The Hot Air Balloon Experience Forum - Recent Topics

Tom

Jodi Markert — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 21:52:05 +0000

Tom is a wonderful example of how crewing is a perfect way to stay fit and active in retirement! We are grateful to have him - even though his energy level is a tough one to match!!!

Valerie

Jodi Markert — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 21:44:55 +0000

As an aspiring pilot herself, Valerie spent a year crewing for us. now that we she owns her own hot air balloon, we cheerfully let her go in support of her pursuing her dream of earning her pilot's certificate!

Cole M.

Jodi Markert — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 21:40:01 +0000

Cole spend a solid year crewing for us. He has had a couple of hot air balloon rides and one even landed him at the Lake Elmo Airport!

Chris

Tim Markert — Sun, 15 Mar 2026 21:45:09 +0000

Chris made it clear that he wanted a hot air balloon ride before his significate birthday! It took him all summer to crew 5 times and he earned his flight!! He respectfully stopped crewing after that and that's a-ok with us!! Grateful for the summer we had with him!!

Mary

Tim Markert — Sun, 15 Mar 2026 20:52:51 +0000

This foxy grandma has earned many flights after traveling great distances to crew for us!

Katie

Tim Markert — Sun, 15 Mar 2026 19:38:05 +0000

Katie crewed when she could and finally got her flight!

Cay

Tim Markert — Sun, 15 Mar 2026 18:58:13 +0000

Cay has been crewing for us for a year. She is local to our flying community so showing up is easy for her. Her first flight was with Scott, a short one landing at the airport. So we look forward to giving her more well-deserved

rides as we move into our next season!!

Scott

Tim Markert — Sun, 15 Mar 2026 18:52:01 +0000

Scott's first flight was a short one that landed us at the airport. We launched later than expected and had to land before the sunset. My favorite thing about Scott is that he is so personable and pleasant with our passengers. More well-deserved flights in Scott's future!!

Alex

Tim Markert — Sun, 15 Mar 2026 18:43:01 +0000

Alex has been around balloons longer than our pilot, Jodi. He has been a tremendous resource of knowledge and confidence for our team. He's been crewing for pilots around Rochester his entire life and for us for about two years. He has earned crewing achievement awards through the Balloon Federation of America and we are proud to call him our friend!

Shawn

Tim Markert — Sun, 15 Mar 2026 18:37:56 +0000

Because Shawn is also a pilot (student), he definitely knows how to navigate as chase crew. He is one of the few skilled enough to "chase" without using a GPS app! He's been crewing for us for two years and we're looking forward to sharing the sky with him when he gets his Private Pilot Certificate.