2024 Pilot Bios



Deja Blu

Gary Whitby

COLUMBIA, MO

Sponsored by

Sunrise Hospitality


Years Flying Balloons - 28


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


I am currently retired. My wife Cindy and I like to travel. We attend balloon festivals across the country every year.


Why did you become a pilot?


I volunteered at a balloon event and got to go for a ride and was convinced that I needed to learn to fly a balloon. The sensation of flying in a balloon is unequaled by any other form of flight. You can see any direction and have the time to view some of the best scenery in the world. The peaceful manor of flying a balloon is simply amazing.


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


The most challenging things about ballooning today is the Federal restrictions that we're facing along with growth in our communities limiting our landing options.


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


Ballooning has enabled us to travel the world and meet some of the most interesting people and their families.


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


Ballooning is one of the safest sports and means of flight today as it has been for hundreds of years.