W I S CON S I N B A L L OON G ROUP May-June 2009

Volume 21 Issue3

“The Ventline”

Inside this issue:

Dollars & Cents Sense

By: Mike Fontaine

2

Upcoming WI Events 3

Class C Airspace

By: Randy Coller

5

The Last Last Annual

Autumn Aeronautic

Expedition

By: Jane Birk

6

Landowner Drawing

Winners

By: Ken Walter

7

“UP” Cluster Balloon

By: Ken Walter

8

My First Student

By: John Swartz

9

WBG Trivia Questions 10

By: Corey Goebel &

Daron Powers

Piccard Induction into

MN Aeronautic Hall of

Fame

By: Ed Chapman

11

BFA News & Views

By: Ken Walter

12

We learned as we went

along

By: Tom Sheppard

13

Membership Applica-

tion

15

Greetings from your WBG Director

First of all, I would like to extend my thanks to Corey Goebel and Daron Powers, the new WBG Social Directors, for organizing and arranging the May 9 Spring Fling dinner and social. The Thunder Bay Grille was a good venue with good food and our own private dining area. The WBG history questionnaire and subsequent Power Point program of answers proved interesting, informative and entertaining. We can all look forward to addi-tional events planned by Corey and Daron!

As the sport and business of hot-air ballooning, and those who have been most active in it, age and mature, we need to actively seek to gain new participants and at the same time preserve the memories, accomplishments, and materials from the recent past. The modern hot-air balloon was created in the early 1960s. The first US National Cham-pionship event was held in 1963. And the BFA, as we know it today, had its beginnings in 1967. I received my LTA rating, limited to “balloons with or without an airborne heater”, in 1974. So this means that those of us who obtained our hot-air balloon ratings, or became involved in ballooning in some other manner, during that time period have been part of the activities for approximately 35 of the 45 year existence of modern hot-air ballooning. That is about 78% of the era!

To help support the history of this era and to help attract newcomers to the sport, I recently proposed two funding initiatives to the WBG Leadership Group. Details are still being worked out, but members of the group have heartily endorsed the ideas and have provided suggestions for improving on the initial proposals.

The first would provide a minimum contribution of $1,000 over a three year period to the National Balloon Museum in Indianola. With this level of donation it would enable the Wisconsin Balloon Group to be recognized and named on one of the commemorative engraved bricks to be featured in the new addition to the museum. The funding would consist of an annual donation from WBG along with an additional amount to match dona-tions made by WBG members. Tentative annual amounts being discussed are an initial $100 from WBG and then $125 sought from individuals to be matched by an additional $125 of WBG funds. For information about the museum and its need for expansion see the website www.nationalballoonmuseum.com/, and the article “Growing Pains” on page 6 of the May/June 2009 issue of BALLOONING.

The other initiative would provide a scholarship to support participation in the BFA Jr. Balloonist Hot Air Camps, http://www.bfacamp.com/. As noted above, details are not yet final but in any case will provide one or two scholarships of at least $200, and pos-sibly as much as the entire $395 camp fee, for someone attending one of the two camps in Texas and Michigan. For information about the camps contact the BFA office at bfaof-fice@bfa.net or 515-961-8809, or go to the web sites Summer camps, or www.bfacamps.org. For scholarship application information contact me at 414-333-5664 or gbritton@uwc.edu. Scholarship eligibility this year includes 13-18 year olds in WBG member families and all Wisconsin youth who are 13-18 years old.

The Leadership Group will continue working on the funding aspects and other details of these projects with the goal that they will be on-going with consistent guidelines from year-to-year. If you have any suggestions or concerns, be sure to let one of us know. While there is currently money available to fund the projects for this year, Corey

Dollars & CentsDollars & CentsDollars & CentsDollars & Cents

How ballooning

has changed in

$$$$$$$$$$$$

Page 2 Volume 21 Issue 3

By: Mike Fontaine

When asked to write an article for the newsletter, I wondered what to

write about. My first solo? 1975 is a long way back. A recent rally? haven’t

been to one in ages. Or something technical? better leave that to the engineer-

ing majors. What I did come up with, was how much ballooning has changed

in terms of dollars and cents.

I was going through old files with pictures and various documents from

the mid to late ‘70’s and found the receipt for my purchase in 1975 of a brand

new Raven Rally RX-6 for just over $5000. Compare that to a new Firefly 6B

with a few options, and you are looking at $25,000 plus today. The balloons

being built today are certainly of better quality and will last longer. But still,

for that first time buyer that initial investment is over 5 times what you had to

pay compared to when ballooning was just coming into its own.

Insurance premiums haven’t gone up any where near as much in the past

35 years. In those very early years, we were usually paying $500 - $600 per year.

The fact that it was such a new sport with a limited number of companies will-

ing to offer the insurance was probably the biggest reason. If I remember cor-

rectly, rates did come down somewhat in the early 80’s. Even so, I couldn’t

imagine paying 4-5 times that today for sport flying. Never thought I’d say in-

surance is inexpensive.

