VOLUME 49 ISSUE 9 SEPTEMBER 2022 Albuquerque Aerostat Ascension Association and Education Monthly Publication General Meeting Tuesday SEPT. 27, 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 Corporate Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
Contents aaaa cloudbouncer SEPTEMBER 2022 Advertise with Us ADVERTISING RATES Full Page .............................................$125.00 Half Page Horizontal .........................$65.00 Half Page Verticle...............................$60.00 One Third Page Horizontal ...............$45.00 One Third Page Verticle ....................$40.00 Quarter Page ......................................$30.00 All ad files should be in a high resolution (High Quality or Printer Quality setting) PDF format. All advertisements must be prepaid with a credit card. The deadline for advertisements is the second Friday of the month. Please email ways-means@hotairballooning. org with your requested ad size, artwork and months to be run. An invoice will be emailed to you for your ad, or you can pay for your ad by going to https://www.cognitoforms.com/AAAA23/aaaacloudbounceradform 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 coming issues. They can be sent to [email protected] COVER PHOTO CREDIT: Doug Gantt PhotoCredit: Doug Gantt 1.............. AAAA Board of Directors 2.............. Recent and Upcoming Events 4.............. Thoughts from the President 5.............. Committe Reports 6-7 .......... Meeting Minutes 8-9 .......... Treasurer’s Reports-not posted 10-11 ...... September Flying Event 16............ Classified Ads Tales from the Truck 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 SEPTEMBER 2022 AAAA Board of Directors PRESIDENT BLAIR KAUFMAN ph: 505.259.8632 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 CHRIS MC CORD email: [email protected] WAYS & MEANS KAREN CONVERSE email: [email protected] The Cloudbouncer is a monthly publication of the AAAA Education 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 in the spirit of the free exchange of information 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 [email protected]. Deadline for all submissions is the Friday after the General Meeting. Articles, photographs and advertisments received after the deadline will be published in a future issue if they are still relevant. 1
aaaa cloudbouncer SEPTEMBER 2022 Recent & Upcoming Events 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 Fiesta Safety Seminar October 4, 2022 1:00 pm Sid Cutter Pavillion-Balloon Fiesta Park 5:00 pm Sid Cutter Pavillion-Balloon Fiesta Park October Board Meeeting October 17, 2022 5:30 pm October Membership Meeting October 25, 2022 6:30 pm SEPTEMBER September Education Committee Meeting September12, 2022 6:00 pm September Board Meeeting September 19, 2022 5:30 pm September Membership Meeting September 27, 2022 6:30 pm Albuquerque Aloft September 30, 2022 6:00 am at individually assigned schools in Albuquerque and Rio Rancho OCTOBER Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® begins October 1-9, 2022 PHOTO CREDIT: Doug Gantt
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aaaa cloudbouncer SEPTEMBER 2022 The President’s Notes 4 As we near the 50th anniversary of Balloon Fiesta I want to thank the past and present members of AAAA who have worked over the years create the wonderful event that we all look forward to each year. As you know, AAAA was started in 1971 by Sid Cutter and a handful of other folks who all joined together to form a club, AAAA, where members jointly owned, maintained and flew a balloon. These activities contributed to the idea of KOB radio contacting Sid to put on that birthday celebration in April of 1972 that is now considered the First Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. In 1975 when Sid and his World Championship organization decided to move the event from February to October, it was AAAA that stepped in and put on a balloon rally in February to bridge the gap. That event is now our Friends and Lovers annual event. Our AAAA members are Fiesta staff, pilots, volunteers, crew, and Board members. Some are famous, some are unsung heroes, but everyone has and is contributing hundreds of hours to support the event and the sport we all love so dearly. As we ready our balloons, crews, families and friends for this 50th year of Balloon Fiesta let us remember all of those who have made and continue to make large and small contributions to what has become a worldwide and yearly balloonist homecoming celebration. The balloon community has always been about fun, and social engagement, while promoting the sport of ballooning and keeping it safe. I encourage all current and future members of AAAA to take advantage of all we have to offer and continue to participate as we grow our organization for the next generation of ballooning. Be safe and have a great Fiesta 2022. Please do not hesitate to contact me at [email protected] or call me at (505) 259-8632. AAAA is your voice for ballooning. I look forward to hearing from you. Blair Kaufman AAAA President Blair Kaufman
