VOLUME 49 ISSUE 3 MARCH 2022 Albuquerque Aerostat Ascension Association and Education Monthly Publication General Meeting Tuesday Apr. 26, 2022 THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS Diamond Rainbow Ryders Aerco Fly Albuquerque Platinum Anderson/Abruzzo Balloon Museum Foundation Pinnacle Propane Silver Flying Walker Gold Airborne Heat Ballooning Risk Placement Services Inc. Aviation Insurance Resources
Contents aaaa cloudbouncer MARCH 2022 Advertise with Us ADVERTISING RATES Full Page ........................$110.00 Half Page .......................$55.00 Quarter Page .................$28.00 1/8 Ad .............................$14.00 All advertisements must be prepaid with a credit card. The deadline for advertisements is the third Friday of the month. Email advertisments to Beth Wright-Smith [email protected]. An invoice will be emailed to you as well as payment instructions. SEND US YOUR PHOTOS We love to share your photos! Submit your best captured moments, when and where they were taken, and we will publish them in cominng issues. They can be sent to [email protected] COVER PhotoCredit: Doug Gantt PHOTO CREDIT: Triston Garcia 1.............. AAAA Board of Directors 2.............. Recent and Upcoming Events 4.............. Board Meeting Minutes 5.............. General Meeting Minutes 6.............. Committee Reports 7.............. Election Results 8-9 .......... Treasurer’s Reports 10-11 ...... Flying Event 12............ Crew Development 18............ Directory of Agencies & Services 20............ Member Birthdays 21............ Membership Application Stay Connected and Up-to-Date Look for announcements, video links, safety seminars Albuquerque Aerostat Ascension Association https://bit.ly/AAAAvideo hotairballooning.org
aaaa cloudbouncer MARCH 2022 AAAA Board of Directors PRESIDENT JENNIFER GARCIA ph: 505.274.8096 email: [email protected] SECRETARY TAYLOR CALDWELL email: [email protected] FLYING EVENTS DOUG GANTT email: [email protected] EDUCATION PEG BILSON email: [email protected] CREW DEVELOPMENT SUE PALMER email: [email protected] COMMUNITY RELATIONS JASON BURNS email: [email protected] VICE PRESIDENT PETER CUNEO email: [email protected] TREASURER DICK RICE ph:505.239.0200 email: [email protected] SPECIAL EVENTS ELISA BUSTAMANTE email: [email protected] WAYS & MEANS KAREN CONVERSE email: [email protected] The Cloudbouncer is a monthly publication of the AAAA Edication Foundation. P.O. Box 90160; Albuquerque, New Mexico 87199-0160 The AAAA Education Foundation strives to provide the most valuable forum. Editorials are solely opinions of the authors and do not express the official view of AAAA. We authorize the reprinting of any content for the free exchange of information within the AAAA with credit to the author and AAAA Cloudbouncer as the source. Acceptance of advertising cannot imply endorsement of products or services by AAAA nor Cloudbouncer Editor, Publisher or Staff. Please send articles and photos to www.hotairballooning.org. Deadline for all submissions is the Friday after the General Meeting. Artcles, photographs and advertisments received after the deadline will be published in a future issue if they are still relevant. 1
aaaa cloudbouncer MARCH 2022 Recent & Upcoming Events APRIL Happy 50th Anniverasry Balloon Fiesta April 8,2022 April Flying Event April 9, 2022 6:15 am Education Committee Meeting April 11, 2022 6:00 pm April Board Meeting April 25, 2022 6:00 pm April Membership Meeting April 26, 2022 6:30 pm 2 Elizabeth Wright-Smith 505.604.2865 • • info airborneheat.com @ airborneheat.com Pilot School: • FAR pt 141 training from the most experienced instructor in the Southwest • Flexible schedules. One-on-one flight or ground school • Private, commercial or add-ons • Biennial flight reviews Cameron Balloon Sales: Buy from a dealer with over 20 years experience flying and selling Cameron balloons without overhead costs. Designated Pilot Examiner: Available for private, commercial or add-on rating check rides in the Albuquerque area
aaaa cloudbouncer MARCH 2022 3 FOR MORE INFORMATION DOWNLOAD OUR OFFICIAL APP Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta OCTOBER 1-9, 2022