Of course our other major cost of ballooning is propane. I couldn’t find

any receipts for what propane cost back then, but based on what other fuel

prices have increased it must be at lease 5 times greater. However, I do remem-

ber a few times getting caught with no other options but to buy from that sup-

plier who would only sell propane based on the cylinder size. Talk about an

expensive flight.

The part of the equation that hasn’t increased by 5 times is what can be

charged for rides. With the limited number of balloons and a little price fixing

by the local pilots, we were getting $100-$125 per passenger. We never adver-

tised, it was all word of mouth. When people called and asked what the cost

was, it was one of two reactions. They were either so blown away by the price

that you would here this silence and they would hang up, or the price meant

nothing and they just said OK- when can we go. Since I haven’t given a paid

ride in 15 years, I checked out the operators on the Balloon Group website to

see what they charge these days. Looks like the $175- $190 was the most com-

mon. Of course most of these operators are flying much larger balloons.

So looking back, it makes me appreciate how fortunate we were. Many

of us getting into the sport couldn’t afford it, but through rides and other

commercial activities were able to offset a significant amount of the cost.

and Daron have been making plans for activities to help raise additional funds for future use. I hope that you will agree with me that this planned use for some of our funds is in the best long-term interests of the WBG in particular and the hot-air ballooning community in general.

Gary Britton

In upcoming issues

(including this one), we

are going to take a look

back at “Snippets from

the Past”, a fun look at

days gone by in WBG

ballooning. See page 6

for this newsletter’s snip-

pet which is titled “The

(Last) Last Annual Au-

tumn Aeronautic Expe-

dition or L.L.A.A.A.E.

*The editors

Page 3 Volume 21 Issue3

`~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`

Wisconsin Upcoming Events

June 4-6, 2009 Thunder on the Lakeshore Air Show & Balloon Rally Manitowoc

Contact: Ken Walter WiWindDancer@cs.com

June 19-21, 2009 Monroe Balloon Rally Monroe

Contact: Matt Urban urban @tds.net

July 10-12, 2009 Wausau Balloon Rally Wausau

Contact: wausauareaevents.org

July 17-19, 2009 Hartford Balloon Rally Hartford

Contact: Ken Walter WiWindDancer@cs.com

Aug. 7-9, 2009 Seymour Hamburger Fest & Balloon Rally Seymour

Aug. 28-30, 2008 WI Rapids Children’s Miracle Network Balloon Rally WI Rapids,

WBG’s Spring Fling

Was held on Saturday May 9th @ Thunder Bay Grille

in Pewaukee. Each member received a WBG trivia

questionnaire to test their brain power & knowledge

of past events (see questionnaire elsewhere in this

issue). This fun challenge was coordinated by Daron

Powers & Corey Goebel (the new social directors).

After an excellent meal, the business portion of the

meeting commenced. Pete Asp was presented with a

BFA (Safety pin) by Gary Britton which acknowl-

edged Pete’s Safety Seminar Organizer contribu-

tions. Ken Walter gave a brief overview of their re-

cent work with the cluster balloons in Chicago, and

gave a BFA update (both of which are located else-

where in this issue). Matt Urban gave an update on

the Monroe Balloon Rally to be held in June. Good

natured discussion followed regarding the WBG

trivia questionnaire, and the correct answers. All in

all, an evening well spent !

Take the WBG Trivia

Challenge on page 9 of

this issue, and see how

you do.

Brainstorming for answers

Matt Urban contemplating his answers

The listing of an event on this page does not imply endorsement of that event by the Wisconsin Balloon Group nor The listing of an event on this page does not imply endorsement of that event by the Wisconsin Balloon Group nor The listing of an event on this page does not imply endorsement of that event by the Wisconsin Balloon Group nor The listing of an event on this page does not imply endorsement of that event by the Wisconsin Balloon Group nor

its Leadership Team.its Leadership Team.its Leadership Team.its Leadership Team.

Northeastern Illinois Launch Area

If you are a WBG members who flies in the Woodstock, Illinois, area and are looking for an additional launch area, you may be interested in checking out an invitation that we received from Louis Pappas. He has a 160 Acre subdivision with only two houses built out and, ac-cording to his e-mail to me, there is plenty of space to accommodate balloon launches at no charge or expectations.

Please contact Mr. Pappas at 4604 N Queen Anne Rd, Woodstock, IL 60098 (815-648-2119) if interested. Entry to the subdivision is off of N. Queen Anne Rd.

Page 4

Looking for Balloon Rallies outside of Wisconsin? Look at selections in article

Volume 21 Issue 3

Balloon Events Outside of WisconsinBalloon Events Outside of WisconsinBalloon Events Outside of WisconsinBalloon Events Outside of Wisconsin

July 1-5, 2009 Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show Battle Creek, MI

& Balloon Rally

July 17-19, 2009 Elkhart County Balloon Chase Goshen, IN

Aug. 21-23, 2009 Balloon Fest Centralia, IL

Aug. 28-30, 2009 Art & Balloon Festival Lincoln, IL

Oct. 2-4, 2009 Octoberfest Seymour, IN

Oct 2-11, 2009 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Albuquerque, NM

Note of ThanksNote of ThanksNote of ThanksNote of Thanks

We received our award for

the landowner drawing, and

we just wanted to thank

you, and in particular Rod

VanWyngeeren... what a

great surprise!! The

morning we had the balloon

land in our yard was so

exciting... you can use us

anytime!!