aaaa cloudbouncer SEPTEMBER 2022 5 Committee Reports VP - Peter September General Meeting: The 2022 Balloon Fiesta Pilots’ Video will be shown at the September General Meeting. Viewing at this meeting will remove the requirement to watch it again at pilot sign-in. Fiesta would like to emphasis that pilots should still plan to watch the video and take the test before the meeting, and use the video viewing at the meeting as a second or refresher video. Fiesta does NOT want to administer paper tests at the meeting, since it’s only 36 hours before registration starts. Jennifer will have the test available at the meeting, but viewing ahead of time, allows time to take your time on the test, get it passed, is much better and no one is stressed at AAAA or just before Registration. October General Meeting: You guessed it. The 2022 Fiesta Wrap-up Report is scheduled to be the presentation at the October AAAA General Meeting. AAAA is offering a small new perk for members. Bring or e-mail us a picture of your new balloon and when we announce it at the meeting we will also show a picture of your beautiful new baby on screen! New pilots earn the same treatment if you send us a picture – preferably of the post flight celebration! Flying Events - Doug September was a busy month with 40 pilots registering for our event from Fiesta Field. As our tune-up for Balloon Fiesta in less than three weeks, there were many moving parts out there with us. In addition to our registered club pilots, we had Zebras, Zits, Safety Officials, RC Balloons, and mounted patrols from both APD and the New Mexico Mounted Search and Rescue joining us. See you at our monthly meeting on September 27th where we will be showing the 2022 Balloon Fiesta Pilot’s Video. Viewing at this meeting will remove the requirement to watch it again during pilot registration for Balloon Fiesta. Way and Means - Karen The Pin Contest New Items in the store, specifically can Koozies. I’d love for people to buy online and come and pick up the items at the meeting in September (we should have a huge turnout so it would be nice to avoid any crazy sales the day of). Pins, Koozies, stickers, glove clips, etc. The big ticket can coolers are here: https://hotairballooning. org/product/frost-buddy-universal-can-cooler/ They are a fundraiser item, hence the price. Crew Development - Sue Palmer There will be no Crew Games for September or October. Competition will resume in November. Community Relations - Jason Burns La Petite Academy Bernalillo location. They are interested in seeing if there is a balloonist could come speak to the students about ballooning and any possible show and tell of any equipment. Time and dates are completely open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. Wednesday from 8am – 1pm. Please reach out to Rebecca at 505- 589-1045 or 505-867-6672, or email asmodai72@ gmail.com, school address is 355 E Avenida Bernalillo, Bernalillo, NM 87004 NM Child First Network is requesting a donation of a balloon ride for a silent auction raffle for their 2nd annual fundraising golf tournament, please reach out to Anne McKinney at 505-463-7073
6 aaaa cloudbouncer SEPTEMBER 2022 Board Meeting Minutes BOARD MEETING MINUTES Monday August 15, 2022 AAAA President (Blair) called the meeting to order at 5:30 PM. Members present were: Blair (President); Dick (Treasurer); Taylor (Secretary), Doug (Flying Events); Peg (Education); Jason (Community Relations); and Karen (Ways and Means). Members absent: Chris (Special Events); and Sue (Crew Development). The minutes for the June and July 2022 board meeting were reviewed. Jason made a motion to approve, Karen seconded. The minutes were approved as written. Vice President (Peter) – The 50th book will be for sale at the general meeting. The Fiesta quilt will also be on display. Peter contacted Red Door in regards to not showing up at our last meeting. September will be the safety video, and October will hopefully be a Fiesta wrap up. Treasurer (Dick) – Has the financials done, but the pie charts are not quite ready yet. Secretary (Taylor) – New members for consideration includes, Morris Sparkman. Dick made a motion to accept the new members, Karen seconded. The new members were approved. Committee reports were presented and will be in the Cloudbouncer. Old Business: Rio Rancho Launch Sites • Finding a home for AAAA flying events • Ken, Peter, and Blair are looking at Rio Rancho Public Schools Bylaws • Bylaws committee has not met yet. Planning to meet on 8/29/2022 Landowner Relations • Be responsible pilots. • For the August 2021 general meeting it was mentioned we have a “Town Hall” to help show the community what this club is all about. Karen motioned to adjourn, Jason seconded. Meeting adjourned at 6:33PM. Submitted by Taylor Caldwell, AAAA Secretary
