Eye on Ellis County
Neal White
Wind conditions permitting, the skies over Waxahachie will be filled with scores of spectacular balloons this morning and later this evening as the DFW Summer Balloon Classic wraps up tonight at Mid-Way Regional Airport.
It is absolutely a “must see” event for the entire family — and a great Father’s Day outing for those looking for a special treat for dad.
In addition to the incredible balloons (with ballooning events set for early this morning and near sunset this evening), there is a full day of aviation activities throughout the day with an air show, precision flying demonstration, skydiving exhibition, Commemorative Air Force flyover and a number of static displays on hand.
Admission is free, but there is a $10 per vehicle charge for parking.
Two days with Captain Phil
On Friday and Saturday morning, I had an opportunity to hook up with Captain Philip Bryant with the Propane Exceptional Energy Balloon team.
Although our flight was grounded both mornings due to windy conditions, Captain Phil and his crew took the time to explain the sport of ballooning — and why it’s such a popular sport with both fans and participants.
In addition to being a licensed hot air balloon pilot, he also holds an advanced ground instructor rating and is an FAA designated pilot examiner — meaning if you want to become a hot air balloon pilot in Texas, odds are he’s the guy with whom you’ll have to prove you’re worthy.
For those interested in becoming a hot air balloon pilot, Bryant said the requirements are very similar to those to become a private pilot in a fixed wing aircraft. You must pass a written test on standard aviation knowledge, have a minimum of 20 hours of flight time for a private pilot, 40 hours for a commercial pilot and pass the flight check and oral examination.
From 2003-2005, he served as president of the Balloon Federation of America and, in 2005, Bryant was honored by being named Texas Balloon State Champion — a title he still holds.
Commercial balloon pilots
If you get a chance to see one of the balloon launches scheduled for today (called a mass ascension flight), you’ll notice immediately that many of the balloons bear the logos of their corporate sponsorship.
In some cases, such as the Energizer Hot Hare Balloon at this year’s show (that’s 15 feet taller than the Statue of Liberty), the balloon itself is shaped to fit the needs of the corporate sponsor.
“That’s one of the many neat things about hot air ballooning. You can sew the balloon into just about any shape you want — it just depends on how creative you want to be and how much money you want to spend,” Bryant explained, noting it’s possible to purchase a hot air balloon, basket and equipment for as little as $10,000.
“That’s the low side and that doesn’t include your chase vehicle and trailer.”
He said most non-commercial balloon outfits cost between $30,000-$50,000, which is still a very inexpensive form of aviation.
But back to the commercial side of hot air ballooning, which Bryant is well versed in as the pilot of the Propane Exceptional Energy Balloon. He and his crew travel throughout the state of Texas to participate in air shows and special events on behalf of the Propane Council of Texas.
Bryant said a lot of industries use ballooning as a means to advertise their products and services. With crowds of thousands of fans who attend balloon festivals (and those who see the balloons flying overhead), Bryant said balloons are an extremely effective means of advertising.
“When people see a balloon they remember it. It makes an impact,” he said.
In addition to flying overhead with the corporate logo, commercial hot air balloon teams also serve as goodwill ambassadors while on the ground.
After spending Friday and Saturday morning with Captain Phil and his crew while waiting for a break in the wind, I now know more about propane and propane accessories than Hank Hill.
While you may know that propane is the fuel used to generate the hot air that provides lift for all hot air balloons, you may not know that propane may be used to provide the fuel source for just about any energy need we have.
“It’s possible to use propane for our vehicles, to produce electricity for our homes. It’s not only cleaner and better for the environment, it’s also in abundant supply here in Texas. Propane has a lot more uses than just heating your barbecue in the backyard,” Bryant said.
Commercial pilots also include those who offer balloon rides at venues throughout the world.
As Bryant explained, the opportunities are endless.
Some balloonists offer short rides (usually ranging from $225-$250) per flight while others offer special packages tailored for individuals.
“I have friends who offer special sunrise flights in New Mexico that’s just incredible. I also have a friend that has a special basket that can take 10 people with a full dinner table. He’s based in the wine region in France and takes up groups over the vineyards with dinner and Champagne — of course, that flight is $6,000. It all depends on what you want and where you’re at. There are so many options when it comes to operating your balloon as a business.”
At the mercy of the wind
For all the folks who came out Saturday morning hot to see the sunrise launch, the reason it was scrubbed was due to the wind gusts.
As Bryant explained it, safety is paramount when it comes to aviation and hot air ballooning is no exception. When the wind is gusting at speeds greater than 12 knots, it’s too dangerous for the balloons and their crews to safely launch and land.
“The important thing is for everyone to stay safe,” he said. “We all want to fly. We love being here and we love talking to people about our balloons, but when the wind is gusting more than 15 knots like it is now (on Saturday morning at 6 a.m.), it’s too dangerous and we don’t want to take any chances of someone getting hurt. We’ve been monitoring the weather nonstop and it looks like (Saturday afternoon) and all day Sunday will be perfect for flying.”
Pilot competition
Whether a hobby balloonist or a commercial balloonist, there is also a competitive side to hot air ballooning as the pilots gather throughout the year to take part in competitions, like the one that’s scheduled for 7 this morning.
In the competition, pilots test their skills by trying to drop a bean bag on a pre-selected target.
While it sounds easy, keep in mind that once a balloon is airborne, it only goes where the wind blows. Pilots must use their skill in gauging wind speed and direction in being able to put their balloon over the target.
“It gets very competitive,” Bryant said, noting that some of the competitions offer prize money for the winning pilots. “The prize money is secondary. For every pilot out here, it’s a matter of pride to win the competition and these folks really get into it.”
While Bryant, based out of Houston, has thoroughly enjoyed every minute of his 575 hours (and rising) of being a commercial hot air balloon pilot, he said the best part is meeting the people who come out to see the balloons.
“The kids especially. That’s what it’s all about when they see the balloons and run up to you with a million questions. I love that. I absolutely love helping people experience aviation through hot air ballooning.”
While there is a lot to see and do if you go out to Mid-Way Airport today, be sure you look up Captain Phil and his crew in the Propane Exceptional Energy Balloon. If you’ve ever had a question about hot air ballooning (or propane), I can promise you he has the answer.
If you go
Mid-Way Regional Airport is located on U.S. Highway 287 between Midlothian and Waxahachie.
Gates open this morning at 5:45 a.m. with a mass ascension flight scheduled for 6:30 a.m. and a competition flight set to begin at 7 a.m.
The Aviation Extravaganza takes place from 9 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. with the MidWay To The Skies Airshow scheduled for 3 p.m., followed by the RE/MAX Skydiving Team demonstration at 5:30 p.m.
There will be another mass ascension hot air balloon flight at 6:30 p.m., with gates closing on the 2009 Summer Balloon Classic at 7:30 p.m.
Admission is free to the event, but there is a $10 per vehicle charge for parking.
Concessions are available for purchase throughout the day.
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