Thanks again,

Kurt & Kim Weber

See page 7 for list of

Landowner Drawing

Winners!!

EAA AirVenture 2009 Advance tickets now available

Advance tickets are now available for EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, "The World's Greatest Aviation Celebration," which is coming July 27-August 2, 2009, at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh. The advance purchase system allows EAA members and non-members to pre-purchase AirVenture admission tickets via a secure website. Both daily and weekly admissions are available, as is the ability to join EAA and immediately receive the best possible admission prices available only to EAA members. It also gives discounts to those who pre-purchase their AirVenture tickets now, including $2 for daily admissions and $5 for weekly admis-sions for advance online purchases. To access the advance ticketing area, go to www.airventure.org and connect to the "Buy Now!" area. Full instructions and answers to frequently asked questions are available at that site. Advance AirVenture tickets are scanned and redeemed for the appropriate wristband at AirVenture gates.

By: Pat Brouillet

Volume 21 Issue 3 Page 5

Page 6 Volume 21 Issue3

The event began on Friday, September 33rd. Many of those arriving found it necessary to take the Merrimac ferry boat across the Wisconsin River to reach the somewhat remote camp site. The “Fang II party, consisting of 4 vehicles—a recently camouflaged truck and 3 support/supply vehicle arrived independently only to discover part of the group were crewing for Daria and Jerry Stephan. They later reported that although Jerry’s wine was cheap, it was of fair quality and there was plenty of it.

Returning to the camp site it was discovered that many other balloons were arriving, settling in for the night and ex-pecting frost conditions. Some CHICKEN PILOTS (you know who you are) settled in by finding the nearest motel. Our crew thoroughly explored the camp site to find the heated pool, whirlpool and cocktail lounge, only to discover the best offer was a box that wanted 25 cents to dispense a hot shower. Several other crews apparently mistook our picnic table for the local restaurant and bar.

The first evening was spent hustling up firewood, burning hot dogs, and stuffing fully dressed bodies into sleeping bags. Several campers (names withheld pending notification of next of kin) stated they slept en nude and were warm.

Daylight was greeted by frosted campers and warm chicken pilots. The morning flight consisted of flying SW over the Wisconsin River, giving the chase crews the opportunity to ride the ferry boat in pursuit. Pilots MaryJo Alfred and Al Blount gave demonstrations of stunt flying. Pilot Alfred demonstrated her ability to skim the surface of the river by fly-ing the floor of her basket 3.427 feet below the surface. Passenger Tom Church complained of water going over the top of his knee high rubber boots while attempting to save his camera equipment. Inspired by the example, Al Blount per-formed a similar feat. Following the flight most crews descended upon an unpretentious and unsuspecting restaurant in Prairie Du Sac. Give it a ¼ rating. If features antlers and furry things on the walls.

The afternoon of September 34th was spent visiting and catching up on sleep. Someone with the initials GRAVES de-cided to sponsor a tent flying contest. The participants were Tom Church, Al and Doug Blount, Tom Sheppard and Har-old Graves. The chosen tent belonged to Rex Victor, who was napping at the time. This event consisted of placing five inflation fans at the windows and door of the tent and turning them on together. The tent swayed and billowed, much like a balloon, but refused to inflate, possibly because no one had remembered to bring a burner. Pilot Victor, believing a tornado had hit the camp site, exited the tent to the applause of spectators.

Wood gathering occupied the rest of the afternoon. Doug Blount’s wood pile became the main source of supply for the evening bonfire, although he was not aware of it at the time. An unknown pilot and crew obtained a wood supply by partially cutting a dead tree and using a camouflaged truck and tether line to pull it over.

The afternoon pilot non-briefing started with a group photograph and selection of the best dressed pilot. Doug Blount in a wool jacket and Peruvian mountain hat and Tom Sheppard in knickers and knee high wool socks were standouts. T-shirts and pins with the L.L.A.A.A.E. (designed by uncoordinator Tom Church) were distributed to pilots and crews.

After a comprehensive weather briefing by Al Blount (gee fellas, Flight Service isn’t sure what’s going on here, but it’s nice in New Orleans), the evening task began. It consisted of sealed envelopes to be opened after launch. They turned out to contain fabric and sewing equipment to construct a baggie while in flight. The object was to declare a goal, con-struct a baggie and so forth. Although the protest jury met far into the night, Jerry Stephan was declared the winner of the event. Ed Vandenburgh was commended on having the foresight to take a sewing machine along to construct his entry. The most interesting landing of the evening was made by Jim Neill in “Fanstasia”. He put it into a field that had just been manured that afternoon.