aaaa cloudbouncer MARCH 2022 Board Meeting Minutes 4 BOARD MEETING MINUTES Monday March 21, 2022 AAAA President, Jennifer called the meeting to order at 5:32 PM. Members present were: Jennifer (President); Dick (Treasurer); Taylor (Secretary); Doug (Flying Events); Sue (Crew Development); Karen (Ways & Means); Peg (Education) and Jason (Community Relations). Members absent: Elisa (Special Events). The minutes for the January board meeting and February board meeting were motioned for approval. Sue motioned, Peter seconded. The minutes were approved as written. Vice President (Peter) – The LOA needs to be discussed with membership. Looks like April general meeting will be the month for this. The museum room will be reorganized for this month’s general meeting to accommodate the food and the silent auction. The plaques for the 2020 and 2021 top 5 flying event winners have been picked up and are ready to go. Treasurer (Dick) – Both entities are in the black. Expenses were higher for Friend’s and Lover’s, but that is okay because we have money in the bank. Everything is looking pretty good and Education continues to bring in much of the revenue. Secretary (Taylor) – New members for consideration include Paul Rightley, Shane Shipman, Mark Yocom, and Brian Smith. Dick motioned to approve new members. Sue seconded, new members were approved. Committee reports were presented and will be in the Cloudbouncer. New Business: A. Transition Items • Make sure to start getting all of your area’s stuff together in the chance that you will be transitioned from your current board seat. • If you are transitioned from your seat, please try and be available for the newcomer as they take on this new role. B. LOA • Individual AAAA members can fly within the limits of the LOA • Individuals outside of the ride operators and approved clubs have to apply for the LOA themselves. However, this is not a great option as the time this will take to get approved will be considerably longer. • Groups of 10 or more need to contact air traffic control to let them know balloons are headed into Class C airspace. • Nothing is finalized yet, pilots cannot be flying into Class C airspace until everything is signed. We don’t want to lose this before we get it. Peter motioned to adjourn, Dick seconded. Meeting adjourned at 6:16PM. Submitted by Taylor Caldwell, AAAA Secretary
aaaa cloudbouncer MARCH 2022 5 GENERAL MEETING MINUTES Tuesday March 22, 2022 Our President, Jennifer, called the meeting to order at 6:30 PM with a welcome and a thank you to those in attendance. New pilots, new ratings, new balloons, ballooning in the community, and guests were all introduced. Jennifer noted that the silent auction was open and we dove right into Flying Event Awards. Awards: 2020 2021 1. Joe Candelaria 1. Trenten Caldwell 2. Rebecca De Santis 2. Ray Bair 3. Al Lowenstein 3. Barbara Fricke 4. Trenten Caldwell 4. Paul Smith 5. Barbara Fricke 5. Bobby Richardson Board reports were presented: Vice President (Peter) – Talked a little bit about the LOA and the meeting that is taking place this Friday the 25th. Also mentioned that the April meeting will be a more in depth conversation about this. Secretary (Taylor) - Welcome to all of our new members, Paul Rightley, Shane Shipman, Mark Yocom, and Brian Smith. Treasurer (Dick) - We are still in the black, the pie charts speak for themselves. Any questions send to Dick. Committee reports were presented and will be in the Cloudbouncer. Other Ballooning Organizations: BFA – No representation VFRS – The St. Patty’s Day Rally was awesome and the event was able to raise over $5,000 to go to charity. Top Gun (Will F.) – RGC is coming up so make sure to sign up for that. AIBF (Jennifer Garcia) – Pilot application will close March 31st. Our first round of approvals will go out March 25th. Balloon Museum – No Representation Winners of Board Elections: President: Blair Kaufman Education: Peg Billson Treasurer: Dick Rice Flying Events: Doug Gantt Crew Development: Sue Palmer Special Events: Chris McCord Congratulations to all winners and thank you to everyone who continues to keep this organization moving forward. See you all at the next flying event. Meeting adjourned. Submitted by Taylor Caldwell, AAAA Secretary General Meeting Minutes
