Nebraska
Balloon Club
Pilot's Corner
West Point, NE July 4 Rally
John C. Fremont Days Recap
Monthly Club Flights Schedule
Jaworski's 2008 Flight a World Record
FAA to Charge Periodic Aircraft Re-Registration Fee
Lincoln Approach Moves to Omaha TRACON
New Balloons/Pilots
FAR 91.119 Update
Wakefield, NE Hot Air Balloon Festival
Sarpy County Fair & Sesquicentennial
Hanger Flights
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Nebraska Balloon and Wine Festival 2008
Photos by Wayne Elsasser
Elk Ridge Village at 192nd and Blondo was once again the site of the Nebraska Balloon & Wine Festival. After last year's larger-than-expected crowd, the festival was expanded to two nights for 2008, Friday and Saturday August 8-9. And once again, the turnout was larger than anticipated, with some festival-goers waiting in line 20 minutes at the gate. The two-day attendance total was estimated at over 5,000. Ten wineries offered tastes and sales of their products, including wines and microbrews. Food vendors, pony rides for the kids, and musical entertainment both nights provided a backdrop for the main events - the balloon launches and glows.
Friday night saw the launch of four balloons; Steve Lacroix's Propane Addiction, Rich Jaworski's Euphoria, Matt Fenster's Third Priority, and Indianola, Iowa's John Jensen of Hot Air Addiction. Meanwhile, Gene Elsasser was working the upper-level winds trying to navigate RE/Max into the Elk Ridge launch field. But the low-level east wind thwarted his approach, though not for lack of trying (and despite coaching from Mark Enholm and Dave Edmister on the ground). Lacroix, Fenster, and Jensen then returned to the field to join Matthew Grote in Jester Unwindz and Tom Peterson in Dreamtime for a balloon glow. Rob & Glenda Skiba joined us at El Bee's in Waterloo for the after-party to critique the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics. This is a tough crowd to please!
Saturday afternoon's gentle winds turned gusty, delaying the balloon launch a bit, but eventually allowing Lacroix, Jaworski, Fenster, Elsasser, and Grote to launch to the applause of the crowd. Southeast winds carried them right over the crowd and off toward Waterloo. Lacroix, Fenster, Elsasser and Grote returned to the field at sunset to join Peterson in a second balloon glow as spectators mingled on the field.
West Point 150 - July 4-6
No, it’s not a car race. West Point, NE invited the Nebraska Balloon Club to help celebrate their 150th anniversary over the July 4th weekend with something new to Cuming County, a balloon rally! Originally the goal was 15 balloons, then 10, finally 6. NBC pilots attending the rally were Alan Paul, Jim Gunhus and Wayne Mohring. After no more takers from the club it was opened up to other Nebraska, Iowa and South Dakota pilots. Brand new Norfolk, NE resident and long time pilot Gordon Emry accepted the offer. Rich Jaworski was to be balloonmeister but had to bow out when he ended up with another commitment. Wayne took over the role.
Cuming County is well known as cattle country, there’s even a billboard announcing that as you approach West Point from the south on US 275. The competition map had well over 100 "red zones" indicating all the livestock confinement areas that could be found viewing satellite photos of the county. Since very few flights in a balloon had ever taken place over the county, these were all unofficial red areas put on the map in hopes of preventing official PZ’s for future flights. Some flight directions were better than others, but no matter which way you flew you were bound to come across some feedlots. Thus the challenge of flying the county was presented to and accepted by four brave souls.
The schedule was a typical rally format: Friday evening glow followed by two flights Saturday and one Sunday morning. Given that nobody participating had flown this area before and there was no time to scout out the countryside for potential targets, Balloonmeister Mohring decided to call hare & hound tasks for the weekend, realizing that three hounds would not stiff competition make, but there was prize money to be had so we had to do something. Weather permitting, he had some other tasks up his sleeve. But weather didn’t permit so those tasks will remain a secret until maybe next year.
The community of West Point bent over backwards to accommodate the balloons. Enough was provided to ensure the pilots that their out of pocket costs would be covered. And everything provided was top quality. It was fun to be treated like celebrities for a change, not a bunch of crazy people.
Wind forecast Friday evening was out of the southeast at about 9 mph. This is not conducive to a successful glow but the low lying area north of the city park might give us a chance. As luck would have it, the winds died down to about 7 mph and there was enough protection to perform a 40 minute glow, which the crowd thoroughly enjoyed. People were still talking about it on Sunday when we left and I imagine they might still be talking about it today. We packed up prior to the 10 p.m. fireworks.
Saturday was a different story. Winds were marginal for a morning flight and there was rain moving in. The flight was cancelled and an hour later it poured. All week the winds for Saturday afternoon were forecast to be around 15 gusting to 25. You know what, they were right. Another flight cancelled.
In the meantime, there was plenty to do with the 150 celebration on Saturday. This included a parade where we were invited to enter. Vaughn Beed, the local owner of a 19 foot tilt-bed flatbed truck volunteered to load up our balloon baskets and we burned our way through the parade route. It was fun watching the reaction of the spectators to the heat generated by all the burners firing at the same time.