Harold and Barbara’s bonfire became the social spot of the evening. Those attending became expert at locating neat little piles of firewood, generally located next to other tents. Since most people forgot to bring musical instruments, there was not a lot to the sing-a-long. However, Tom Sheppard gave a brief performance on a saxophone, and Tom Church gave his vocal impressions of an elephant, a cricket and an earthworm. Sheppard’s sax and Church’s elephant, cricket and earthworm all sounded about the same.

The (Last) Last Annual Autumn Aeronautic Expedition

Original article by: Jane Birk (Sept-Oct 1980)

Page 7 Volume 21 Issue3

Sunrise of the 35th was favored by bright sunshine. Light winds took the balloons in an easterly direction over foggy swamps. It was a good day for pictures, and the cameras clicked to record the last flight of the L.L.A.A.A.E.

Before leaving for the awards banquet, Uncoordinator and Sponsor Tom Chruch announced that the Meczakin National Balloon Team El-Aero-Acrobatique Primo couldn’t make it. Something having to do with the Border Patrol. Doris Ogrowski pointed out that all they had to do was claim they were professional students and there would not be a prob-lem.

The awards banquet had minimal attendance due to lack of agreement on where is should be held. The Official one was held at Devil’s Head Resort with Uncoordinator Tom Church, pilots Jerry Stephan, Mark Kramer, Jim Neill, Al and Doug Blount, Mary Jo Alfred, Ed Vandenburgh and their crews in attendance. Mary Jo received a .87 cent trophy for having traveled so far. Al Blount was presented the Mere Pilot T-shirt for having paid for the calls to Flight Service him-self. Jim Neill objected to this, but he was in the john at the time of presentation. To quell any hurt feeling Jim was also awarded and .87 cent trophy. Most of the rest of the pilots present indicated their regret at not having a suitable place in their homes to display such a magnificent trophy.

***** This was a fun look back at an article posted by Jane Birk for the Sept-Oct 1980 issue

LANDOWNER LANDOWNER LANDOWNER DRAWINGSDRAWINGSDRAWINGS

Landowner Prize City Pilot Balloon Name

John Toomey $200.00 Waterford Jan Kohlman Sky Painter

Debbie Bingen $100.00 Allenton Gary Britton Reflections Free

Bob Leu $100.00 Mackville Jeff Trzebiatowski Midnight Rainbow

Kurt & Kim Weber $50.00 Hartland Rod VanWyngeeren Free Spirit

Sandra Steeman $50.00 Hartford Harold Graves Points

Barb Shiellack $50.00 Hartland Daron Powers Tequila Sunrise

Pixair ’s “Up”

Cluster Balloons

Coming soon to a

theatre near you!

A few WBG members had the unique opportunity to assist in promoting the new Disney/Pixar

animated feature “UP”. A public call was made to all balloonists, giving them a chance to work with

a “Cluster” balloon. There are only a few cluster balloonists, therefore its really an honor to have the

chance to be a part of it, as well as the chance to work with a nationally renowned team of

balloonists, Troy Bradley and Whit Landvater. Kay, myself and our two boys, Jack and Ben got the

early wake up call at 2am on Monday, May 4th. We loaded the sleeping boys in the truck and

headed to Navy Pier in beautiful downtown Chicago. We met with Troy and Whit at 3:30am to start

the inflation process of 70 5-8 ft diameter helium balloons. WBG members Mark Naber and John

Ross also made the early morning trek to Chicago. Chicago area balloonist, Rick Poe and three

Columbia College animation students also were on the “UP-Chicago” crew. We worked diligently

to inflate the balloons and attach them to the armchair, a replica of Carl Fredrickson’s favorite chair.

Carl is the main character in the movie. The indoor venue of Navy Pier Grand Ballroom was chosen

for this tether as we all know how “windy” Chicago can be and Troy and Whit were on a tight

schedule. The cluster was inflated until about noon and tether rides were provided for media and the

crew. It was a great time and a unique opportunity for all of us. Be sure to see the movie after it

opens on May 29th and also check out www.disney.com & www.clusterballoon.com/up

Left –Jack Walter & one UP balloon

Below – The UP-Chicago Crew

Right – The compete UP Cluster

My First StudentMy First StudentMy First StudentMy First Student

By : John Swartz

I was reminded how far we’ve come in establishing practical test standards and the certification process in gen-

eral when I came across a file for my very first student, which dates back to 1977! It brought back some memo-

ries of meeting with the examiner and the strange “flight test” that followed.

I was living in Illinois at the time, and since this was my very first student, extra care was taken in preparing the

student for the oral and flight test, and making certain the paperwork was in order. This was for a commercial

rating, and I was more than just a little nervous as we drove to the launch site to meet the examiner, who I did

not know.

When we met the examiner, I recall thinking that he seemed as tense as we were, which I found somewhat un-

settling. The oral exam consisted of a couple of unchallenging questions, which my student answered without

hesitation. It took all of about 60 seconds.

It was a calm morning, and the balloon was inflated without incident. No questions from the examiner regard-

ing any preflight preparation, documentation, flight planning, crew briefing, etc. I believe he simply said to

“blow it up”.

