Frank Anger
Belden, MS
650 Hours
Reg. N496TW
Balloon Name: America
Manufacturer: Kubicek
Jayson Barnhill
Longview, TX
115 Hours
Reg. N916LB
Balloon Name: Shockwave
Manufacturer: Lindstrand
Joel Jones
Seale, AL
1014 hours
Reg. N5278A
Balloon Name: Redeemed
Manufacturer: Aerostar
"I started Ballooning in January 2002. I have flown most of the eastern states as far as northern Maine, and as far west as Albuquerque, New Mexico. I have also flown in eastern Canada, and even flown a balloon in France. In Ballooning, I have made many friends both Pilot and Crew and they watched many of their children grow to be adults in the 22 years that I’ve been flying."
Clay Turner
Decatur, GA
150 Hrs
Reg. N64439F
Balloon Name: Flight 847 Misfit
Manufacturer: Balloon Works
"My balloon started off as Sonic drive in. But letters scrabble to say "Sinoc"
Michael R. Wahl
Decatur, GA
1200 hrs
Reg. N52658
Balloon Name: Cool Ray
Manufacturer: Aerostar
"Mike Wahl of Decatur, Ala., is a retired manufacturer who has been involved in ballooning since 1979, when he crewed for a balloonist in the second Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic. He also began working on the Jubilee's planning committee that year. A few years later, he jumped on the chance to train to be a pilot for the Decatur balloon. After earning his license to fly, he and wife Cathy purchased their first balloon and she also began flight lessons, eventually earning her commercial ballooning license. Mike has since served as president of the Alabama Jubilee, recruited many financial sponsors, has flown or owned many other balloons both commercial and private, and taught around 20 students. Mike has been a scoutmaster and is still involved in Scouting USA. He volunteers for Rotary International, Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity and Baptist Men's Missions, enjoys golf and pickleball, and once co-owned a miniature golf course. He and wife Cathy have two children (son Rob is also a balloon pilot) and four grandchildren."
William Davis
Helena, AL
365 Hrs.
Reg. N20671
Balloon Name: Ado
Manufacturer: Head
"been flying for 16 years”
David Hoover
Little Rock, AR
600 Hrs.
Reg. N625DH
Balloon Name: Sunrise Fellowship
Manufacturer: Lindstrand
“Fed Ex guy delivering the mail!”
Tyler (TJ) Davis
Montrose, CO
77 Hrs.
Reg. N2582U
Balloon Name: Wash
Manufacturer: Balloon Works
“From homeless, to crew chief, to pilot! Balloons has been my way up since I found a love for them nearly 8 years ago. I still live in my van, going where the wind blows just like when I fly! When I'm not flying, I enjoy making music, hiking, fishing, and kayaking.”
Gary Brossett
Columbus, GA
210 Hrs.
Reg. N384KG
Balloon Name: Kalos
Manufacturer: Head
Gary Brossett is a Commercial Balloon Pilot with over 40 years’ experience in aviation. He is a retired Aerospace Quality Engineer and United States Air Force Aircraft Maintenance Supervisor. A 5-time Master Aviation Educator and earned post Graduate Certificates in Aviation Safety and Instructional System Design and a Master of Aeronautical Science degree in Aerospace Education from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Gary was recognized as the 2019 Balloon Federation of America (BFA) National Crew person of the Year and 2020 National FAA Safety Team Representative or the Year. He achieved BFA Advanced Aeronaut recognition through the Pilot Achievement Award Program and Master Crew Chief through the Crew Achievement Award Program. He also holds a Private Pilot- aircraft single engine land, Remote Pilot, A&P with Inspection Authorization and Advanced Ground Instructor certificates. Gary is a life member of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) and Air Force Association (AFA) and is a member of the Aircraft Engine Historical Society (AEHS), Balloon Federation of America (BFA), National Aeronautics Association (NAA) and Vintage Aircraft Association (VAA).
Colton Krause
Pride, LA
120 Hrs.
Reg. N4509L
Balloon Name: Beaux Biggs
Manufacturer: Cameron
“Colton Krause, I’m 31, grew up in Zachary Louisiana. I have been ballooning my whole life as I was born into. Learned to fly from my father Shawn Krause. I love ballooning for the rush of being in the sky and meeting new people from around the country!”
