ride would come three years later in 1979 while still working in the media as a reporter for WOAI Radio in San Antonio, Texas. His third ride, yet again three years later in 1982 where as a Dallas, TX radio/TV reporter he would later begin his active role in the sport of lighter-than-air aviation.

By 1986 Moyer had left the broadcast media behind for a writing career. He had begun writing on a freelance basis for the then new publication BALLOON LIFE. In 1989 he was hired as editor of the publication and moved to its headquarters in Sacramento, CA. There he would buy his first balloon (Yellow Rose) and learned to fly, earning a private license in 1990 and his commercial license one year later. 

To date Moyer has flown balloons in 28 of the United States and in Mexico, Puerto Rico, England, France, and New Zealand. His current balloon, a Lindstrand AX7 is his 3^rd (following Yellow Rose and Lonesome Dove) and is named Coyote Moon. He has logged almost 600 accident-free hours as PIC. 

As a balloonist Moyer served the Plano, TX Ballooning Association as a Director, VP, and President. He was twice vice-chairman of the Plano Balloon Festival and served several years as editor of the North Texas Ballooning Association Newsletter. Moyer has also served one term as a member of the Balloon Federation of America’s Board of Directors and as Secretary, Vice-President and Treasurer of the organization. In October 2000 he was hired as editor of BFA Publications, a position he continues to hold. In 2006 he was awarded the BFA’s highest honor, the Shields-Trauger Memorial Award for exceptional service to the sport of ballooning and the BFA.

Announcer:

In 1986 as he was launching his writing career, Moyer was approached by a new event in Fort Worth, TX to tap his broadcasting experience and serve the event as a public address announcer. That event began what has proven to be an ongoing part-time occupation as a balloon festival announcer. Indeed, 2005 marked Moyer’s 20^th year behind the microphone. In those years millions of spectators have listened as he has described countless balloon glows and competition flights. Moyer has been the voice of ballooning events across the US from border to border and coast to coast. His numerous clients include Freedom Weekend Aloft (SC), Lisle Eyes to the Skies Balloonfest (IL), Plano Balloon Fest (TX), Ballunar Liftoff (TX), the US National Championships, Great Texas Balloon Race (TX), the Coupe Gordon Bennett (NM) and many others, including since 1990 the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta where he teams with longtime friend and colleague Tom Rutherford.

Kevin Cloney (one of the kilted ones) -  I enjoyed my first hot air balloon ride in Del Mar, California as a first prize award for a sales contest I won in 1989 and was hooked!  The first ride is …. 

In 1993 I started attending Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta and crewed for a balloon sponsored for twelve years by my father-in-law and flown by Alan Zielinski.  In 2000 I earned my private pilot’s certificate and subsequently earned my commercial certificate in 2002 and my gas rating in 2005.  

Currently I have over 850 hours as pilot in command and have had the honor of providing over100 hours of ballooning instruction to student, private and commercial pilots training under both parts 14 CFR 61 and 14 CFR 141.  I have achieved level 3 in the FAA Wings program.  I am or have been a member of the Balloon Federation of America (BFA), Valencia Flying and Retrieval Association (VFRS), Aircraft Owner and Pilot’s Association (AOPA) Civil Air Patrol (CAP) as well as Top Gun. I maintain three balloon related websites.  One is the Wicker Clan www.WickerClan.com and the second is a site dedicated to changing the current regulation of minimum safe altitude as it relates to balloons www.ChangeTheFAR.org and the third is in draft form for the Dawn Patrol www.OfficalDawnPatrol.com  

In 2003, as a member of AAAA, I received the Allen Jones volunteer Award and in 2005 was presented the Directors Award for the At-Large Region from the Balloon Federation of America. In 2004~2006 I was past president of the greatest ballooning club of the world- Albuquerque Aerostat Ascension Association (AAAA).   All honors that I appreciate and cherish!

I’m a member of the Anderson Abruzzo International Balloon Museum and was honored to be a part of the grand opening. I supported the museum by purchasing a balloon tile which is placed on the front wall of the museum.

I have given presentations on ballooning both nationally and internationally and for the past 12 years visited local schools during Fiesta presenting to more than 1400 students in an average year. I participated in the first balloon museum kid’s balloon camp by providing tethered rides and the chance to get up close and personal with our training balloon. 