It’s about this point in the story where you need to ask Alan Paul about Bailey, another local celebrity. That’s his story, he can tell it better than anyone, so I’ll leave it at that.
Saturday night fireworks (that’s right, two nights for all you fireworks fans) were delayed about 40 minutes because the volunteer firemen standing by for the show had to respond to a fire about a half hour before the display began. The only downside to the weekend, one of the balloon sponsors suffered about $50,000 damage to his business. Eventually, enough firemen were released from the fire so the fireworks could begin. Ironically, this same balloon sponsor was also a major sponsor for the fireworks.
Sunday a.m. was holding some promise, but the threat of rain was again in the forecast. Winds were about 6 mph at launch and out of the south. Visibility to the north was 3 miles at best, but in this area only 1 mile visibility is needed if you stay below 1200 feet altitude. Rain was present to the west but it was dissipating prior to sunrise. After a half hour weather hold to make sure this was the case, the launch began.
Steering was wonderful. Down low, one would travel at a heading of approximately 290 degrees (WNW). At 1000 feet you were heading NE on a roughly 50 degree track. The hare went up and down, trying to dodge both the three hounds and the feedlots. According to 3 year old satellite photos of the area there were many alfalfa fields in this direction. With the high grain prices this year however, nearly all fields were now corn and beans. Finally, through the haze it appeared there was a fresh cut alfalfa field. The hare decided to land there after 40 minutes and 8 miles of flight. Alas, that fresh cut golden brown alfalfa field was actually wheat! Oops.
Rather than lay the balloon down, the target was a standing balloon. The intention was to fly out after the hounds flew past and their scores recorded, with the only damage to the wheat being the 4 x 4 foot square the basket smashed. Jim Gunhus recorded the best, and only, drop at approximately 12 feet from the center of the parachute top at the top of the balloon. The other two were lined up but less than a minute after Jim passed over, the left turn disappeared, leaving Gordon and Alan literally out in the east 40. In all that excitement and for the first time ever, Wayne found out what it’s like to have a balloon naturally cool to the point where heat can no longer be introduced into the envelope. Oops.
With a little more wheat damaged, it was calculated to be less than $25 worth, the farmer still enjoyed the experience and refused payment. This was typical of the hospitality received in West Point over the entire weekend. According to the NBC scoring formula, Jim Gunhus won the West Point 150 rally with 875 points, Gordon Emry and Alan Paul tied for second at 500 points each and Wayne Mohring also received 500 points for being the hare. But this was not an official NBC task since we were short one NBC pilot per the rules.
The sponsors were all thrilled with their rides, the local crew was thrilled to be a part of the fun and excitement, and the pilots were thrilled to learn that there is talk of a second annual West Point 150. Maybe the name will have to change. No matter, count me in.
- Wayne Mohring
John C. Fremont Days 2008
The seemingly unrelenting series of storms that have lashed eastern Nebraska this year paused long enough to allow the balloons to return once again to John C. Fremont Days on July 11-12. Although the forecast called for severe thunderstorms on Friday evening, an unforseen calm descended and allowed five balloons (and one basket) to assemble for a glow on the lawn of First Lutheran Church. This new location seemed to be a hit with both spectators and balloonists, as crowds assembled both on the church grounds and along the adjoining roadways. When the field opened, adults and kids of all ages flocked to get close to Lacroix's Propane Addiction, Gunhus' Yellow Bird, Dobesh's Blue Taz, Grote's Jester Unwindz, and Jaworski's Euphoria. Peterson chose not to inflate, but instead helped a long line of kids get an up-close view of the inside of a balloon basket. The storms held off until well after sunset, allowing time to safely pack away and head for the propane line.
Photo courtesy of Sid Ellis
Saturday morning's weather held remnants of the previous night's turbulent winds, so the flight was called for that evening. Seven pilots, now including Wayne Mohring in Wild Goose and Alan Paul in Cloudhopper II would be chasing Rich Jaworski as the hare. Although the winds were still gusting during the 7PM pilot's briefing, the signs were good that things were calming down. Balloonmeiser Jaworski held the task open until the last minute, starting his inflation just before 8PM. Jim Gunhus was sidelined at the last minute, but the remaining field soon took to the skies in a northwest breeze that varied from over 20mph at 700 feet to 5-6 at the surface. Rich dropped off his crew and the X between two fields for the first target, then flew on to a landing in a sod farm, soon joined by Grote, Peterson, Paul, and Dobesh. Mohring and Lacroix, sticking to the task, overflew Rich's basket, made their drops, then went on to road landings near sundown in calm winds.
The NBC wishes to thank the John C. Fremont Days organizers, and in particular, Jim Henry, for their hard work to bring about this second annual return of the balloons to their event. We look forward to many more years to come.
