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WHAT'S NEW
Information and photos located within the Flyballoons.net web site were last updated November 27, 2006.
Hot Air Ballooning
in
Guanajuato, Mexico 2006
We Just returned, take a look at our
Surprise Visit!
Do you have a good reason to hang around the airport?
11/04/2006
By: Dave Pohl, RV-7A N422DP
You just never know who you’re going to run into when you’re at the ole’ airport and today was no exception. Ted and I had just finished tucking our airplanes into our new hangars in “RV Row” as the controllers now call it, at Oakland County International Airport, Pontiac, MI (KPTK) late this morning when I looked outside and noticed a silver SUV rapidly decelerating right in front of my hangar. The vehicle was not even stopped as the passenger door popped open and a very distinguished looking gentleman wearing a leather A2 flight jacket and a fancy Base Ball hat jumped out and started toward my airplane. As he approached, he looked at me and asked “What kind of an airplane is that? I proudly responded “it’s a Van’s RV7A” to which he replied. “I know that”. “Humm, I said to myself. If he already knew what kind of airplane it was, why did he ask me? ” Things weren’t adding up. To change the subject, I said, “Ya, I just got back from a 30 minute flight because I felt I had to get the cobwebs out of her. The last time I flew was Monday”. At that, we both laughed and he began looking her over.
There was something suspiciously familiar about this character and as the distance between us closed, it became evident that I was about to shake hands with the EAA’s founder, PAUL POBEREZNY! “This can’t be! Is it really Paul Poberezny? It sure is! It says PAUL POBERENZY on his jacket! Unbelievable! What a surprise!” I said to myself. After a bit of discussion and few more laughs I coaxed him to follow me down the row to Ted’s hangar so Ted could meet him and so Paul could get a better look at Ted’s magnificent RV6. As we approached, I said “Ted, look who’s here! You won’t believe it! It’s Paul Poberezny!” There were huge smiles, a strong handshake, and a warm exchange as we tried to find out about each other.
Among other things, Paul indicated that at 85 years of age, he is still B17 Certified! His jacket has a picture of his P51 and an outline of the EAA Museum painted on it which Paul proudly displayed and talked about. He said the jacket had been painted 20 years ago.
As it turns out, Paul was in the area visiting family and just “happened” to be at the airport with his Grandson, Mike. It was the highlight of my day! All of us who fly experimental aircraft should be proud and grateful for Paul’s vision, leadership and the persistence it took to establish the EAA because without Paul, none of would be building or flying our dream machines.
Speaking of distinguished gentlemen, two summers ago, Ted happened to run into Jack Roush at the airport and had an enjoyable conversation and a photo taken with him and his P51 Mustang.
Additionally, last year, Ted and a few friends were at the airport when the Global Flyer was there for publicity pictures. He took several pictures of the airplane inside and out and called to tell me that the Global Flyer was at the airport. So, I came right over and managed to get a video of her take off.
Now, does anyone have any good reasons why they should not hang out at the
airport?
Paul Poberezny - Dave Pohl
Ted Gauthier - Paul Poberezny
Paul Poberezny - Guy Gauthier (Balloon Repairs of East Texas/Owner)
Paul Poberezny and his wife of 62 years, Audrey
Paul Poberezny, Audrey and Mike Lord
Paul Poberezny's Jacket painted 20 years ago
Paul Poberezny, Audrey and Dave Pohl
Paul Poberezny, Audrey and Alex Becker
2006 Hot Air Balloon Flying Season for Michigan is complete
The weather has forced a close to this wonderful year of flying hot air balloons..
We are Selling Gift Certificates for the 2007 Flying Season.
A Gift Certificate makes a great gift for the holidays. The best news we can give you is when you purchase a Gift Certificate before Christmas you pay this years price for your flight in the 2007 Flying Season. Balloon Flights begin in May and we fly until the weather no longer cooperates which is usually November 1st.
Click on this link to learn more about our:
Lock in 2006 prices for a flight in the 2007 Flying Season.