aaaa cloudbouncer SEPTEMBER 2022 7 GENERAL MEETING MINUTES Tuesday August 23, 2022 Our President, Blair, 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. Dick Brown, Kim Vesley, Paul Rhetts, and Tom McConnell, did a wonderful presentation on the 50th Balloon Fiesta Book that was co-authored by AIBF’s Heritage Committee. This was the same team that produced the 40th anniversary book. This book has been several years in the making. This team also helped create a children’s book. Neida presented the 2022 quilt. Board reports were presented: Vice President (Peter) – Mr. Bond has now moved on to Tennessee. We have a new tower manager. In August we will have a short presentation on the Balloon Fiesta Quilt. Peter has ideas for the August main speaker. Meeting with the Double Eagle Tower tomorrow 7/27/2022. Secretary (Taylor) – The new member this month is Morris Sparkman. Treasurer (Dick) –Both entities are in the black, and both have cash. The pie charts will be in the Cloudbouncer. Any questions please don’t hesitate to ask. Committee reports were presented and will be in the Cloudbouncer. Other Ballooning Organizations: FAA – No representation BFA – No representation VFRS – No report Top Gun (Dave) – Top Gun was this last weekend. Keith Takach took 1st place. He almost smoked everyone else by a lot more too! AIBF (Ken Tuley) – 38 days! 37 if you count ABQ Aloft. 95% complete through the pilot safety video. We will be showing this at the September general meeting. This video will also be online. September 2nd will be the release of launch letters. There is great 50th merchandise in the Fiesta giftshop and online. Sign up for “What’s up Wednesday.” The south merchandise tent will be open the Thursday and Friday during pilot registration prior to the start of the event. Balloon Museum (Peter) – The Balloon Museum Foundation has published a pamphlet describing what the Balloon Museum is. They are trying to raise awareness. 4 Corners Balloon Event: They are bringing back the 4 corners balloon event in Farmington. Starting off small with around 20 balloons. Looking for a couple more balloons. The city has gone all out. 3 launches from Lake Farmington. There will also be 2 balloon glows. 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 SEPTEMBER 2022 AAAA Treasurer’s Report 8 Due to Technical Difficulties we are not presenting the Financials for this month. It will be back next month.
aaaa cloudbouncer SEPTEMBER 2022 9 AAAA Education Foundation Treasurer’s Report
10 aaaa cloudbouncer SEPTEMBER 2022 September Flying Event September was a busy month with 40 pilots registering for our event from Fiesta Field. As our tune-up for Balloon Fiesta in less than three weeks, there were many moving parts out there with us. In addition to our registered club pilots, we had Zebras, Zits, Safety Officials, RC Balloons, and mounted patrols from both APD and the New Mexico Mounted Search and Rescue joining us. It was a very busy morning as pilots launched from the field to our target in the RV lot on the South Side of Alameda. A total of five pilots scored, with Collin McClung taking first place. He was followed by Robert Richardson, Keith Takach, and Joe Candeleria. Yes, five pilots scored, but one had not renewed his AAAA Membership, so his winning throw of 1.12” did not count. Please remember, that if you wish to compete for AAAA points, your membership must be up-to-date and all documents current in PAD. This doesn’t mean that you can’t fly in AAAA Monthly Events with us, you are just not included in the waiver that we are issued from the FAA. December brings us Jingle Bell and February is Friends and Lovers, so get your memberships renewed and all your paperwork into PAD so you can join us and fly under the waiver. Many thanks to all who came out this morning to fly with us and thank you for your safe flying and pilot decision making. The winds did eventually die down, but not until late into the target window. For those that stayed on the field and worked with their crew and helped expose the mounted patrols to the sounds of fans and burners, we appreciate all you did. Current standings for AAAA show Keith Takach with a commanding lead over Paul Smith and Robert Richardson. Jerry Garcia and Al Lowenstein round out the Top Five. All scores are entered, and up-to-date. See you at our monthly meeting on September 27th where we will be showing the 2022 Balloon Fiesta Pilot’s Video. Viewing at this meeting will remove the requirement to watch it again during pilot registration for Balloon Fiesta.