Monthly Competition Flights Schedule
For 2008, we will continue with the same Sport and Competition flight schedule:
Competition flights on the first Saturday morning of the month (at sunrise) during the months of April through November. Volunteer Balloonmeisters will be responsible for organizing each flight, including safety and weather trending/forecasting, selecting the launch site, specifying the competition event, turning in the scoring results, and organizing any post-flight social activity.
Competition Flights (Sunrise on the first Saturday mornings of the month), [Location of conflicting event]:In addition to the above monthly flights, the following are events included as 2008 NBC Scheduled Tasks:
For complete NBC 2008 Competition Rules click the link.
Sport Flights on the third Saturday afternoons of the month (three hours before sunset) from Lake Zorinsky unless otherwise noted. Balloonmeisters will be responsible for organizing each flight, including safety and weather trending/forecasting, and organizing any post-flight social activity.
Sport (Fun) Flights (Three hours before sunset on the third Saturday afternoons of the month, and from Lake Zorinsky), [Location of conflicting event]:Adventure of the Heart
July 9, 2008 - The Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) has ratified Rich Jaworski's claim to a new AX-4 distance record.
FAI has ratified the following Class A (Free balloons) records:
================================================================
Claim number : 14938
Size category :AX-04 (Hot-air balloons: 600 to 900 m3)
Category: General
Type of record : Distance
Course/location : Grand Forks, ND (USA) - Siren, WI (USA) Performance : 417.7 km
Pilot : Richard L. JAWORSKI (USA)
Balloon : Cameron Balloons RJ-32
Date :20.01.2008
Previous record : 341.36 km (04.03.2001 - Oscar LINDSTRÖM, Sweden)
===============================================================
FAI congratulates the pilot on this splendid achievement.
Jaworski Awarded Montgolfier Diploma by FAI
March 14, 2008 - Rich Jaworski has been selected by the Ballooning Commision of the Federation Aeronautique International as the 2007 recipient of the Montgolfier Diploma for outstanding performance in a hot air balloon. The Montgolfier Diploma was created in 1960, and each year, four diplomas are available for gas, hot air, Rozier, and contribution to the development of the sport of ballooning in general. Past recipients have included Ed Yost and Bruce Comstock (1976), and Joe Kittinger (1983). (See the FAI website for a list of all previous awards).
Rich's nomination was drafted by Orv Olivier and submitted to the BFA, which approved it, then forwarded it to the FAI through the National Aeronautic Association, the United States' Aero Club and our representative body to the FAI. At the March 5-8, 2008 meeting of the FAI Ballooning Commision in Salzburg, Austria, Rich's nomination was considered, along with the nomination of David Hempleman-Adams, and Rich was selected as the 2007 award winner. Congratulations, Rich Jaworski!!
January 19-20, 2008 - On the coldest weekend of the winter, Rich and crew (Matthew Grote, Wayne Mohring and Orv Olivier) set off once again for Grand Forks, ND in another bid for the record books. Lifting off from the Grand Forks Country Club at 9:20 AM on January 19, Rich flew 259 miles over the next 19 hours before landing on the frozen surface of Big Doctor Lake in Siren, Wisconsin at 4:30 the next morning. While the flight's duration was less than expected, the distance should be a new AX-4 record, eclipsing the previous 212.1 mile (341.36 km) record set by Oscar Lindstrom in April, 2001. Congratulations, Rich!
February 4-5, 2007 - Rich Jaworski has set two new world records in an amazing 23 hour 11 minute flight. Rich's incredible oddysey began shortly after 10 AM in Grand Forks, ND on Sunday, Februrary 4, and concluded just before 9:30 AM on Monday, February 5 about 9 miles west of Page, ND. Throughout Rich's flight, temperatures hovered well below zero, ranging from -25°F at launch, to a "high" of -15°F on Sunday afternoon. Assisting Rich on his flight were NBC member and pilot Matthew Grote as Crew Chief, Mike and Shirley Leimbach and Sue Markl, all of Sioux Falls, SD, as crew, with Mike acting as FAI Observer, and Joanne Ragle and Tom Peterson back in Omaha operating the Adventure of the Heart communication center. You can see a plot of Rich's course, follow the flight log, and see photos of the flight at Rich's website .
Rich's flight duration shattered the old mark (see below) set by him in Adventure of the Heart nearly one year ago. Rich and Mike will now submit documentary evidence of the flight to the NAA, the US delegate to the FAI for ratification of his record achievment. Please join with us in saluting Rich Jaworski for his outstanding effort!
May 31, 2007 - The National Aeronautic Association has notified Rich that his flight is a United States Record, and has been forwarded to the forwarded to the Federation Aeronautique Internationale in Switzerland for approval as a World record.&nbps; Further, Orv Olivier has stated, "In addition, this flight qualifies as such a major balloon flight accomplishment, that you will be nominated by the BFA for the International FAI ballooning award, the Mongolfier Diploma. Congratulations again!"
Congratulations indeed, Rich!
July 25, 2006 The Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) has ratified Rich Jaworski's claim to two duration records (AX-4 and AX-5). Said Rich, "Thanks so much again to everyone for making this possible."