Chris Heidelbauer
Marion, IA
99 Hrs.
Reg. N818LB
Balloon Name: Buzzard's Glory
Manufacturer: Lindstrand
“I have been involved with ballooning for over 20 years now. I began my journey crewing for another Natchez Pilot, Susan Stamats in 2003, and absolutely fell in love with Ballooning. Our family has been involved ever since. I received my pilots license in 2018. 2025 will be my fifth year flying in Natchez, although I have attended the event as a crew member a few times before that. Can’t wait to get back to Natchez again!”
Susan Stamats
Cedar Rapids, IA
2954 Hrs.
Reg. N608LB
Balloon Name: Midnight Glory
Manufacturer: Lindstrand
“been around a long time”
Kevin Heinzman
Sandoval, IL
291 hrs.
Reg. N80022
Balloon Name: Steampunk Sea
Manufacturer: Lindstrand
John Good
Prarieville, LA
850 hrs.
Balloon Name: The Wisdom Racer
Manufacturer: Lindstrand
“Been flying since 1990. I fly the tooth balloon( wisdom Racer) cannot miss it in the air- very identifiable!”
Michael Gullo
Bossier City, LA
373 hrs.
Reg. N218EC
Balloon Name: Main Squeeze
Manufacturer: Lindstrand
Bob Pulaski
Pineville, LA
915 hrs.
Reg. N145BAtaih
Manufacturer: T&C Series II-90
"From Pennsylvania. The only Polish hot air balloon pilot in Pineville, LA. Hot Air Balloon pilot for 42 years. Really a nice guy. Not really Polish. Married (sorry, girls). Owner of the original Polish recipe for ice"
Wynn Gustafson
Arden Hills, MN
1070 hrs.
Reg. N8054U
Balloon Name: Freedom Flight IV
Manufacturer: Cameron
"Why did you become a pilot? Many years ago, when I lived in St. Cloud, MN, I had a new neighbor move in next door. We became close friends and when he bought a hot air balloon, I became his crew chief. One thing led to another and I bought into his balloon and got my pilot license. As time passed, he got out of ballooning and I have continued on. What do you find is the most challenging about flying a hot air balloon? The toughest part is getting accurate weather and crew schedules to align. We just don't get that many good days to fly. Depending where you are flying, landing spots can also be a real challenge. Short description of something interesting that ballooning has allowed you to do? I have been very blessed and have the opportunity to fly in many locations in the USA. Flying over Teddy Roosevelt National Park was a top five. What do you most want the public to know/understand about hot air balloons and flying them? First, they are very safe. Second, balloonist are social people who love to share the sport with their family, friends, and general public. Third, if you see one flying, remember it takes a team to set up and pack one up. And Fourth, we love gracious landowners who welcome us to visit them."
Erik Kiehle
Meridian, MS
83 hrs.
Reg. N5141G
Balloon Name: Tropical Twist
Manufacturer: Aerostar
“I have been involved in ballooning for the last 6 years and have crewed 4 years in Natchez. I am looking forward to being a registered pilot at a place I love to visit.”
Randi “Kay” Gaines
Foley, MO
43 hrs.
“I have been involved in ballooning for the last 6 years and have crewed 4 years in Natchez. I am looking forward to being a registered pilot at a place I love to visit.”
Jason Gaines
Foley, MO
1300 hrs.
Balloon Name: Sugar Mama
Manufacturer: Lindstrand
“been flying 26 years”
Kurt Vitense
St. Peters, MO
450 hrs.
Reg. N92KV
Balloon Name: Oasis
Manufacturer: Lindstand
Mike Hanson
Greenwood, MS
2500 hrs.
Reg. N888ZR
Balloon Name: Bee Bee King
Manufacturer: Zing
"Commercial pilot for 36 years. Owner of ride operation Delta Breeze Hot Air Balloon Promotions"
Perry Haason
Meridian, MS
186 hrs.
Reg. N2576U
Balloon Name: Miss Baby II
Manufacturer: The Balloon Works
“Perry Hasson of Meridian MS. I have been a pilot for 29 years.”
Ken Johnson
Canton, MS
475 hrs.
Reg. N9123U
Balloon Name: HighLeigh Kentagious
Manufacturer: Aerostar
"Crewing since 1988 and Pilot since 1994. Balloonmiester for several events across Mississippi."
Geoffrey Jones
Meridian, MS
70 hrs.
