Skill · judgment · teamwork
Pilots & balloons
Meet the people behind the baskets, burners, weather calls, and coordinated crews.
Pilots
Pilot
Bryan Sweeney
Pilot
Canna Walter
Pilot
David Brannan
Pilot
Dawne Rushkarski
Pilot
Jack Loflin
Pilot
Justin Anderson
Pilot
Koh Murai
Pilot
Larry Simburger
Pilot
Laurie Spencer
Pilot
Luke Cesnik
Pilot
McKenna Secrist
Pilot
Paul Adams
Pilot
Ryan & Jessica Geib
Pilot
Tim Gale
Pilot
Timothy Breeden
Pilot
William Wakker
A team sport
What crews make possible
Prepare
Transport and carefully lay out the balloon system.
Inflate
Manage the envelope, fan, basket, burners, and lines.
Chase
Follow the balloon by road without knowing the landing place in advance.
Recover
Help land, pack, and return the balloon safely.
Pilot in command
Weather judgment comes first
Balloon pilots continuously assess surface wind, winds aloft, visibility, obstacles, landing options, and changes across the valley. The decision not to fly is part of expert ballooning—not a failed event.