Once inflated, there was a period of uncomfortable silence as the examiner walked around the balloon, as if

inspecting the envelope for some reason. My student patiently waited for the examiner to climb aboard for the

flight test. I finally walked up to the examiner and ask if there was a problem. As best I recall, he stated there

was no way he was getting in that thing, and the flight test would be conducted by observing from the ground.

I later discovered that he had never been in a balloon, and apparently had no intention of having his first

flight that morning. We didn’t have radios at that time, so as I was trying to determine how communication

for the flight test would be conducted, the examiner told us to hook up a tether line and we’d do the flight test

right there in the field!

I’ve thankfully never heard of a flight test being conducted on a tether before or after this occurrence. As you

can imagine, it was pretty much a joke, as the student was asked to “climb, “maintain altitude” and “descend”

while on a tether, manned by three crew members! The final straw was when the student was asked to demon-

strate a “rip out” landing after the basket was on the ground. Remember it was a calm morning, with the virtu-

ally no wind. As a crew member grabbed the crown line, the examiner shouted that the student had to do this

“unassisted”, without any help from the crew. Fortunately the balloon had been sitting on the ground for

some time, and the burners were cool, so I nodded at the student to go ahead and rip out. As the envelope

descended on top of the student, I mentioned to the examiner that rip out landings were generally reserved for

use in windy conditions. He said that he had to see this process demonstrated as part of meeting the test stan-

dards.

As my student was crawling out from under the envelope, the examiner started filling out the paperwork for

the successful completion of demonstrating all the skills necessary to exercise the privileges of a commercial

rating for a hot air balloon! Fortunately, we’ve come a long way since the ‘70’s in establishing and actually test-

ing for practical standards/skills for piloting hot air balloons.

Volume 21 Issue 3 Page 9

Volume 21 Issue 3 Page 10

WBG Trivia Questions

1.1.1.1. What year did the organizational meeting to start the WBG take place?What year did the organizational meeting to start the WBG take place?What year did the organizational meeting to start the WBG take place?What year did the organizational meeting to start the WBG take place?

2.2.2.2. Where did the organizational meeting take place?Where did the organizational meeting take place?Where did the organizational meeting take place?Where did the organizational meeting take place?

3.3.3.3. Who attended the organizational meeting?Who attended the organizational meeting?Who attended the organizational meeting?Who attended the organizational meeting?

4.4.4.4. When did the 1st WBG dinner take place?When did the 1st WBG dinner take place?When did the 1st WBG dinner take place?When did the 1st WBG dinner take place?

5.5.5.5. Where did the 1st WBG dinner take place?Where did the 1st WBG dinner take place?Where did the 1st WBG dinner take place?Where did the 1st WBG dinner take place?

6.6.6.6. Who owned the 1st licensed hotWho owned the 1st licensed hotWho owned the 1st licensed hotWho owned the 1st licensed hot----air balloon repair station in Wisconsin?air balloon repair station in Wisconsin?air balloon repair station in Wisconsin?air balloon repair station in Wisconsin?

7.7.7.7. What city was the 1st repair station located in?What city was the 1st repair station located in?What city was the 1st repair station located in?What city was the 1st repair station located in?

8.8.8.8. Who in the history of the WBG has owned a repair station?Who in the history of the WBG has owned a repair station?Who in the history of the WBG has owned a repair station?Who in the history of the WBG has owned a repair station?

9.9.9.9. In what locations have there been repair stations?In what locations have there been repair stations?In what locations have there been repair stations?In what locations have there been repair stations?

10.10.10.10. How many current members are in the WBG?How many current members are in the WBG?How many current members are in the WBG?How many current members are in the WBG?

11.11.11.11. Where was the 1st Wisconsin Balloon Rally held?Where was the 1st Wisconsin Balloon Rally held?Where was the 1st Wisconsin Balloon Rally held?Where was the 1st Wisconsin Balloon Rally held?

12.12.12.12. What cities in Wisconsin have held balloon rallies? (a “rally” is an event where the schedule included at What cities in Wisconsin have held balloon rallies? (a “rally” is an event where the schedule included at What cities in Wisconsin have held balloon rallies? (a “rally” is an event where the schedule included at What cities in Wisconsin have held balloon rallies? (a “rally” is an event where the schedule included at

least two inflations, of which at least one was a free flight).least two inflations, of which at least one was a free flight).least two inflations, of which at least one was a free flight).least two inflations, of which at least one was a free flight).

13.13.13.13. Who are past Directors of the WBG?Who are past Directors of the WBG?Who are past Directors of the WBG?Who are past Directors of the WBG?

14.14.14.14. Who are past editors of the Who are past editors of the Who are past editors of the Who are past editors of the Ventline?Ventline?Ventline?Ventline?

15.15.15.15. When was the 1st When was the 1st When was the 1st When was the 1st Ventline Ventline Ventline Ventline published?published?published?published?