FAI has ratified the following Class A (Free balloons) records:Several NBC members assisted Rich in the flight. See the entire story at www.huntel.net/adventure.
====================================================================
Claim number : 13160
Size category AX-04 (Hot-air balloons: 600 to 900 m3)
General Category Type of record : Duration
Course/location : Blair, NE (USA)
Performance : 13 h 12 min
Pilot : Richard JAWORSKI (USA)
Balloon : Cameron Balloons RJ-32
Date : 18.02.2006
Previous record : 8h 39 min (20.03.1986 - Coy FOSTER, USA)
====================================================================
Claim number : 14015
Size category AX-05 (Hot-air balloons: 900 to 1 200 m3)
General Category Type of record : Duration
Course/location : Blair, NE (USA)
Performance : 13 h 12 min
Pilot : Richard JAWORSKI (USA)
Balloon : Cameron Balloons RJ-32
Date : 18.02.2006
Previous record : 12h 21 min (10.02.2001 - William CLONINGER, USA)
====================================================================
FAI congratulates the pilot on his splendid achievement.
Rich was also named 2005 Nebraska State Champion Hot Air Balloon Pilot by the BFA, based on his standing in the BFA's year end National Ranking List. This is in addition to his being named Pilot of the Year at the Iowa Balloonist Association annual meeting on March 4. Congratulations, Rich!
May 12, 2006. The May/June 2006 issue of Ballooning, the journal of the BFA, featured a cover story on Rich Jaworski's record-setting flight. The five-page article is accompanied by photos taken by NBC members Joanne Ragle, Pam James, Matthew Grote, and Luckie Lawrence. Rich offered a preview of the article in the March edition of the NBC newsletter.
Also featured in the same issue of Ballooning was an interview with pionnering balloonist and NBC member, Rob Bartholomew. Rob learned to fly balloons just a couple of years after Rich, so it is fitting that these two seasoned veterans of LTA appear in the same publication.
FAA Seeking Changes to Aircraft Registration and Re-Registration Rules;
Public Commentary Invited through May 28, 2008
14 CFR Part 47
[Docket No. FAA-2008-0188; Notice No. 08-02]
RIN 2120-AI89
Re-Registration and Renewal of Aircraft Registration
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to amend requirements concerning the registration of aircraft. This proposal is based on the need to increase and maintain the accuracy of aircraft registration information in the Civil Aviation Registry. The proposed procedures would ensure aircraft owners periodically provide information regarding changes in registration. These amendments would respond to the concerns of law enforcement and other government agencies and would provide more accurate, up-to-date aircraft registration information to all users of the Civil Aviation Registry database.
DATES: Send your comments on or before May 28, 2008. Send your comments on the proposed information collection requirements on or before May 28, 2008.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments identified by Docket Number FAA-2008-0188 using any of the following methods:
From the text of the NPRM: "Under this proposal, aircraft owners desiring to maintain registration would have to re-register their aircraft within a specified time period. Re-registered aircraft would receive a Certificate with an expiration date, as would all new Certificates issued after the date of the rule. Thereafter, the Certificate would expire three years from the date of issuance, but would be renewable for successive three-year terms upon completion and submission of a brief renewal request form and payment of the applicable fee. A registered aircraft owner would have to promptly file reregistration and renewal actions."
"...the FAA is pursuing fairer, more cost-based funding for the future. One of the FAA’s goals for its pending reauthorization is to match FAA funding more closely with the costs of providing services... A provision in the FAA Financing Reform Proposal would, if enacted, increase the re-registration and renewal fee to $45, based on direct and allocable indirect unit costs of the FAA Registry’s Aircraft Registration Branch and an allowance for FAA Headquarters’ overhead."
(Editor's Note: This is Fee-Based Funding, which is actively opposed by the AOPA, EAA, BFA, and other General Aviation groups, as well as numerous members of both houses of Congress, and was not supported in a report produced by the General Accounting Office.)
For the complete text of the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking as printed in the Federal Register, see http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E8-3822.pdf. Note that comments must be received on or before May 28, 2008.
Lincoln Approach Consolidation with Omaha TRACON
April 7, 2008 - In the April/May issue of Pireps, the Nebraska Dept. of Aeronautics newsletter, it was announced that the Lincoln Approach Control will be consolidated with Omaha TRACON as of August 14, 2008. Recent improvements to the automation system installed at Omaha TRACON included the capability of multiple radar feeds. Starting May 1, Omaha TRACON will begin controlling Lincoln TRACON traffic during limited times of the day to test system integrity and train Omaha TRACON controllers on Lincoln's sector traffic.
The telephone number for Omaha TRACON is (402) 294-3631.
New Pilot Ratings / New Balloons
June 22, 2008 - Piloting Steve Lacroix's Propane Addiction in his first solo flight, Scott Konvalin completed a successful 40 minute flight from the Billones Balloonport to Chalco Hills this morning, complete with a stand-up, roadside landing below the Wehrspahn Lake dam. Congratulations, Scott!!