Ballooning Frequently Ask Questions
Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta
2006
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Ted & Lynn Gauthier along with Dawn & Mike McKenzie had the opportunity to travel to Albuquerque, New Mexico and participate in this years balloon fiesta. This is one event that you must put on your wish list. It is the largest hot air balloon event in the world and it also includes a great gas balloon race.
It is such an awesome site to see 700 balloons in the air at one time. The balloons also fly in the dark which is called the "Dawn Patrol" and they land once the sun rises. The balloon "Glow" (tethered balloons in the dark) is so beautiful. Spectators are able to walk right up to the balloons, talk to the pilots and crew and see first hand what the excitement is all about.
Here is a sample of this event:
Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta Photos
We Had so much fun !!!
Check out this internet link (time lapse) and you will get a sneak peek.
These are the kind of Views that you are missing if you don't schedule a ride with FlyBalloons.net
Fall Colors
The Fall Colors are just around the corner and this is a very popular time for riding in the balloon. The weather is mild and very comfortable, the views are spectacular. Our flying season ends the last week of October (or when the weather begins to get nasty).
So, NOW is the time to schedule your Fall Balloon ride. Call 248-681-8184 to schedule a ride or e-mail us to request a date. You can also call 249-933-0062 at anytime if you have questions. Our Frequently Ask Questions page is also a good source of information.
Ted has modified his Instrument Panel in his homebuilt RV-6. This time the upgrade if a Full IFR panel with a glass cockpit EFIS (Electronic Flight Instrument System). Take a look at his new cockpit. Click on this link "Instruments".
Midland Balloon Festival 2006
This Weekend
September 15, 16 & 17th.
Please come and join the fun.
We will have approximately 50 hot air balloons at the Midland Fairgrounds (located adjacent to the Midland/Barstow Airport).
Weather permitting, balloons with launch 6-7am in the mornings and 6pm each night. After dark the balloons will return for a beautiful night glow. The glow's are spectacular.
If you do come the event, please look us up. Ask for any of the Gauthiers. We will have 5 balloons in attendance. Let us know you found us on the web.
FlyBalloons.net, commercial Pilot featured in the Detroit Free Press, Twist magazine.
photo by: (J. KYLE KEENER)
Dawn McKenzie is the featured women in this weeks "Detroit Free Press",
"Twist magazine", July 23, 2006 issue. Click on the link below to
read the article written by MICHELLE KREBS.
WOMEN DRIVERS
Flying high
Soar in a hot air balloon
She said, "YES"
on July 15, 2006 Nassir Jamal proposed to Kristina Allen in a Hot Air Balloon.
Take a look at the engagement photo gallery.
Nassir & Kristina from Dearborn Heights, Mi. photo gallery.
"What's the Scoop" is our new "BLOG".
Are you interested in talking all about Hot air Balloons, then join in on the fun. On June 29, 2006 we launched another service for anyone interested in talking about Hot Air Balloons. Come and join the fun.
Howell Balloon Festival 2006
This balloon event is over, but the memories will last a lifetime. What a blast. Take a look at the Photo Show and you will see how much fun we had.
Click on this Link -----------Photo Show - Howell 2006
Check our "Our Friends", Terry Lutz has made his first flight in the RV-8 that he started building more than 9 years ago in the basement of home.
Local Balloon Event
Howell, Michigan
This Weekend
Pilots and their balloons (left to right)
Danny, Joey, Ted, Marty, Dawn
Look for all of our hot air balloons at the Michigan Challenge, June 23, 24 and 25th, 2006. Ted, Joey, Danny and Marty Gauthier along with Dawn McKenzie will in competition. This is the best balloon event in Michigan, with more than 60 hot air balloons. Come on out and see why we get so excited about balloons. Bring your family and your camera. We are sure you will leave with memories of a lifetime.
http://www.michiganchallenge.com
After 7 years of building, Terry Lutz has completed his airplane. Terry took his time building this RV-8 and he should be proud. This is one of the nicest homebuilt airplanes you will ever see. On top of that the workmanship is first class, top rate and if you ever get the chance to see this plane you will just be amazed.
Congratulations, Terry. All of your hard work and effort has paid off. I can't wait to be your wing man.