16.16.16.16. What members of the WBG have been a Designated Examiner?What members of the WBG have been a Designated Examiner?What members of the WBG have been a Designated Examiner?What members of the WBG have been a Designated Examiner?

17.17.17.17. When and were was the 1st WBG pig roast?When and were was the 1st WBG pig roast?When and were was the 1st WBG pig roast?When and were was the 1st WBG pig roast?

Trivia Answers

1.1.1.1. Nov. 1, 1979 Nov. 1, 1979 Nov. 1, 1979 Nov. 1, 1979 ---- (but Dirk Bakker had established the WBG Landowner Awards program in 1975).(but Dirk Bakker had established the WBG Landowner Awards program in 1975).(but Dirk Bakker had established the WBG Landowner Awards program in 1975).(but Dirk Bakker had established the WBG Landowner Awards program in 1975).

2.2.2.2. Harold Graves’ home in Milwaukee.Harold Graves’ home in Milwaukee.Harold Graves’ home in Milwaukee.Harold Graves’ home in Milwaukee.

3.3.3.3. Roy Hawkins, Harold Graves, Pete Asp, Tom Sheppard, Debbie Spaeth, Dawn Spaeth, Dirk Bakker, Al Han-Roy Hawkins, Harold Graves, Pete Asp, Tom Sheppard, Debbie Spaeth, Dawn Spaeth, Dirk Bakker, Al Han-Roy Hawkins, Harold Graves, Pete Asp, Tom Sheppard, Debbie Spaeth, Dawn Spaeth, Dirk Bakker, Al Han-Roy Hawkins, Harold Graves, Pete Asp, Tom Sheppard, Debbie Spaeth, Dawn Spaeth, Dirk Bakker, Al Han-

son, Gary Britton, Donald Janke, and Bob Johns.son, Gary Britton, Donald Janke, and Bob Johns.son, Gary Britton, Donald Janke, and Bob Johns.son, Gary Britton, Donald Janke, and Bob Johns.

4.4.4.4. January 1980January 1980January 1980January 1980

5.5.5.5. Pine Knoll Supper Club, Lake Mills Wisconsin.Pine Knoll Supper Club, Lake Mills Wisconsin.Pine Knoll Supper Club, Lake Mills Wisconsin.Pine Knoll Supper Club, Lake Mills Wisconsin.

6.6.6.6. Tom SheppardTom SheppardTom SheppardTom Sheppard

7.7.7.7. West BendWest BendWest BendWest Bend

8.8.8.8. Jim Rogina, Tom Sheppard, and Pete Asp.Jim Rogina, Tom Sheppard, and Pete Asp.Jim Rogina, Tom Sheppard, and Pete Asp.Jim Rogina, Tom Sheppard, and Pete Asp.

9.9.9.9. West Bend (Tom 1975West Bend (Tom 1975West Bend (Tom 1975West Bend (Tom 1975----1983) 1983) 1983) 1983) ---- (Pete 1984(Pete 1984(Pete 1984(Pete 1984----1986), Hartland (Pete 19861986), Hartland (Pete 19861986), Hartland (Pete 19861986), Hartland (Pete 1986----1989), Sullivan (Pete 19891989), Sullivan (Pete 19891989), Sullivan (Pete 19891989), Sullivan (Pete 1989————

present), Shorewood (Jim).present), Shorewood (Jim).present), Shorewood (Jim).present), Shorewood (Jim).

10. Fifty, (with an additional 150 former members and friends in the data base).10. Fifty, (with an additional 150 former members and friends in the data base).10. Fifty, (with an additional 150 former members and friends in the data base).10. Fifty, (with an additional 150 former members and friends in the data base).

11.11.11.11. Lake Geneva in 1973? Lake Geneva in 1973? Lake Geneva in 1973? Lake Geneva in 1973? ———— Hosted by a group on North Central Airline Pilots. Attendance was restricted to Hosted by a group on North Central Airline Pilots. Attendance was restricted to Hosted by a group on North Central Airline Pilots. Attendance was restricted to Hosted by a group on North Central Airline Pilots. Attendance was restricted to

Semco balloon owners. Second event was the Kettle Moraine Balloon Rally in West Bend on Feb 28 Semco balloon owners. Second event was the Kettle Moraine Balloon Rally in West Bend on Feb 28 Semco balloon owners. Second event was the Kettle Moraine Balloon Rally in West Bend on Feb 28 Semco balloon owners. Second event was the Kettle Moraine Balloon Rally in West Bend on Feb 28 ---- March March March March

