2026 Pilot Bios



Feisty Gizzard

Jared Miller

Macomb, IL

Sponsored by

Friends Over Vermilion


Years Flying Balloons - 19


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


Traveling with family, working.


Why did you become a pilot?


I started as crew and loved it!


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


Being patient with the weather.


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


We have met people from all over the world through ballooning!


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


Don’t start…it’s like drugs and you might not be able to quit!