Ted Gauthier (FAA/Dar) - Terry Lutz recieves his airworthiness certificate
Click on this link to see more of Terrys RV-8
The link below will take you to our airplane friends
Our Friends and there airplanes
"Just a great weekend for flying balloons"
We flew all 5 of our hot air balloons on Saturday night, May 6th. and then four of us got together to launch for sunrise flight Sunday May 7th.
Mike Hacala came out Sunday morning and took some great pictures of our launch. Here is a link to the slide show. Take a look.
http://www.michaelhacala.com/ImageExpert/FlyBalloons/index.htm
Mike McKenzie (left) began his flight lessons this week and was able to log 2.1 hours of flight time with flight instructor Ted Gauthier (right).. Look for future articles from Mike talking about his new adventures.
" The Balloon Season is Here ! "
Yes, Spring is here...... and Yes we are now scheduling and flying our balloons. On Tuesday April 18th , Pilots Joey, Danny and Marty Gauthier took to the skies. The weather has been just wonderful. The fields are drying up, making the balloon recovery enjoyable. Give us a call or drop us an e-mail and join the fun.
A new season, A new balloon
Joseph's Coat
Joey Gauthier, a Chief pilot for Flyballoons.net will be proudly flying passengers this season in his new balloon. This new balloon was built by B.R.E.T owned and operated by Guy Gauthier, in Longview, Texas.
New Student Pilot takes the FAA written exam for "Lighter-than-Air Hot Air Balloon"
and scores a "97 %".
Mike McKenzie of Clawson, Michigan attended a Hot Air Balloon ground school in Howell, Michigan prior to taking his written exam. Mike will begin his flight instruction early this spring with the flight instructors from FlyBalloons.net. Congratulations to Mike. He studied hard and the results were fantastic and everyone at FlyBalloons.net are very proud of Mike and looking forward to flying with him this season.
Web site Update and Clear Skies
Well, it has been an interesting month. Our web site host went out of business and we have been scrambling to have our web site hosted by another company. Things are getting back to normal. It looks like our web site is about 50% back up and working. We will work hard to get all the links working as soon as we can.
The good news is, the weather is starting to get better every day and the ballooning season is just around the corner. Ted Gauthier was able to get out and fly his homebuilt RV-6 airplane twice this week. It was cold (13 degree f.) but the skies were clear.
March 06, 2006
The Events page for this year has been updated. New dates and events have been updated. Take a look at "Events for 2006".
Also look at: Our Friends
Operation Good Cheer
December 3, 2005
Ted Gauthier had the opportunity to use his RV-6 to deliver Christmas Gifts. Operation Good Cheer is an organization that collect gifts and then dozens of airplanes around Michigan volunteer to fly into the Oakland Pontiac International Airport to load up and deliver these gifts all across Michigan. Ted loaded the airplane that he built in his basement and flew a few of the gifts to need children in Saginaw, Michigan.
(Click on the photo to see more pictures)
Western Michigan Balloon Repair Shop
Open House
Michigan Balloon Corp. located near Kalamazoo, Michigan, recently relocated to a new facility. Michigan Balloon Corp is owned by Ron Centers who operates a hot air balloon repair business and ride operation. On December 3, 2005, Michigan Balloon Corp opened there doors with their first Open House. If you are thinking about going for a hot air balloon ride on the western side of Michigan, you should think about giving them a call (269) 327-6446. We had the opportunity to visit their operation and it is really first class.
(Click on the photo to see more pictures)
Hot Air Ballooning
in
Guanajuato, Mexico
Lynn and Ted Gauthier just returned from Guanajuato, Mexico. They shipped their balloon with a trucking company and had it sent to Balloon Repair of East Texas. Ted's brother Guy and his wife Sherry then loaded up Ted's Balloon along with his brothers balloon and drove to Mexico. The drive took Guy and Sherry approximately 20 hours from his balloon shop located in Longview, Texas. Ted and Lynn was able to fly by airline to Leon, Mexico with an overnight stop in Houston, Texas. Eight U.S. Balloon pilots and two Mexican balloon pilots flew every day for a 6 day event called de festival Globo in Guanajuato, Mexico. Everyone had a great time. The people were fantastic, the town is so beautiful, the food was wonderful and everyday was "Severe Clear" with perfect ballooning weather. Ted will try to post many of the photos taken on this trip within the next week or two.
posted 12-14-2005
(South Eastern Michigan Balloon Assoc.)