aaaa cloudbouncer MARCH 2022 Committee Reports 6 Vice President-Peter The April AAAA General Meeting discussion topic will be the status and implications of the Letter of Understanding (LOA) waiving the requirement for ADS-B (out) electronics on balloons in the Albuquerque Class Charlie Airspace. We hope to have a final, signed LOA by the April Meeting. Education-Peg Thirteen students attended on in-person Private Pilot Ground School the first weekend in March. It was great to be back in person! There is still time to register for the in-person Commercial Pilot Ground School scheduled for April 29-May 1st! Go to the AAAA On-line Store. In cooperation with the Crew Development Committee, a comprehensive on-line Crew Training Course is being developed. We are striving for an August 1 go-live! Flying Events-Doug It was a beautiful day for a club competition up in Rio Rancho even if we did have to move from Fiesta Field. Twenty pilots scored with Frank Bacon’s toss coming 1.86 meters from the X. See photos on pages 10-11. Crew Development - Sue The winds were very tricky for most of the pilots for the March flying event. What should have been, wasn’t. What seemed improbable, was somehow probable. As a result two only two teams were able to make it to the Crew D target. Both were really great throws. However Team Tentai - The Sequel was nearest to the center of the target, with a distance of 9’6” This earned them 75 points in the overall total. They are now the team in first place. Team Sunset Rise was the only other balloon to make it to the target, with a distance of 12’9”earning 50 points. See photos on page 12. 2020 2021 1.Joe Candelaria 2.Rebecca DeSantis 3.Al Lowenstein 4.Trenten Caldwell 5.Barbara Fricke 1. Trenten Caldwell 2. Ray Bair 3. Barbara Fricke 4. Paul Smith 5. Bobby Richardson Flying Event Awards
aaaa cloudbouncer MARCH 2022 7 2022 Election Results We had a great voter response this year - BTW, 70% turnout. 74% of votes were done electronically 26% on paper. Below are your new electees. Blair Kaufman PRESIDENT Dick Rice TREASURER Sue Palmer CREW DEVELOPMENT Doug Gantt FLYING EVENTS Peg Bilson EDUCATION Chris McCord SPECIAL EVENTS
aaaa cloudbouncer MARCH 2022 AAAA Treasurer’s Report 8 AAAA Statement of Receipts and Disbursements with Budget Comparisons Albuquerque Aerostat Ascension Association AAAA Education Foundation Treasurer’s Report February 28, 2022 COMMENTS: Well, here we are, nine months into our Fiscal year and both entities in the black. A job well done by all of our committees and the chairperson leading them. Membership is up as is Education. We are slowly but surely returning to where we were before all the turmoil. CASH: Cash on hand at the end of February in the Education Foundation was $45,547 compared to $39,981 for the same period last year, and The AAAA Club cash was $29,123 compared to $17,233 for the same period last year. INCOME STATEMENT: At the end of February, we were showing an excess of revenue over disbursements of $9,872 in the Education Foundation compared to $2,148 for the same period last year. Excess revenue over disbursements in the AAAA Club were $2,080 compared to $3,334 for the same period last year. Closing Comments: You will find in this issue of the CloudBouncer a one page summary of both the Education Foundation and the AAAA Club Statements of Receipts and Disbursements with Budget Comparison along with illustrative Pie Charts, which I hope you will take the time to review. I welcome any questions, comments, or thoughts for improvement. Dick Rice Treasurer [email protected] AAAA Statement of Receipts & Disbursements with Budget Comparison Nine months ended Annual Budget 01/31/22 6/1/2021-5/31/2022 Ordinary Income/Expenses Income Other Types of Income 0.00 0.00 Membership 10,594.45 17,000.00 Board & Administration 494.63 20.00 Flying Events 0.00 3,500.00 Programs 0.00 0.00 Total Income 11,089.08 20,520.00 Expenses Flying Events 247.53 4,500.00 Special Events 1,000.00 3,500.00 Membership 3.06 500.00 Facilities and Equipment 0.00 0.00 Board and Administration 1,080.44 3,115.00 Other Types of Expenses - Insurance 1,802.55 2,400.00 Programs 4,875.45 6,505.00 Community Relations 0.00 0.00 Total Expenses 9,009.03 20,520.00 Net Ordinary Income 2,080.05 0.00 INCOME EXPENSES Febuary 28, 2022