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12 aaaa cloudbouncer SEPTEMBER 2022 Celebrate Balloon Fiesta® ... All Year Long Both Books! Award-winners New MexicoArizona Book Awards 50 Years of Balloon Magic Celebrating the 50th Balloon Fiesta® and the magic of Albuquerque’s aeronautical legacy — a testament to a city in love with balloons. Presents a kaleidoscope of color, an armada of vibrant nylon, punctuated by a sprinkling of uplifi ing prose. www.BalloonFiestaStuff.com or 505/269-8324 50 Years of and the magic of Albuquerque’s aeronautical legacy — a testament to a city in love with balloons. Presents a kaleidoscope of color, an armada of vibrant nylon, punctuated fi e Best Day Ever! A delightful children’s ballooning story for readers of all ages by award-winning author/artist Ross Van Dusen! Available at offi cial merchandise tents at Balloon Fiesta®, Balloon Fiesta Giff Shop & select stores near you. Both books published by Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, Inc.®
aaaa cloudbouncer SEPTEMBER 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
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aaaa cloudbouncer SEPTEMBER 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 SEPTEMBER 2022 16 OUR MISSION IS TO UPLIFT Shoppe & Memberships Forever Legacy Tiles Partnerships balloonmuseum.com Classified Ads The Cloudbouncer will be bringing back the Classifieds again. We will be working out specifications and costs. The “ads” will run for one month and must be renewed each month to run more than once. We will keep you posted on the progress. You can pay for your ad by going to https://www.cognitoforms.com/AAAA23/aaaacloudbounceradform Tales from the Truck We did not receive any submissions for this issue PHOTO CREDIT: Doug Gantt
aaaa cloudbouncer SEPTEMBER 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 SEPTEMBER 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 SEPTEMBER 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 SEPTEMBER 2022 Member Birthdays 20 Sue Gillen.............................1 Dave Tennis ..........................2 Pat Barz .................................2 Gail D. English .....................2 Yesenia Warren...................2 Bruce Byberg........................3 Graham Bell .........................3 Sandra VanWye...................3 Janell Glenn..........................7 Bill Armstrong.......................8 Joseph Ballengee.................8 Rebecca De Santis..............9 John Wilson ...........................10 John Green............................11 Hilary Butler..........................11 Victoria Luke.........................13 Sam Bradshaw ....................14 Frances M. Gruette..............15 Dick Brown............................16 Alan Cannaday....................16 Dee Martindell .....................16 Rick Glenn............................16 Happy September Birthday! Gavin Moughan.................. 16 Catherine Conant............... 17 Patrick Lamb........................ 17 John Johlas ........................... 19 Steve Williams..................... 19 Jordann Carpenter ............. 20 Norm W. Courtney .............. 20 Bob Healy ............................ 21 Bonni J. Northcutt ................ 22 Chris Van Dyck.................... 22 Michael Zink........................ 23 Shelly Cannaday ................ 23 Kirke Rose............................ 24 Nicholas Conant ................. 24 Richard V. Ret...................... 25 Janice Wrhel ........................ 25 G. Scott Wooge................... 26 Jenn Goldbloom.................. 27 Sam Parks............................ 27 Cynthia McConnell............. 28 Barb Tomlin.......................... 29
aaaa cloudbouncer SEPTEMBER 2022 21 DO IT ONLINE! http://hotairballooning.org/about-us/membership/
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