Topic: Flying in Balloon Competition during the 2005 Flag City Balloon Festival in Findlay, Ohio
Watch the Balloon Ride PHOTO SHOW we took on October 23, 2005
Note: If you can not view this photoshow, you may need to download Macromedia Flash player. Download Flash Player Here !
PLEASE, PLEASE be patient for the show to upload. It will be worth it. It should only take a minute or two. Enjoy.
Balloon Rides October 20, 2005
Note: If you can not view this photoshow, you may need to download Macromedia Flash player. Download Flash Player Here !
Note: If you can not view this photoshow, you may need to download Macromedia Flash player. Download Flash Player Here !
Gift Certificate Special
What a great idea for a Christmas Gift. How many people get a gift that they will remember for a lifetime?
Buy a Gift Certificate between October 15 - December 24, 2005 and pay this years price. Use the gift certificate anytime during the 2006 flying season.
Balloon Rides on October 9, 2005
Note: If you can not view this photoshow, you may need to download Macromedia Flash player. Download Flash Player Here !
Our Pilot/Daughter and Crew Chief Get Married
Dawn & Mike McKenzie
September 24, 2005
View some of the pictures by clicking here.
Father & Daughter take 1st & 2nd Place at the FLAG CITY BALLOON RACE, in Findlay, Ohio
Flag City Balloon Race Article
posted: 9-22-2005
New Photo's added to Web site.
Modifications made to Ted's RV-6, New Propeller
posted: 9-20-2005
Balloon Rides on September 11, 2005
Balloon
Ride on August 22, 2005
Balloon Ride
on August 13, 2005
Updated the Balloon Photo Gallery
posted: 8-8-2005
Balloon Rides the weekend of August 6, 2005
A postcard evening and an adventure of a lifetime.
Ann
& Matt Rieker
Photo Gallery of Ann & Matt Rieker's Flight with Pilot Ted Gauthier
Steve Poland has been published in KITPLANES September 2005 issue.
posted: 8-1-2005
Balloon Rides the weekend of July 30, 2005
What a Beautiful weekend for Hot Air Ballooning !
Chris
Derisley and his girlfriend Jessica
Chris
& Caroline Horne
Take a look at these great photo's.
posted: 8-1-2005
Ted makes modifications to his RV-6 instrument panel (again). This time he flush mounts his hand held GPS. Look at some of Ted's modifications.
posted: 7-29-2005
Click on the above link to view photo's in flight to Oshkosh, Wi.
Hot Air Balloon Flights
Saturday July 23, 2005 (a.m.)
A beautiful day for ballooning. The morning flight was spectacular with our guests visiting from France. We were able to launch early to watch the sunrise. We were able to see more than 20 deer along the way. The lakes were crystal clear and with the Detroit skyline on the horizon it showed up through the fog. Visibility was at least 50 miles.
posted: 7-24-2005
"2005 SEMBA FLY-OUT"
Southeastern Michigan Balloon Association
Saturday July 23, 2005 (p.m.)
Chistian Amundin tells the balloon pilots and crew, "Thank you for attending the second (Wes's was first) 2005 SE/MBA fly out. It was great to see everyone. Five balloons flew, Jim Lykins, Ted & Dawn Gauthier, Marty Gauthier, Dan Gauthier, and Phil and Marlin Ristenbatt. Other members attending, Howard Barton, and Rob Lykins".
The evening flight began with an invitation to launch from Christian and Pat Amundin's home in Davisburg, Michigan. They invited several balloonists to launch from their property. Five balloons launched which made for a colorful sight. Dawn Gauthier passed her biannual flight review and she flew to 5,200 feet above the ground. Her mother (Lynn) and fiancee (Mike, on the crown line) provided the crew. Dawn and Mike will be married on September 24, 2005.
posted: 7-24-2005
SeaRey Float Plane Receives an "Airworthiness Certificate".