On a personal level I’m married to my high school sweetheart and have 5 grown children and six grandchildren. I work for a computer company that specializes in integration of computers mainly in the medical and dental field. I have held numerous positions within volunteer organizations including twice President of Albuquerque Daybreakers Toastmasters (one of the most awarded Toastmasters clubs in the Southwest), Area Governor of Toastmasters and currently hold a certificate as a Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM).

Ralph has been flying for more than 27 years. He holds licenses for both airplanes and hot-air balloons. This year will be his 20th year at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. He currently flies a Cameron V-90 balloon named "Eos" after the Greek goddess of the dawn.

Clarke O’Byrne 

Aviation, in one form or another, has been the driver in my life since 1972.  I spent over 21 years in the Air Force as an aircraft maintenance officer, repairing and launching aircraft at bases around the world. I also graduated from the University of Southern California Aircraft Accident Investigation School and investigated numerous aircraft accidents. 

I have been a hot air balloon pilot since 1984 and a commercial pilot since 1985. In that time I have accumulated 1200 hours in hot air balloons. Thanks to the Air Force I had the opportunity to fly not only here in the Southwest; I have also lived and flown in the Midwest and central Texas. 

Since 1993 I have been actively teaching in AAAA ground schools and safety seminars. I have also taught in safety seminars in Colorado, Texas, Ohio, California and Arizona.  I have taught all the topics in ground school. In the last few years, I have usually taught meteorology and micrometeorology. I have also taught several classes for the NTSB on balloon accident investigation. 

I am an active balloon instructor. I have taught over 50 students, both commercial and private. I have lost count of the ground schools and safety seminars I’ve taught.

 I have been flying Dawn Patrol in the bookend position for thirteen years.  My greatest joy in ballooning is introducing others to this wonderful sport.

Clare Wade-Callahan Flying "Her Highness” Lindstrand 90A N502ML

“Her Highness” travels to events across the Southwest including Angel Fire, White Sands, Red Rocks, Bluff, Thunderbird and AIBF.

Clare began her love affair with Ballooning in 1991 – became a pilot in 1992 and got her Commercial rating in 1994.  Clare has served as Sec. of AAAA and teaches in Ground Schools.   She is Founder of the Santa Ana Blue Corn Harvest Festival held on the Pueblo every Labor Day.  Clare is Corporate Pilot & Kurt is Second Pilot for the Santa Ana “Star Walker” Balloon.

Second Pilot - Kurt Wilson – Private

 Kurt started crewing for Clare in 1995 and became a Pilot in 1997 – he is currently working on his Commercial rating.

627 Fairway NW

Albuquerque, NM USA 87107

505.343.9100 – airclare@comcast.net

PHILIP M BRYANT
5001 Woodway #302
Houston, TX  77056 (Tel.) 713-622-9074 (Cell) 713-299-5179

Aviation has always been a passion for Philip.  He became a pilot in 1963 in Tucson Arizona where he spent most of his time after school repairing cars so he could earn enough money for flight lessons.  The hourly rate at that time was $12.50 with fuel.  After accumulating enough time, he obtained his commercial certificate and then shortly thereafter, his Flight instructor’s certificate.  Realizing that college was a requirement and then to use that education would lead to a more rewarding life, Philip Graduated from the University of Arizona as a Structural Engineer and began working for Shell Oil Company in the summer of 1967.  Today Philip has a total of 4487 hours in fixed wing aircraft and 1200 in Lighter than air.

After several assignments in different parts of the country and abroad, Philip was assigned to the Head Office in Houston, Texas in 1976.  Aviation continued to be a passion, as Philip, shortly after arriving in Houston obtained his Instrument Instructor rating and the Multi-Engine rating on his commercial pilot certificate.  Flying was always a hobby and a passion, but never interfered with career goals.  That is until Philip was introduced to Ballooning in 1992.  After spending some time in balloons, the hobby became a profession.  Currently Philip is a Designated Pilot Examiner, Certified Repair Station for Balloons, Vice President, and Past President of the Balloon Federation of America, Owner of Ballooning Adventures of Texas in Houston, Operator of the BP America Hot Air Balloon and the Texas Propane Gas Association Hot Air Balloon.  Philip has mentored High School Students to build and fly their own 80,000 Cu Ft Hot Air balloon and remains active in the FAASTEAM in Texas.  Philip organizes balloon events in the US and Mexico and donates time with the balloons at local schools and hospitals.  Philip recently received training in Gas Balloons and has a Free Balloon Rating.  This appears to be the next major life’s adventure. 