aaaa cloudbouncer MARCH 2022 9 AAAA Education Foundation Treasurer’s Report AAAA Education Foundation Incomne and Expense Comparison with Budget AAAA Education Foundation Income & Expense Comparison with Budget Nine months ended Annual Budget 2/28/2022 6/1/2021 - 5/31/2022 Ordinary Income/Expense Income Chase Crew Development 0.00 1,500.00 Communications ‐100.00 1,100.00 Dividends 42.49 100.00 Education 28,688.11 29,500.00 Special Events 10,943.00 25,600.00 Ways & Means 15,940.53 13,000.00 Direct Public Support 0.00 300.00 Other Types of Income 67.20 100.00 Total Income 55,581.33 71,200.00 Expense Communications 2,070.40 1,700.00 Chase Crew Development 687.64 2,000.00 Education 10,423.55 21,000.00 Special Events 29,336.50 33,850.00 Ways & Means ‐1,166.30 9,500.00 Board and Miscellaneous 2,566.88 350.00 Facilities and Equipment 0.00 0.00 Operations 1,790.74 2,800.00 Total Expense 45,709.41 71,200.00 Net Income 9,871.92 0.00 INCOME EXPENSES
10 aaaa cloudbouncer MARCH 2022 Flying Event The Top Five for the day are: Frank Bacon, Al Lowenstein, Jerry Garcia, Jeff Ashworth, and Trent Caldwell. Scores are posted and standings are up to date for the year, with less than 350 points separating the Top Five. They are: Al Lowenstein, Jerry Garcia, Paul Smith, Karen Converse, and Keith Takach.
aaaa cloudbouncer MARCH 2022 11 PHOTO CREDIT: Doug Gantt
12 aaaa cloudbouncer MARCH 2022 PHOTO CREDIT: Sue Palmer Crew Development Congratulations to Team Sunrise and Team Tentai-the Sequel! Standings have been updated on the Crew D page at the AAAA website. Fly safe!
aaaa cloudbouncer MARCH 2022 13 Welcome Balloonists! We have refueling adaptors for all tank types. Ask us about supporting your ballooning event. 6400 Edith Blvd. Albuquerque, NM 87107 Osuna to Edith and 1 block south on Edith 505-389-2620 Monday thru Friday 8am to 5pm Saturday 8am to Noon
14 aaaa cloudbouncer MARCH 2022 PHOTO CREDIT: Doug Gantt DONATION REQUEST There is a request from the Ronald McDonald House regarding a “balloon basket” donation. They are remodeling the space to look as if the “basket” occupant(s) are in the air over Albuquerque - The wall space is 9’6” wide (in between fire alarms) and 7’6” high. - We would like the basket to include the uprights. - The guests will be getting in and out of the basket for photo ops. - We only need one basket. Please contact Stephanie with any questions: Stephanie Prendergast Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, Inc. 4401 Alameda Blvd NE Albuquerque, NM 87113 o. 505.821.1000 ext. 136
aaaa cloudbouncer MARCH 2022 15 With our new competitive pricing and our constant commitment to customer service, get a quote and compare your coverages in minutes. All our agents are pilots, we’re here with you, committed to the future. 301-898-2120 WWW.AIR-PROS.COM/LTA Committed to the Future
aaaa cloudbouncer MARCH 2022 16 OUR MISSION IS TO UPLIFT Shoppe & Memberships Forever Legacy Tiles Partnerships balloonmuseum.com PHOTO CREDIT: Triston Garcis
aaaa cloudbouncer MARCH 2022 17 BFA SAFETY SEMINAR EVERY MARCH 523 Rankin Rd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87107 (505)344-5844 Monday - Friday 7am to 3:30pm DEALERSHIP or BY APPOINTMENT WEEKENDS AND AFTER HOURS Sew much more than Your Annual NEW BALLOON or Major rebuilds,Xperimental Inspections and Certifications, Special Shape Inspections/Maintenance/Repairs Pre-purchase inspections We stock the Factory Parts for YOU Fabric, Burner/propane, Ropes/Lines, Wicker SYSTEM / TRAILER STORAGE CONSIGNMENT SALES BANNERS We Build Tarps, Large and small! Proud host & sponsor of the Rio Grande Balloon Camp RG1R451K Conversions Albuquerque’s PREMIER BALLOON REPAIR STATION FOR 30 YEARS RUNNING THANK YOU!