N 357SG
Ted Gauthier, Federal Aviation Administration is a (DAR) Designated Airworthiness Representative, flew his RV-6 to the Midland/Bay City area of Michigan and inspected a SeaRey Float Plane built by Steve Gromak of Auburn, Michigan. Steve's workmanship shows in his beautiful airplane. Pictured below is Steve and his airplane. Steve really does have something wonderful to smile about. Congratulations to Steve Gromak, this is one of the nicest SeaRey float planes out there. Nice work.
posted: 7-21-2005
Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Flight
Lands at Oakland Pontiac International Airport (KPTK)
Pilot Ted Gauthier and his two passengers Sandra & Les (owners of the "Truth Salon", located in West Bloomfield, Mi.) fly by the International Airport Tower window (with permission from the control tower). This beautiful morning flight took the balloon directly over the main tarmac at eye level with the air traffic controllers. Pilot Ted Gauthier contacted the controllers, asked and was given permission do a low fly by. Gauthier stated to the controllers, "be careful you don't spill your coffee", a re-enactment of the movie Top Gun. Everybody had a good laugh.
The above photos include the launch site, Pontiac Lake and the Oakland Pontiac International Airport. This sunrise flight took place on July 20, 2005. If you would like to schedule a ride. Click on this link: http://www.flyballoons.net/contact.cfm
posted: 7-21-2005
Classifieds - Items for Sale Updated July 16, 2005.
SeaQuest Bounancy Compenstor for Scuba Diving, Garmin eTrex Vista GPS, 14' Hobie Cat Sale Boat, RV-6A Airplane Kit, Navaid AutoPilot, Glass Dining Room Table. posted: 7-13-2005
The 2005, GREAT TEXAS BALLOON RACE - Photos are now posted
Take a look: http://www.flyballoons.net/GTBR2005.htm
posted: 7-13-2005
GREAT TEXAS BALLOON RACE
The photo above is Ted Gauthier flying a hang balloon owned by Billy Adler and built by Ted's brother Guy. Guy owns and operates B.R.E.T. Balloon Repair of East Texas. The pilot lays down in a hammock chair below the envelope. No Basket.
What a Blast...... Ted had a grin that lasted all week. Don't be surprised if this is his next homebuilt. We just returned from the Great Texas Balloon Race in Longview Texas. We will post many pictures next week and share some of the fun we had. posted 7-12-2005
INFO on the GREAT TEXAS BALLOON RACE TRIP.
Hello Everyone,
I am back at home after spending a week in Longview, Texas. The weather was great for flying, both the airplane and the balloon. I flew my RV-6 to Longview, departing on the 4th of July and returned today July 11th. The air was smooth as glass both ways. I made two stops for fuel on the way down. Returning we stopped once for fuel in Columbia, Mo. The trip took us (my brother Gary) six hours flight time each way. On the way home we had to fly north to Tulsa, then route thru Columbia and direct to Pontiac so that we would avoid hurricane Dennis. I have XM satellite weather and did it ever make my trip comfortable. I could see the storms the entire trip. I was able to keep them 50-100 miles away and never even got a drop of rain on my plane. Trips like this one make the plane a real pleasure to fly. Fuel cost was approx. $200.00 each way.
My brother Joey, drove some of the equipment and balloons to Texas (26 hours on the road and $300.00 in gas each way). I am not rubbing it in because I know the true costs of owning an airplane, but I think it is worth it. It is just so nice to have someone else willing to transport the things that the airplane can not haul.
Last Thursday, Lynn landed in Shreveport, LA by Northwest Airline. I flew over and picked her up and flew her back to Longview. I was kind of funny, landing my little cartoon plane behind several major airlines and then parking right next to an American Airline Jet. Lynn was able to arrive and stay for the entire balloon race.
