2026 Pilot Bios



Heaven Bound

Jim House

Mackinaw, IL

Sponsored by

Automation International, Inc.


Years Flying Balloons - 39


When you are not flying, what do you enjoy doing?


BBQ cooking , eating and competitive BBQ judging. Still go to work every day even in my old age .


Why did you become a pilot?


Just loved the idea of flying a balloon .


What do you find is the most challenging about flying a hot air balloon?


Finding a good landing spot. Same answer as every one elses .


Short description of something interesting that ballooning has allowed you to do?


Friendship with good people .


What do you most want the public to know/understand about hot air balloons and flying them?


Weather and time of day are the biggest elements to consider when flying . When it blows your hat off , it is too windy to fly .