)
March 15, 2008 - At long last, Matthew Grote has allowed the world to gaze in wonder at his new balloon, Jester Unwindz. Although Matthew actually took delivery of Jester on the 12th, he waited (impatiently) until Saturday's scheduled Club Flight at Lake Zorinsky for the official unveiling. Matthew's parents, Ray and Ruthe, joined Matthew on his first flight in the new National AX-8 for a 30-minute hop from Zorinsky to Chalco Hills. Accompanying Matthew were Rich Jaworski and Luckie Lawrence in Euphoria, and Steve Lacroix, Janet Meadows and Red McDonald in Propane Addiction. After landing, Matthew put on a 20-minute "photo-op" before finally packing it away. Congratulations, Matthew!
)
August 25, 2007 - There's something familiar about Rich Jaworski's latest balloon, a National 105,000 ft3. Like the five that preceded it, the envelope is red and white, and is nearly identical in appearance, down to the white pennants and striped scoop, to his previous Aerostar AX-7. Rich started assisting in the construction of the envelope this winter at the National Balloon shop in Patterson, IA, but time got the better of him and he ended up turning it over to Louise Clemons to put on the finishing touches. Rich took "Euphoria Grande" on her first Nebraska flight this morning from the Sarpy County Fairgrounds in Springfield. Click the photo at right for a better look at Rich's new heavy hauler. Photo: Matthew Grote
June 30, 2007 - Matthew Grote has completed yet one more significant step in a journey that began when he first laid hands on a hot air balloon at the age of one. Under the watchful eye of DFE Rob Bartholomew, this morning in Carlisle, IA, Matthew successfully demonstrated his command of Grote's not Rich and his mastery of the requirements for the Commercial Pilot Hot Air Balloon rating. Assisting Matthew on his flight were his mom and dad, Ruthe and Ray. Congratulations, Matthew!
November 4, 2006 - Jim Gunhus, pilot of Yellow Bird has completed his path to earning his Commercial Pilot Hot Air Balloon rating. Jim passed his checkride in Carlisle with examiner Rob Bartholomew. Assisting Jim were his wife and Crew Chief, Jenni, and NBC members Kent, Kellie and Ashley Dinkleman. Although the takeoff was brisk (Jim said winds were reported as 9 kts at Des Moines), the 40 minute flight concluded in a stand-up landing, witnessed by Bill &Louise Clemons and Brad Temeyer. Congratulations, Jim! (We hope Rob spelled your name right, even if he can't say it!)
October 1, 2006 - Ginnie Martin has obtained her LTA student pilot license. Ginnie and her dad, Bil, are frequent crew for Kryptonite. Welcome, Ginnie!
September 6, 2006 - Nine months and 1 day after upgrading his ASEL private pilot license to include an LTA Free Balloon rating, Rob Skiba has added "Commercial Pilot" privileges for Free Balloons to his certificate. Rob completed his checkride with Rob Bartholomew on Wednesday evening, flying across Carlisle, IA, as Rob's instructors Mike Shrum and Tom Peterson, along with Rick Wollen, assisted as crew. Congratulations Rob!
July 16, 2006 - Ron Dobesh has successfully demonstrated his mastery of the art of Aerostation. Ron passed his Private Pilot LTA Free Balloon with Airborne Heater checkride with FAA Designated Examiner Rob Bartholomew this morning in Carlisle, IA. WAY TO GO RON!!!
Delaware, Ohio, April 28, 2006 - Following a thorough inspection and test flight, Steve and Elane Lacroix took delivery of their new (to them) balloon, an Aerostar AX-8, shown at left. The Lacroixs have renamed the balloon Propane Addiction, and are calling their balloon ride, instruction, and aerial advertising business "Scenic Wind Balloon Tours."
Ron Dobesh has been training under Steve's instruction, and he and his wife Misty have purchased Blue Taz (formerly known as "Second Wind"). Ron is working toward his solo, now that he has his own balloon in which to practice.
May 31, 2006 - Ron soloed Blue Taz in a flight of 1.5 hours that took him from Lake Zorinsky across the Platte River for a distance of just over 10 miles. Congratulations, Ron!
May 1, 2006 - Rob Skiba has completed Levels 1 and 2 of the BFA Pilot Achievement Award Program. Look for Rob's name to appear in the next issue of the BFA newsletter, Skylines.
On Sunday, February 19, 2006, Ron Dobesh and Scott Konvalin passed the FAA Knowledge Exam, following the Ground School in Carlisle, IA. Congratulations, Ron and Scott!
Tony Lamb of Lincoln, who crews for Steve and Elane Lacroix, has obtained his student pilot's license. Welcome to the skies, Tony!
Wayne Mohring of Wild Goose provided this recounting of his LTA Commercial checkride on February 4, 2006:
"We launched in a valley north of Indianola in a stiff 1 mph breeze. About 300 agl the winds increased and we managed to fly 5 miles in just shy of an hour before landing, still north of Indianola. Kind of a boring flight as far as they go, so Rob got a lot of the oral examination out of the way in the basket and he did a few more minutes back at the balloonport. He picked out a field from about a mile away and said to land there.
