2025 Pilot Bios

Carpe Diem

Mark Woodard

HOOKSTOWN, PA

Sponsored by

Jim & Linda Anderson

Years Flying Balloons - 12

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

When not flying balloons, I enjoy flying little airplanes… I know, it’s a disease! I have some rental property that keeps me a little too busy… But spending time with the grandchildren and an occasional golf game are other things I enjoy doing

Why did you become a pilot?

It’s a good way to get high! I became a private pilot, flying airplanes when I was in college… It turned into a full-time career that I really enjoyed.

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

I think coordinating the flights is sometimes the most challenging… Between the changing weather and getting enough crew… Seems like I’m on the phone more than I’m in the air with balloons. When flying the hot air balloon, finding a good landing site that has access for the Chase vehicle can sometimes be challenging, especially in Pennsylvania where I live

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

Flying a balloon at the Albuquerque Balloon Festival was very interesting! And fun! Another interesting thing has been to be a part of a couple proposal flights… And I even officiated at the weddings for one of them.

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

Sometimes we have to land in a place that’s less than ideal, thank you for understanding that. And we always welcome any questions you have and help with the pack up!