1, 19751, 19751, 19751, 1975

12.12.12.12. Arcadia, Eau Claire, Fennimore, Green Bay, Hartford, Hudson, Lake Geneva, Madison, Manitowoc, Meno Arcadia, Eau Claire, Fennimore, Green Bay, Hartford, Hudson, Lake Geneva, Madison, Manitowoc, Meno Arcadia, Eau Claire, Fennimore, Green Bay, Hartford, Hudson, Lake Geneva, Madison, Manitowoc, Meno Arcadia, Eau Claire, Fennimore, Green Bay, Hartford, Hudson, Lake Geneva, Madison, Manitowoc, Meno

monee, Minocqua, Milwaukee (Kool Pro tour 1970’s), Monroe, Neillsville, Oshkosh, Seymour, Verona, Wau monee, Minocqua, Milwaukee (Kool Pro tour 1970’s), Monroe, Neillsville, Oshkosh, Seymour, Verona, Wau monee, Minocqua, Milwaukee (Kool Pro tour 1970’s), Monroe, Neillsville, Oshkosh, Seymour, Verona, Wau monee, Minocqua, Milwaukee (Kool Pro tour 1970’s), Monroe, Neillsville, Oshkosh, Seymour, Verona, Wau

kesha, Waupaca, Wausau, West Bend, Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin Rapids.kesha, Waupaca, Wausau, West Bend, Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin Rapids.kesha, Waupaca, Wausau, West Bend, Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin Rapids.kesha, Waupaca, Wausau, West Bend, Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin Rapids.

13.13.13.13. Kirk Bakker, Dave Lowe, Nick White, Debbie Spaeth, Jon Peterson, Tom Sheppard, Chris Fitzsimmons, Ken Kirk Bakker, Dave Lowe, Nick White, Debbie Spaeth, Jon Peterson, Tom Sheppard, Chris Fitzsimmons, Ken Kirk Bakker, Dave Lowe, Nick White, Debbie Spaeth, Jon Peterson, Tom Sheppard, Chris Fitzsimmons, Ken Kirk Bakker, Dave Lowe, Nick White, Debbie Spaeth, Jon Peterson, Tom Sheppard, Chris Fitzsimmons, Ken

Walter, Gary Britton.Walter, Gary Britton.Walter, Gary Britton.Walter, Gary Britton.

14.14.14.14. Barb & Kendall Baer, Harold Graves, Mary Jo O’Brien, Pete Asp & Lance Otto, Jim Etmanczyk, Donna Spaeth, Barb & Kendall Baer, Harold Graves, Mary Jo O’Brien, Pete Asp & Lance Otto, Jim Etmanczyk, Donna Spaeth, Barb & Kendall Baer, Harold Graves, Mary Jo O’Brien, Pete Asp & Lance Otto, Jim Etmanczyk, Donna Spaeth, Barb & Kendall Baer, Harold Graves, Mary Jo O’Brien, Pete Asp & Lance Otto, Jim Etmanczyk, Donna Spaeth,

Keith Wohlfert, Lance Otto & Kathleen Zoltowski, Mike Murphy, Herb & Jan Kohlman, Mary Kay Melanouris.Keith Wohlfert, Lance Otto & Kathleen Zoltowski, Mike Murphy, Herb & Jan Kohlman, Mary Kay Melanouris.Keith Wohlfert, Lance Otto & Kathleen Zoltowski, Mike Murphy, Herb & Jan Kohlman, Mary Kay Melanouris.Keith Wohlfert, Lance Otto & Kathleen Zoltowski, Mike Murphy, Herb & Jan Kohlman, Mary Kay Melanouris.

15.15.15.15. 1979197919791979

16.16.16.16. Tom Sheppard (1979Tom Sheppard (1979Tom Sheppard (1979Tom Sheppard (1979----1990), Pete Asp (19901990), Pete Asp (19901990), Pete Asp (19901990), Pete Asp (1990————present).present).present).present).

17.17.17.17. Pig roasted by David & Donna Spaeth. Picnic held at Jackson Park in Jackson in 1983Pig roasted by David & Donna Spaeth. Picnic held at Jackson Park in Jackson in 1983Pig roasted by David & Donna Spaeth. Picnic held at Jackson Park in Jackson in 1983Pig roasted by David & Donna Spaeth. Picnic held at Jackson Park in Jackson in 1983

***** It was determined that these answers may not be final and totally inclusive. If you have additions, cor-rections, or updates to add please forward them to either Daron or Corey.

Volume 21 Issue 3 Page 11

Piccard inducted into Minnesota Aviation Hall of Fame

Aeronaut Don Piccard, representing the Piccard family, was one of seven who were inducted into the Minnesota

Aviation Hall of Fame May 2, 2009, at an awards banquet in Bloomington, Minnesota. During his acceptance remarks,

Piccard asked the audience, as he almost always does, if there was anyone else in the room who had shared a handshake

with Orville Wright. None of the more than 400 in attendance had. He also noted that two of the seven being inducted

were deceased and he congratulated the Hall OF Fame for selecting him while he was still alive! According to one of

those in attendance, Don has been described as being someone who would take a cat to the Westminster Dog Show.

The printed program for the Induction Banquet included the following citation.

“Donald Piccard 1926-

Donald Piccard represents three generations of Piccards whose lives have centered on research and sport bal-

looning. In 1947 Piccard made his first solo balloon flight and became the first FAA certified free balloon pilot. He

started the Balloon Club of America in 1948, and made headlines across the country as a pioneer. He flew the first plas-

tic Pleiades balloon in 1957, worked for the G.T. Schjeldahl Company, where he made the first superpressure balloon,

then joined Raven Industries where he helped develop hot air balloons. Piccard, starting with the St. Paul Winter Carni-

val's Hot Air Balloon Race, created the modern sport of hot air ballooning. In later years, Piccard's own companies built

a very popular and successful line of gas and hot air balloons.