"The most exiting part of the flight was the landing. Coming into the corner of a small, roughly 5 acre hay field about 75 feet above power lines the wind was blowing all of about 4 mph. With the basket maybe 20 feet off the ground we suddenly picked up to around 8 or 9 with a 20 degree left turn component. We thought the left would be there, but the speed caught both of us by surprise as there was no indication on the surface the winds were blowing that strong. And on the surface it wasn't, we were back to around 2 - 3 mph. But with the envelope still in the faster winds a stand-up landing was aborted and I deflated as soon as we landed. We hit pretty hard, too, the sudden increase in wind speed created a false heavy and down we came. Very odd, as there were no trees, the only thing around with any height was the power lines. After Rob had thought about it for a few minutes, he said that because of the wind direction I had to do a steep descent into the field like I did. A shallow descent would have caused us to miss it altogether. And with the power lines in play and an increasing lack of field to work with, he acknowledged that was the only way I could have made the landing there.
"I figure he gave me my commercial certificate because I either demonstrated all around competency or he just didn't want to go through that again."
Congratulations, Wayne!
Rob Skiba of Omaha, completed his transition from fixed wing to lighter-than-air on January 5, 2006 in Albuquerque, NM. Along with his wife, Glenda and son, Cole, the Skibas have been active crewmembers for many NBC pilots over the past year. Now, they prepare to take to the skies in their own balloon, Kryptonite. Congratulations, Rob!
Matthew Grote of Omaha, Nebraska, after more than 15 years of chasing and crewing, on November 20th, 2005, fulfilled all the requirements and successfully completed the flight examination for his Private license! Yes, Matthew became involved in ballooning at a very early age and has crewed for and supported just about every pilot in the Nebraska Balloon Club (NBC). He has been a very patient student, completing his instruction over the last three years. Matthew recently waited several months since completing his instruction for the right conditions in his own life to allow him to take the flight exam. He was awarded the NBC's "Crew Person of the Year" award in January 2005 for his help and support to our little balloon community. Making ballooning easier and happier are what Mr. Matthew Grote does for the pilot when he is on the crew.
As a crew member, Matthew did not crew for his own entertainment, but contributed to the flight's success though his physical, mental, interpersonal, and musical capabilities. Hey! He can sing well too! He took great professional-quality balloon photographs and shared them with everyone on the crew. His jokes and wit made even the most difficult situation fun for everyone. We will all miss having Matthew as crew.Please congratulate Matthew Grote on reaching this milestone in his
ballooning endeavors.
- Rich Jaworski
Tom Peterson, past president of the Nebraska Balloon Club, earned his Commercial Pilot certificate on Saturday, November 5, 2005 in Carlisle, Iowa. Tom reports his "first landing was better than his second, but the plowed field cushioned the descent (somewhat)." Tom wasted no time exercising the rights and priveleges of the certificate, giving his first lesson the very next day on his return to Omaha.
Congratulations to Jeff Reid, who earned his Private Pilot wings on Sunday, August 28, 2005.
Steve Lacroix, last year's NBC Rookie Pilot of the Year, earned his Commercial Rating on Saturday morning, July 9, 2005. Steve's checkride was signed off by Rob Bartholomew, and as Steve reports, they landed in the very field from which he launched on his Private Pilot checkride. Congratulations, Steve!
FAR 91.119 and FAA NPRM #2007-29291
The BFA has issued the following statement in regard to the FAA's recent release of a Notice of Proposed Rule Making, FAA NPRM #2007-29291:
FAA NPRM # FAA-2007-29291 is not 91.119 related.The recently issued FAA NPRM #FAA-2007-29291 has created an undue sense of urgency in recent days regarding balloonists’ long hoped for revision of FAR 91.119 - minimum safe altitudes. In fact, this NPRM is not intended to address that issue. This is a routine NPRM that allows the FAA to seek public comment on FARs they feel are unnecessary or have a negative economic impact. Indeed this NPRM might be likened to a simple "Suggestion Box." Its purpose is to bring attention to issues the public feels need review that are not already under consideration by the FAA. It does not warrant a massive letter writing campaign to revise 91.119.
In fact, the BFA/Quad A petition to revise FAR 91.119 is already under serious review with a NPRM pending. Following a one year study that included the gathering and analysis of GPS- supported altitude data, the FAA agreed with our premise that balloons need to be able to operate at altitudes lower than current minimums for optimum safety. In effect, they agreed to the need to revise 91.119. At that time the project was put on hold for lack of FAA budgetary funds to proceed with the NPRM process. However, this past July the BFA received notice from the FAA that the decision was made to "commit agency resources to complete the project." Again in effect, the FAA now has agreed to issue a NPRM to revise 91.119. This does not guarantee a change. It merely means the FAA will (eventually) issue our proposed revision for public comment in the form of a NPRM. It remains for the FAA to assign a priority for this rulemaking effort, draft the NPRM, review it, and then publish the NPRM. That is the NPRM we so anxiously await and that will be the time for supporting comments.
