I grew up in Abq. NM. Moved to AZ when I was 19. My first balloon flight was when I was 2. I got my PVT license in 07'. Ballooning & Photography are absolutely my favorite things to do.
Hey. I will admit I'm in the market, just not to seriously. If something comes along that I just can't pass up and know I can afford it I will buy it. the problem is being able to afford it. What is the system? and the price?
Hey... so, east coast events generally have hotel, propane, pilot pack, meals and paid rides for commerial pilots. You usually have to give back 2 sponsor rides and the festival takes a cut of the paid rides (with the majority of the money going to the pilot). Ask Chris about Canada...
The problem I have is that there are a select few events that are trying to cut corners drastically by not providing the the above items, either all of them or a mix of them. ADK has two classes of pilots... which can essentially be summed up in Big Brother terms of "Haves" and "Have Nots" - I don't care if others think this is ok, I don't. I believe that all pilots should be treated equally... they are equally providing their equipment to put on a show and have a balloon festival that raises money...either for profit or for charity.
Thanks for direct info about what happened in AZ... it really sucks for all of you out there and I really don't want to see this kind of thing happen to our festivals. We have a great thing here and it is worth fighting for to keep. One day I hope you will make the trip out and see what I am talking about!
Hi Daniel
I found one of your pictures ( f1 ) and would like to use it for my indexpage (www.ballonflug-buchen.ch) This page is Swiss and means in English "book a balloon flight". Please let me know if this is OK with you.
thanks
Hans