BSOPP Pilots

My passion for aviation was ignited by my first balloon ride at age nine with BSOPP member Kent Wolcott. I earned my private balloon certificate in 2014, and my commercial in 2019. I also hold a fixed-wing pilot certificate. To fund my aviation habit, I'm currently serving on active duty in the US Space Force as an Aerospace Engineer, and spent 10 years in the Air Force before that. I am the proud pilot of two distinctive balloons. "Spirit of '76" was originally commissioned in 1976 for the US Bicentennial and passed down through four pilots over the years. My other balloon, a cloudhopper named "Don't Tell Mom," was built in England and named to keep my mother from worrying about me flying in a basketless balloon. My dedicated crew is comprised of military members, veterans, first responders, and their families. Together, we travel to events across the country and support military organizations and other worthy causes with balloon flights and demonstrations.