No timetable was promised for the completion of this project and we know the FAA regulatory process does not move quickly. However, you can be certain the BFA leadership is monitoring our 91.119 petition and will immediately announce the release of this important NPRM and issue a timely call for your support.
Andy Baird
President, BFA
View the original BFA document here.
Wakefield, NE Hot Air Balloon Festival
Pilots (l-r) Gary Palmer, Matthew Grote, Bill Smith, Ron Dobesh,
Alan Paul, Wayne Mohring, John Gunderson, Kim Rosenboom.
Not pictured: Rob Skiba, Tom Peterson
The fourth annual Wakefield Hot Air Balloon Festival took place October 12-14, 2007. This year's event attracted 10 balloons from Nebraska, Iowa, and South Dakota. Although Mother Nature did not bring favorable weather for the weekend, event organizers, balloonists, and visitors adapted to the situation.
Pilots begain arriving Friday afternoon to tour the school and meet with their elementary classes. Rob Skiba, Tom Peterson, and Alan Paul made a presentation at an all-school assembly, including video from the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, from which Skiba and Peterson had just returned. They were then joined by Matthew Grote and Kim Rosenboom, before adjourning outside to begin preparations for an informal launch.
Five balloons became ten with the arrival of Bill Smith, John Gunderson, Gary Palmer, Wayne Mohring, and Ron Dobesh. Soon a stream of balloons dotted the sky to the south of Wakefield, with many making several passenger exchanges in an effort to fly as many people as possible. The darkening western sky and distant rumble of thunder brought an end to the evening's flight, and as rain settled in at sunset, it signaled the end of the weekend's planned flights.
For more Wakefield photos, see the Photos page
Saturday morning saw pilots Grote, Dobesh, Skiba and Peterson putting on a "dawn glow/candle burn" under lowering clouds and breezy winds. The Wakefield Republican newspaper estimated 50 to 100 people turned out hoping to see a morning launch. The return of rain showers at mid-morning caused the food vendors and balloon walk to regroup in the school gym/multi-purpose room. Using two school-provided electric fans, Bill Smith's walk-in balloon was inflated and nearly 100 kids spent nearly 3 hours playing inside. In the absence of wind, it was so easy to maintain the balloon walk throughout the afternoon that we may see it moved inside in future years, regardless of weather.
Once again, thanks to all those who make this event possible each year, including the Wakefield Community Club, host families, Eileen Petit, and Alan Paul. See you in 2008!
Sarpy County Fair and Sesquicentennial
OK, time for another Latin pop-quiz. How long is a "Sesquicentennial?" You, in the front row - did you say "150 years?" That's correct! To celebrate Sarpy County, Nebraska's 150th anniversary, the Sarpy County Fair and Sarpy County Tourism invited balloonists from the NBC to put on a show at this year's Fair in Springfield. Plans were made for two balloon glows on Thursday and Friday nights and a balloon flight on Saturday. A few of the balloons not attending Indianola (Skiba, Peterson, Dobesh and Reid) met on the fairgrounds adjacent to the midway and patiently waited for the winds to subside. As sunset neared, balloon baskets were prepared with "Plains to Planes" banners, and as the gusts decreased the inflator fans roared to life. Kryptonite was first to inflate, followed briefly by Dreamtime and Blue Taz. Rob must have had the better position, for the gusts played havoc with the other balloons, forcing Peterson and Dobesh to rip out shortly after standup. A few minutes later, following a "go for it" vote from the crew, Dreamtime restarted the inflation and stood with Kryptonite for a 30-minute glow. Friday's forecast was more unsettled than had been Thursday's, and thunderstorms over Beatrice were visible on the horizon. The winds softened long enough to permit Skiba, Dobesh and Peterson to once again inflate for a 30-minute glow, with the assistance of some specators (thanks, Tony!) to provide additional ballast. As twilight revealed strobes of lighting in the western sky, the balloons were quickly packed up and crews headed for refueling (corn dog, anyone?) Saturday dawned stormy, and strong winds throughout the day forced cancellation of the planned flight.
Our thanks to Linda Revis, Sarpy County Sesquicentennial Executive Committee Chair, and to the Sarpy County Fair Board for inviting us to be part of the Sarpy County 150th celebration.
Portsmouth (IA) Quasquicentennial
For those whose Latin is rusty, Quasquicentennial means "125th Anniversary." Portsmouth is located about 11 miles north of the I-80/I-680 junction on Highway 191. As part of their three-day celebration, July 27-29, 2007, the Portsmouth 125 Committee invited five NBC balloonists to stage a Saturday night balloon glow and Sunday morning balloon launch. Pilots Ron Dobesh, Cathy Luenenborg, Alan Paul, Tom Peterson, and Rob Skiba and their crews made the trek to Portsmouth on Saturday afternoon.
