My introduction to ballooning came from a 1979 magazine article about the Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Fiesta.  I was shopping for a sailboat at the time but I guess my imagination got the better of me.  I smile now, as I think about how impetuous I was back then.

After researching the ballooning idea for a short time (without the internet I might add) I was surprised by the availability and choices.  It seemed hot air ballooning had momentum.  It was during this research that I happened upon  two very wonderful people, Balloon Pilots  Karen Rosenthal and Cathy Dixon.

With their help I was able to get right to it.  I ordered a new Cameron, VIVA-77 and had it shipped from Bristol,  England (this was before I'd even flown!).  At the same time we headed South to Statesville, North Carolina (1,200 km away) where I was introduced to the balloon fiesta, chased a balloon on its maiden voyage (driving a new truck who's owner was flying the balloon and whom I had only just met!) and got my first flight in.  I was hooked.

Karen and Cathy signed off and released me to the world in August, 1980.

Flying hot air balloons is mostly a labour of love.  I could never quite get into the swing of the hobo life a commercial balloonist has to endure.  Besides I always worry that if ballooning became a job the fun would become secondary.  Even so, becoming a full-time balloonist is in my cards albeit a little later in life than most.

My local flying is in areas just to the north or east of Toronto, Ontario  Canada.  I also attend many community hosted hot air balloon festivals.  Every year these festivals take me across  Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick (with the occasional visit to our American neighbours).  I have been attending some of these events for over  twenty years.  I'm looking forward to when I have the time to attend  Western Canadian events as well.

Balloon Pilots need to be licensed and deemed medically fit.  The Pilot needs to understand what is required to maintain their license and license endorsements.  Pilots must also  understand and practise aircraft airworthiness expectations.

In addition to the normal privileges a manned free Balloon Pilot license provides, my license carries a Balloon Pilot Instructor endorsement.  To help support balloon Pilot training and assist current Pilots with license/endorsement maintenance, I also retain "Authorized Person" status with Transport Canada.  So I have credentials.

Over the years I have trained many hot air balloon Pilots and carried 1000s of passengers.

I am a member in good standing with the Canadian Balloon Association (CBA), Balloon Federation of America (BFA), the British Balloon and Airship Club (BBAC) and Canadian Owners and Pilots Association (COPA).

It's my hope to fly balloons full time and encourage my two sons Xavier and Nathaniel, to earn wings of their own.  Whatever kind of flying they choose it will surely broaden horizons, cultivate character and develope "good" judgement.

Oh yeah, I still have that culprit magazine article!

Soft landings and blue skies,

Albuquerque -  So you know.

New Pilot smile, 1980.

Looking up.

Young one peek-a-boo.

A pleasant view over the range.

Still going after all these years.

Obelix

1999 to present.

Canada Balloon

1995

Echy Thump

1989

Sky Jumper

1979