Reg. N3126B
Balloon Name: Gravity's Rainbow
Manufacturer: Head
"My name is Geoffrey Jones and I am 25 years old. I have had my pilots license for around 3 years, but I have been crewing for both of my parents all of my life and coming to the Natchez balloon festival for just as long. I work for Atlas Roofing in the Research and Development department for the foam insulation boards. I graduated from USM with a degree in Polymer Science with a minor in Chemistry"
Gary Jones
Diamondhead, MS
420 hrs.
Reg. N63G3
Balloon Name: Wind Waker
Manufacturer: Kubicek
“ I have been flying for 31 years.”
Eddie Stanton
Fulton, MS
50 hrs.
Reg. N623RN
Balloon Name: Itawambie
Manufacturer: Kubicek
"20+ years of experience, with first start in Natchez MS, crewing for Nancy McConnell and "Sky Eyes" balloon, which I still fly from time to time!"
Damien Ristaino
Monroe, NC
276 hrs.
Reg. N2030D
Balloon Name: Arizona
Manufacturer: Head
"Damien Ristaino is a second generation balloon pilot and hails from Monroe, NC. With 12 years of experience he holds an FAA commercial certificate. Damien has flown as far west as California, north as Michigan and south as south Mexico"
Walter Rudy
Wadsworth, OH
1612 hrs.
Reg. N884AH
Balloon Name: Last Hurrah
Manufacturer: Cameron
Jayson Barnhill
Longview, TX
115 hrs.
Reg. N916LB
Balloon Name: Shockwave
Manufacturer: Lindstrand
William Bussey
Longview, TX
3700 hrs.
Reg. N433BB
Balloon Name: Yin Yang
Manufacturer: Lindstand
Founder of the Great Texas Balloon Race and the first ever hot air balloon glow originated in Longview Texas. I’ve been a hit air balloon pilot for 48 years
Gary Heavin
Gatesville, TX
2500 hrs.
Reg. N8002G
Balloon Name: Almost Heaven
Manufacturer: Lindstrand
"40th Anniversary of Balloon License!"
Joey Scarpinato
Scottsville, TX
83 hrs.
Reg. N71588
Balloon Name: Close Encounter
Manufacturer: Aerostar
"I have been involved in the sport for 30+ years up in the Arklatex area (around Shreveport), and finally decided to get my pilot license, finishing in 2020. One of the highlights of being involved in our sport is the chance to meet and make friends everywhere we go to fly, it's tough to beat!"
Kerry Speicher
Longview, TX
90 hrs.
Reg. N7128D
Balloon Name: Northwind
Manufacturer: Aerostar
Dale Tibodeau
Conroe, TX
434 hrs.
Reg. N705DL
Balloon Name: Chameleon
Manufacturer: Lindstrand
"Dale is a Professor of Practice at Bauer Business School at the University of Houston teaching Supply Chain Management courses. Dale is also a fixed wing pilot and CFI, CFII in a fixed wing flying club stationed out of David Wayne Hooks airport in Tomball Texas."
Patrick Canon
Lewisville, TX
1360 hrs.
Reg. N3003B
Balloon Name: Taiho Niji Go
Manufacturer: Cameron
Joshua Goll
Lewisville, TX
166 hrs.
Reg. N8002J
Balloon Name: Texas Twister
Manufacturer: Lindstrand
Richard Sabin
Henderson, TX
910 hrs.
Reg. N98LB
Balloon Name: American Breeze
Manufacturer: Lindstrand
“Started ballooning in 2000 and have been attending Natchez since”
Lilian Speicher
Longview, TX
90 hrs.
Reg. N128UM
Balloon Name: Dawns Night
Manufacturer: Ultra Magic
"a lifelong resident of Longview, having grown up attending the Great Texas Balloon Race every year. Along with her sister and parents, Lillian became more involved in ballooning by volunteering in the race as a member of a balloon chase crew. Never satisfied by sitting on the ground, in 2021 Lillian and her dad Kerry both earned their pilot certificates in Longview, and have been sharing the skies of East Texas since. Lillian competes in the Young Guns category of the Great Texas Balloon Race each year, and travels to balloon races across Texas, honing her craft with aspirations to compete at a higher level. Lillian has been a pilot since 2021. Is a lifelong resident of Longview, growing up with the Great Texas Balloon Race each year. Creating a passion for balloons from a young age."
Cory Bloom
Indianola, IA
Balloon Name: Cekmate
"pilot for 20 years"
Brandon Heavin
Drury, MO
Balloon Name: MisBHeavin
Craig Foust
Marshall, TX
Balloon Name: Gobstopper