Overnight accommodations had been arranged for us at a wonderful Victorian bed-and-breakfast in Earling, IA, run by Sherry Leinen, and this was our first stop. Each room in this beautiful home had a different theme, and the attention to detail by Sherry over five years of loving restoration was very evident. After dropping off our luggage and a quick check of the radar on cable, it was back to Portsmouth. The celebration was in full swing as we arrived, with water fights just getting underway. For those who have never witnessed one of these, it is like a reverse tug-of-war with fire hoses. An empty beer keg is suspended from a cable about 25' in the air. Opposing teams attempt to push the keg along the cable with the stream of water from their hoses. There were several "heats" (soaks?) throughout the afternoon, but the food tent (and hungry crew) called us away before the winner was decided. A car show, midway booths, beer tent, and a chainsaw sculptor filled Main Street and surrounding blocks. We ate and gawked until the sultry afternoon air drove us to seek shelter (and air conditioning) back in Earling for a brief rest before the evening's scheduled balloon glow.
Meanwhile, Mother Nature had invited a series of party-crashers to the event. Rainstorms dotted the area, dropping rain on Earling and leading us to wonder whether we would be able to carry out the balloon glow. Apprehensively, we headed back to Portsmouth again, exiting the rain just a few miles down the road. We got out a few baskets for show and answered questions, all the while watching a rain shower over Harlan approaching from the east. Flight Service called our attention to another storm near Logan approaching from the west; which would reach us first? In the end, the Harlan storm won, and as rain began falling, we resigned ourselves to packing up baskets and burners and cancelling the evening's glow.
Next morning, we arose to hot coffee, breakfast casserole, juice and donuts, all courtesy of our hostess, Sherry. Flight service told us that the area was clear of storms, and that calm or light northeast winds awaited. Back to Portsmouth once again to find out what the rains had done to our launch field. The oat stubble and sparse alfalfa were damp and spongy, and there was much concern about what conditions might be found on landing further to our west. In the end, a compromise was reached, with four balloons electing to inflate on the field and tether, rather than attempt brief flights into the unknown. And so, for the next 90 minutes, we entertained the breakfast crowd at the pancake feed and gave tether rides to young and old. One woman said "she thought it was better that we didn't fly, as they got to see more of the balloons this way." We agreed. We've promised to make it up to the four sponsors who missed out on the flight that morning, and will work out details of when and where they will get their flights, perhaps at a future NBC club flight. Stay tuned for details.
Steve Lacroix named BFA 2006 Top Rookie Pilot
Steve Lacroix of Omaha, NE was named the 2006 BFA Top Rookie Pilot at the Competition Commitee's Spring Meeting in Houston, held on March 31 and April 1. Steve amassed 8460.1 points for 11 sanctioned tasks, an average of 769.1 points per task, good for an overall ranking of 18th and a $300 prize.
Other NBC pilots placing in the national rankings were Matt Fenster in 7th place, with an average of 834.0 points for 15 tasks. Matt was also the 2006 NBC Champion. Matt took home $175 as his share of a $5000 fund donated to the BFA Competition Committee for the express purpose of awarding the top competitive pilots based on the National Points Rankings. Jim Gunhus and Rob Skiba, both of Omaha, finished in 63rd and 64th places, respectively. Congratulations to each of these pilots on their achievements!
IWCC Balloon Fair Ends Eight-year Run
It is with regret that we announce the end of one of the area's premier ballooning events. We wish to thank Jo Kossow of the Iowa Western Community College Foundation, and Dr. Kinney and all the faculty and students of Iowa Western Community College for our outstanding relationship - we are sorry to see the event end, but it ends on top in our book!
"After many hours of in-depth discussions and financial consideration Iowa Western Community College Foundation has decided that we will no longer host the "Lighter Than Air Balloon Fair". Given the rising cost of hosting the event along with the labor intensive work required to secure sponsorships, we have decided that it would be in the College’s best interest for us to pursue some new areas of fundraising and building donor relationships.
"We have all thoroughly enjoyed the eight years of working with the Nebraska Balloon Club. And we hope that you each will still continue to be supporters of Iowa Western Community College as you fly those beautiful balloons across the countryside.
"We send our best wishes for the future of the Nebraska Balloon Club."
Sincerely,
Jo Kossow, Executive Director
Iowa Western Community College Foundation
What does this mean for the future of ballooning in Eastern Nebraska and Western Iowa? As the saying goes, "When one door closes, another door opens." While no event can replace the IWCC Balloon Fair (just as that event could not replace River City Roundup), a number of area events are in the planning stages. Last September's successful balloon flights at Applefest in Woodbine, IA and May's Wine & Blues Festival at Soaring Wings Vineyard in Springfield, NE are both expected to repeat this year. Balloonists have been invited to participate in the Portsmouth, IA 125th Anniversary Celebration July 28-29th, and the Sarpy County Fair in Springfield, NE August 1-5th. And plans are being made to return a major ballooning event to John C. Fremont Days in Fremont, NE this July 13-15. Finally, we've enjoyed three successful years at the Wakefield Hot Air Balloon Festival. In short, we hope to continue providing lots of opportunities for the public to witness the magical spectacle of groups of balloons in flight.
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