Shortly after I got my Balloon Pilot License I took my Dad for a flight and had him sit on a cushion on
the floor for landing because I knew his knees would probably buckle on landing. I was a very new
pilot and I knew it.
He absolutely loved the ride, but I decided right then that I would never do that as a commercial pilot.
Since that time, I've gotten calls every year about wheelchair access or a place to sit...
Over the years I thought about some anchor places in the basket for a wheel chair, but abandoned that
idea pretty quick because it is after all an aircraft, and as an AME (Aeronautical Maintenance Engineer)
I know you can't just willy-nilly make changes to an aircraft. You might unknowingly make something
else worse.
I researched the requirements and the costs associated with the manufacture, import, shipping and
operation of the balloon system I needed, and decided on a 6 passenger divided basket so there was
space for 2 chairs, with a door.
It's more or less the smallest basket you can get for this purpose. 6 passengers, or 3 passengers and 1
chair, or just 2 chairs.
I thought about who would like to see this happen.
I thought about who could benefit.
I thought about a flying hockey rink.
I thought about how companies could advertise, get some cool swag for employees or clients, help
with some bucket lists, and then write it all off.
And then I met a girl...
Erika Driesen came into my life one June when Steve Barahona asked me to take up a girl who had
cancer and a bucket list.
I broke my no chair guideline and we had a good flight. It kind of turned out to be one of those bucket
list flights for me.
Great passengers. My crew were happy. Exposure over the city. Video footage. Bucket list all the way!!
The landing was pretty tame however I made some assumptions about her ability to get in and out and
that reminded me how much easier and enjoyable a door and proper seat would have made the
experience.
Erika passed away September 13, 2019.
I only really knew her for 3 hours but I felt compelled to go to her celebration of life.
I came away with a deep appreciation for her sense of adventure, zest for life and “Friends” , and her
desire to help and comfort other people.
That's why, with the blessing of her parents, this balloon's name is Erika.
Hopefully, our Erika Balloon will allow others to chase a dream too
For $550 you get 1 panel including printing and a regular ticket to ride
This basket has a door and up to 2 safety seats. The only one in Western Canada
This is a stock photo. I don't know who this guy is but he looks like he really needs to go for a balloon ride
For $550 YOU can put almost anything you want on a panel, printing included, AND get a regular ticket to ride (upgrade to safety seat available), AND bring a special needs Hot Air Balloon to Western Canada.
We are are proud to sail the skies with these Business, Private, and Anonymous visionaries.