18 aaaa cloudbouncer MARCH 2022 Directory of Agencies & Services PILOTS AND CREW Please review the directory of essential agencies and services provided below. This helpful guide can also be printed and added to your vehicles and baskets. POLICE/FIRE (NON-EMERGENCY) 505.841.9256.......New Mexico State Police 505.242.2677.......ABQ Police 505.833.7391.......ABQ Fire/Rescue 505.869.7913.......Kirtland AFB Police/Security 505.869.3030.......Isleta Pueblo Police 505.891.7226.......Sandoval Co. Dispatch, Rio Rancho, Corrales,Sandia Pueblo 505.798.7000.......Sandoval County Sheriff AIRPORT /TOWER FREQUENCIES & PHONE NUMBERS 505.244.7706.......ABQ International Sunport Information 505.856.4936.......Control Tower (120.3) 505.242.4044.......Ground (121.9) AWOS 505.856.4928.......ATIS (118.0) 505.352.5595.......Double Eagle II Airport Control Tower (120.15) 505.244.7888.......Ground (121.625) 505.842.2009.......AWOS (119.025) FAA 800.992.7433.......Flight Services 505.764.1200.......ABQ FSDO MISCELLANEOUS 505.241.2700.......PNM Electric 505.899.0205.......Petroglyph National Monument 505.873.6632.......ABQ Open Space
aaaa cloudbouncer MARCH 2022 ALBUQUERQUE PHOENIX SCOTTSDALE COLORADO SPRINGS FLYING IN PROUD PARTNERS OF AAAA AND THE BALLOONING COMMUNITY thank you FOR YOUR SUPPORT RAINBOWRYDERS.COM EST. 1983 The World’s Premier Balloon Event OFFICIAL RIDE OPERATOR FOR 23 YEARS 19
aaaa cloudbouncer MARCH 2022 Member Birthdays 20 Jennifer Garcia................ 1 Michael Shrum ............... 4 William Blizzard .............. 7 Steven Carpenter........... 8 Janice McCrary Rice ...... 8 Armando Sumruld.......... 10 Mary Jo Chapman .......... 11 Mike Kelly......................... 13 Neal C. Smith .................. 15 David Yob......................... 15 Jeff Hanks......................... 16 Patty Van Dyck................. 17 Deborah Rice .................. 21 Happy March Birthday! Bill Dickey ........................ 22 Michelle Sanford ............ 23 Jason Gabriel .................. 23 Colleen Procopio ............ 24 Michael Rightley ............. 27 Peyton Hoge .................... 27 Elsa Glassman................ 28 Donna Partington............ 30 Katelyn Salazar............... 30 Charles Wehner II........... 30 Evelyn L. Brickner ........... 31 Dan Talbert...................... 31 Kevin Hogan.................... 31
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A monthly publication of the Albuquerque Aerostat Ascension Association and Education Foundation Landowners Email: [email protected] Cloudbouncer Email: [email protected] AAAA P.O. Box 90160 Albuquerque, NM 87199-160 PHOTO CREDIT: Triston Garcia