East Lake Hospital for Animals - Brad & Meggin Cooper
Years Flying Balloons - 29
When you are not flying, what do you enjoy doing?
My son Ryan and I love to home brew beer. It is a fun and rewarding experience.
Why did you become a pilot?
Balloon Classic got us hooked as sponsors. We determined this was too much fun to do only one weekend a year. So I convinced my wife to let me get a used balloon system, and that wonderful decision has enhanced our lives and the lives of those around us every since.
What do you find is the most challenging about flying a hot air balloon?
The weather is always changing, and staying ahead of those changes is important. Being able to perceive what is about to happen is the big challenge.
Short description of something interesting that ballooning has allowed you to do?
In 2001 I was honored to fly Captain James Lovell, Jr., of Apollo 8 and Apollo 13 for a flight over the parks in Danville. He was a marvelous passenger, and even took the controls for a while. Our entire family was able to share in his experience, and he shared many of his adventures with us.
What do you most want the public to know/understand about hot air balloons and flying them?
Ballooning is a fun, family-friendly activity. If you see a balloon flying, follow to where it lands. You may be invited to help pack it up, and to experience some of the excitement. This may lead to crewing for a balloon, and perhaps even a future flight.