Current activities include American Society Civil Engineers, American Institute of Architects, Balloon Federation of America, HAL-PC, and Child Advocates. Philip has received several Shell Oil Company awards for Performance and recognition for team and individual efforts.  He has also received the Excellence Award and the Directors Citation from the Balloon Federation of America for outstanding achievements in Ballooning and Pilot Safety.

Keith Sproul has been involved with ballooning since 1998. He has been crew chief on the Energizer Bunny for several years and is now the back-up pilot on this huge special shape balloon. He has made four balloons, including two special shape Tetrahedron balloons. He also owns three other special shape balloons including an 80 foot tall Birthday Cake Balloon. He likes to fly in canyons, gaps, gorges, and other places, where you end up looking up at the ground. Keith and his wife attend many balloon festivals throughout the year. He also likes flying in the winter when it is cold. In addition to flying the large special shape balloons, he enjoys flying small one- man chariot type balloons. You can see pictures of his many balloons

at his website: http://www.skychariot.com

Keith flies the Yellow/Black/Orange Tetrhaedron called Wings of Wind.

Doug Gantt My real interest in ballooning began when I attended the very first Central Florida Balloon Rally in DeLand, FL.  While there as a spectator, I met several local pilots and began crewing for them in Orlando, FL.  One thing led to another and now I have been a commercial balloon pilot for 25 years.  I have had the wonderful opportunity to have flown in balloon events allover the United States as well as Canada.   

During the past 25 years, I have been in business for myself in ballooning, managing several corporate clients and their balloon programs and conducting corporate aerial balloon programs on their behalf all across the United States with our company Fantasy Ballooning.  Our website is:  www.fantasyballooning.com.   

Along the way, I eventually became the Organizer/Balloonmeister for the Central Florida Balloon Rally, which was recognized as a Top 200 event in the Southeast.  

My first Balloon Fiesta was in 2001, which was also the same year I saw my first Dawn Patrol Show in Reno.  Having heard of these flights into the night sky, I was mesmerized at the sight of balloons lifting off into the star-filled sky to greet the morning sunrise.  I made a commitment to myself that if I ever got the chance to fly Dawn patrol, I would.  One connection led to another and I have had the opportunity to become a small part of the Dawn Patrol show at Fiesta.   

Along the way to becoming a Dawn Patrol pilot, I am also a special shape pilot, flying Ham-Let, The World’s Largest Flying Pig, at Fiesta and at many events throughout the United States.   

Ham-Let is a real crowd-pleaser and a special addiction to all that makes Dawn Patrol special.  Our website for more information and flying pig paraphernalia including t-shirts and hats is:  www.whenpigsfly.bz.

In Remembrance of

Kris Econopoli

Well, once again Andy Baird, Phil Whittington, and all of the production staff at Cameron Balloons US have built us another fine aircraft. This is Monday morning's flight 10/15/07, the first chance we have had to take Royal Flush II out and fly it. All of the artwork looks great, as well as the memorial. We just received a thank you card in the mail from Kris' parents in Florida. It reads in part: "My wife and I just can't put into words the most wonderful deed in your memorial to Kris; we're overwhelmed - a thousand thank you's to you! It has been a tough 7 months, seeing the "Royal Flush" and the tribute has been extremely cathartic to us!"

 We sometimes take people for granted, and no one knows when his or her own time will be up, nor the time of those we see day in and day out, or just once a year at Albuquerque. We hope that this balloon will be a reminder to everyone who sees it just how much Kris touched people, and just how much we all touch the people in our lives, and how they touch us. 

As Garth Brooks says "Tell that someone that you love just what you're thinking of, if tomorrow never comes".

 Captain Bentley and staff Private Balloon Flights Albuquerque, NM