His pioneering balloon family includes his uncle Auguste Piccard, first man in the stratosphere; his father,

Jean, who invented the multi-balloon and the plastic balloon; his mother, Jeanette, who flew the first FAA class "Space

Craft" (the Century of Progress Balloon) into the stratosphere; his wife, Wilma, a championship and record-holding bal-

loon pilot; and his cousin Bertrand Piccard, who was the first to circumnavigate the Earth in a balloon."

[Editor’s note: Thanks to Ed Chapman who contributed information for this article.]

********* Don Piccard was one of the guest speakers at the 2007 WBG Safety Seminar

Volume 21 Issue 3 Page 12

A Story I Wrote a Number Of Years Ago T.A.F.Sheppard

We learned as we went along…..

We look back with some wonderment at the early days of our ballooning experiences.

Such an experience was with Bob Uecker of baseball fame.

When we started ballooning, we expected to make a lot of money. That was the pitch of the balloon manufacturers.

There were four of us that formed a syndicate known as the “Moraine Aeronauts”. We purchased a new, very early pro-

duction, Barnes AX7 for $5000.00. One of our group was responsible for selling our promotion services. A $6000.00

TV commercial for WPS came early which enabled us to buy an AX6. We bought the Barnes AX6 that Barnes (now

Balloon Works) had used for certification, for $4750.00. That was the extent of us making money in ballooning!!

Back in those days, there was no private balloon rating, only commercial, which was obtained in 8 hours. The local

Raven dealer offered training with his balloon for $1000.00. He brought a pilot in from Dallas (we were impressed).

We started training in his S55 with a metal gondola. On the second flight, I broke my knee and only then did I find

out our instructor had a total of ten hours and the owner of the balloon had no insurance.

When we purchased our Barnes balloons, the Raven Distributor in Minneapolis made us outcasts as we bought bal-

loons with parachute tops which, in those days, were considered not politically correct. Things changed in later years,

when Tracy Barnes received the first Dick Worth Medal, presented by the Queen of England. This was for his inven-

tion of the ‘parachute rip system’. Despite holding the patent, Tracy allowed free use of the idea by all manufacturers.

A generous gesture, and a tremendous contribution to ballooning.

Now to our story. Our sales promotion representative had sold the Milwaukee Brewers on the idea that we could

tether over the stadium and Bob Uecker could broadcast from the basket. Oh! How naive we were!! And how little we

knew! In fact it was a completely unworkable idea!!

We purchased several reels of ½“ nylon rope. More ½” nylon rope than I had seen since the gliders were getting ready

for D-Day in WWII. This rope was to be used for a three point tether of the balloon over County Stadium in Milwau-

kee.

When we arrived at the stadium during the morning and went out on to the field with the balloon it became obvious

this was not going to work. But we would try it!

We reeled out the nylon rope to three corners of the stadium and inflated the balloon. The only time I had tethered

before was two quick up and down tethers to take my commercial test. Now I was going to quickly learn how much I

disliked tethering!

Think about it! We actually believed we could tether a person, in a hot air balloon, over a stadium with winds squirrel-

ing around, during a nationally broadcast baseball game, with a radio base-

ball personality, Bob Uecker, doing the play be play. What a potential disas-

ter.

During an appearance on the Johnny Carson show, following this tether,

Bob Uecker showed a clip of him in our balloon with me on the burner. For-

tunately, when he made some smart aleck comments he didn’t use my name,

just an alias.

There were some perks for our efforts, we had a great lunch with Bob Uecker

in the private dining room at the clubhouse and then had good seats to

watch the ballgame.

1992 Cameron Aristocrat Basket (42

x 52) Approximately 450 hours TT

Serial #9141 Last annual February

2009

Very good shape, solid. Smooth

brown leather, 2 foot steps, cushion

floor, poles and pole bag, fire extin-

guisher, Cameron squeezer and down

cover. Basket has slight lean, there is

some minor broken wicker, nothing

significant. Covered and stored inside

when not in use. $1,750

Contact: Herb Kohlman Phone: 262-

878-4295 Email: iciebonz@wi.rr.com

First Celebrity Swine Flu Fatality

(And we all know who the carrier is)

Volume 21 Issue 3 Page 14

We thank the many contributors to this

issue (sorry that some of you were cajoled

into submitting articles (it’s hard to turn

Debbie down isn’t it?) In no particular

order, thanks go to Ed Chapman, John

Swartz, Mike Fontaine, Randy Coller,

Debbie Spaeth, Daron Powers, Ken Wal-

ter, Tom Sheppard, Corey Goebel, Pat

Brouillet and Gary Britton. We honestly

can’t put an issue out without each and

every one of you…...our appreciation!!!

The Editors

Page 15 Volume 21 Issue3

Page 16 Volume 21 Issue3