Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/18201
Gary Michalek I earned my balloon pilot certificate in 1987 and current- ly fly an Aerostar Rally 90 and a 31,000 cubic foot chair bal- loon. I fly in 12-14 organized events each year plus other weekends during the summer when weather permits. There have been many memorable flights over the years such as scenic flights in with Mt. Shas- ta as a backdrop, or intriguing ones like flying over the Alta- mont Pass, or 30-40 mile long distance flights in the Central Valley and the Sierras but I'd say the most interesting aspect of flying are the passengers. Whether it's their first or 20th time everybody takes away a unique experience and the great part about it is that I get to enjoy it with them. Vince Casey Been flying balloons since 1997. Byron Stevenson I enjoy flying most for the joy of flying in the open air. I have flown in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico, and of course Califorina. I'm in the air every weekend thats flyable. I crewed for many years and never got to fly so I bought my own balloon. We fly all year around as the weather lets us. Bill Woodhead The highest flown in a hot air balloon os 22,000 feet, the fastest speed 58 mph, the longest trip was 122 miles, one of the most interesting local flights took me from Grants Pass, Oregon over Crater Lake and land- ing near highway 97. Bought our first balloon in 1997 and Windrider, Too is the replacement for our first balloon because we wore it out, logging over 600 hours of flight time on it. We really like flying in the Sierra mountains around Truckee and Reno. Weather permitting we fly 12 months out of the year and really like fly- ing from Truckee to Reno, the view is spectacular every time. Soft Landings and safe Travels. Wanderer more. I wanted to be a pilot. Gay James’ Ballooning History I crewed for the first time in 1978 at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta (AIBF). After going on a teth- ered balloon ride I signed up to work crew at the 1979 AIBF in hopes of getting a real balloon ride. I met a pilot from Napa who needed crew and a truck -- and I had a truck. That pilot took me on every flight during the Fiesta and after 4 days let me land the balloon. I was hooked. I didn’t just want to ride any I started with my Student Pilot Certificate in 1979. Due to not having a balloon of my own, I received my private lighter- than-air pilot certificate in Albuquerque in 1981 and then my commercial certificate in 1982. I have flown in New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, Wyoming, California, Oregon, Minnesota, South Dakota -- and France. I have over 2000 hours flying balloons. I won the first long distance competition in Albuquerque in the 40 gallon category in the April, 1982. I have won various races over the years and placed 3rd at the Great Reno Bal- loon Race in 1990. I am also an instructor for balloons, have been a presenter at safety seminars, and I was the Balloon Meister (organizer and person in charge) of the Valentines Rally in ABQ. In 1982. In 1985 I moved to northern California to fly for one of the Napa commercial balloon companies. I was a pilot, and also their office manager and bookkeeper. I flew for most of the other balloon companies in Napa when they needed an addi- Continued on page 14 Red Bluff Daily News Friday, October 22, 2010 Page 9