The Great Texas Balloon Race was one of the best events I have attended in a long time. The only problem was me. I guess I am just getting old. Two days before I left for Texas, I twisted my back. Creating a muscle pull in my left hamstring. So, I was useless when it came to lifting things. I was and still am sore, having a hard time walking. It does not bother me when I am sitting. My back never gave me any problems when I was flying (the balloon or the airplane). Funny how that worked out.
We flew every day in Texas. I even got a chance to fly a Hang Balloon that my brother Guy built. No Basket, just a hammock tied to the bottom of the envelope. What a blast. We glowed the balloons each night and every morning we had a competition flight. The first flight, I flew great and was in 5th place overall (75 balloons in the event). Then I dropped to 20th, then out of the money. I flew very well but the competition was fantastic. The last flight I had a score of 2 feet and 15 feet and that was so bad compared to others. Pilots were placing their markers within inches each task. Oh well maybe next year, or the next race.
We sure had a great time. It is nice to be home.
Ted
Dave Pohl Flys his own airplane !!!
Dave Pohl took to the air, by himself (SOLO) for the first time since 1979. What a pleasure to fly the plane that you built yourself. A dream come true. Congratulations Dave. You have a beautiful airplane. Take a look for yourself.
Michigan
Challenge Balloon Festival 2005, took place in Howell, Michigan
with 56 hot air balloons attending. Ted Gauthier's balloon was sponsored by
Mugg & Bopps Convenience Depot, Inc, Dunkin Donuts and Baskin/Robbins Ice
Cream in Howell, Mi. We are a little bias, but we think that we had the best
sponsor and the most fun. The truth is that everyone had a great time, the pilots
and public who came to the event to witness the most awesome display of colors.
If you missed the event this year, you will want to mark your calendar for next
years spectacular display. 
You can view some of the pictures that we took during this years event by clicking on this link: http://www.flyballoons.net/howell2005.htm.
posted 6-27-2005
Dave Birdsong was at the Michigan Challenge Balloon Festival and took some wonderful photos of the event. Take a look and you will see the women pilot that we are so proud of, our very own Dawn Gauthier.
This is the link
http://www.davebirdsong.com/WomenFly/index.htm
Dave Birdsong also posted a page of a lot of my pictures from Friday and Saturday
night. (20 pictures)
This is the link for that page
http://www.davebirdsong.com/balloonfest2005/index.htm
(140 pictures)
Let Dave know what you think of his pictures.
Dave Birdsong
http://www.davebirdsong.com
posted 6-27-2005
Sunrise Flight
Saturday, June 18th, 2005
Today's sunrise balloon flight was fantastic. What a beautiful morning it was. We had the opportunity to take Chris and Theresa Marshal for a ride to celebrate their 22nd wedding anniversary. Below are a few photos of the adventure.
For-Sale
RV-6A Fuselage - Wing and Tail kit
This kit is priced to sell. Click on the above link to view the pictures.
FOR-SALE
Hobie Cat 14
I no longer have room around my dock for this 14' sail boat and I would really like to sell it. Please take a look and then make me an offer that I can't refuse. Click on this link to have a look at this very nice sail boat. http://www.flyballoons.net/hobie.htm May 26, 2005
" SPECIAL" for (May and June).
Sweet Heart Ride - " SPECIAL"
Tell us that you viewed our web site and ask for the Sweet Heart Ride - " SPECIAL". We will be sure to give you a balloon ride for two(2) with no other passengers in the balloon. A balloon ride all to yourself, lots of room and memories for a lifetime. No additional charge.
Traveling to the Florida Keys
Photo's are now posted for our Spring Travel Vacation to the Florida Keys. It was Lynn and Ted's 30th wedding anniversary. They traveled to Florida in their homebuilt airplane and stayed in a bed and breakfast. They meet up with 7 other airplanes and traveled to Sarasota, Fort Myers, and along the way, visited with friends and relatives. They shopped till they dropped, saw the Kennedy Space Center and stopped by the Sun n Fun fly-in. What a great time. Take a peak at a few of their pictures. http://www.flyballoons.net/keywest2005.htm
Dave Pohl has an beautiful RV-7A that took to the air on April 6, 2005. The first flight and test pilot was our close friend Terry Lutz. Take a look at Dave Pohl's airplane.
Roy Thelan and his RV-8
Bob Parker and his RV-8
Updated the Events page to include the hot air ballon event called "Portland Riverfest ", this event will be held on August 26, 27, 28, 2005 in Portland, Michigan. For info: contact: Colleen Barricklow 517-647-2966
http://www.flyballoons.net/Event.htm April 22 , 2005
It's Official, Dave Pohl received his airworthiness certificate on March 19, 2005 for the his RV-7A - N442DP
Click on this link to see some photos of Dave's airplane.
Ted
Gauthier has received his new trading card with
the web site address on the front of the card. March
09 , 2005
Winter Flight updateMarch
05 , 2005
I was able to get my RV-6 out of the hanger and take it for a ride today. http://www.flyballoons.net/winterflight.htm
Roger Bentlage has received his quick built kit for his RV-7 http://www.flyballoons.net/OurFriends.htm
( Crew Members, crew white pages. Get listed on the net as a crew member).
Crew Members White Pages now on the internet.
Here is a place to find quality crew to help you launch and retrieve your balloon. Over the years there has been a need to locate crew when traveling around the country or local crew was not available. If you are a person who would like to crew for a balloon pilot or you have used a crew person that you would recommend to others, please send me an e-mail and crews name will be added to this list. If you don't have any experience crewing for a balloon, that is OK. If you are a pilot who was happy with a crew, please give a brief explanation.
Have you always wanted to learn more about Hot Air Ballooning? Meet other pilots and better understand different types of balloon systems. Maybe you just want to do something different. Here is an opportunity for the crew and the pilot to make new friends and help each other out. Some pilots run commercial operations, some fly in competitions and some just fly for the fun of it. Here is your chance to get involved for FREE.
Crew Chief: Mike McKenzie is quoted by Automotive News
Chinese
market may plateau by 2012
Intense competition already is starting to shrink prices
By Bruce Meyer
Automotive News / February 21, 2005
Pricewaterhouse Coopers analyst Mike McKenzie says China is in the second of
three growth stages.
DETROIT -- While China will be responsible for much of the industry's growth for the foreseeable future, the market is showing signs of maturity.
That was the message of Mike McKenzie, a senior emerging market analyst with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. He spoke last month in Troy, Mich., at a seminar on China sponsored by GlobalAutoIndustry.com.
http://www.autonews.com/column.cms?columnId=59
February 21, 2005
Dawn Gauthier was engaged to Mike McKenzie on September 4, 2004.
Dawn explains how it happened:
Mike decided to give me a romantic get-away to Traverse City for a weekend of
visiting the wineries as part of my May 2004 birthday present. Mike would take
care of all the secret details, we just needed to choose a time to go, which
ended up being Labor Day weekend. Instead of heading north on I-75 toward Traverse
City that Friday morning, Mike drove us to the airport where we took a plane
to Atlanta. Everything remained a secret until the last second. Upon arrival,
Mike rented a car to drive to a secret destination, Chateau Elan – a beautiful
winery and resort north of Atlanta. It was named the most romantic hotel in
the country for the last two years and has one of the top ten spas in the country.
After touring the winery, meeting up with my college roommate Gretchen who lives
in the area, witnessing a few weddings and visiting the spa for massages, we
went to dinner at the very nice French restaurant on property where we enjoyed
a six-course meal. Before dessert, Mike announced that there was another surprise,
when he got down on one knee and popped the question! Afterwards, the matre’d
came over to present a congratulatory bottle of champagne on the house. February
17, 2005
Gauthier
Family Scores Top Honors for their flying skills. Ted
Gauthier ranked 12th. in the United States with 909.8 points during
the 2004 flying season by the North American Balloon Association. His brothers
and daughter were also top point leaders. Guy finished 30th.
with 862.4points , and Joey finished 77th. with 757.9 points.
Ted's daughter Dawn finished 171st. place with 514.7 points.
Dawn Gauthier, Ranked # 1 Female Balloon Pilot in Michigan! It is no wonder why everyone wants to fly with Dawn.
http://www.eballoon.com/national_ranking2004.htm