2025 Pilot Bios



Sunny Side Up

Donna Carlton-Vish

Danville, IL

Sponsored by

Lon and Nancy Henderson


Years Flying Balloons - 25


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


Volunteering with Ambucs and being with my family.


Why did you become a pilot?


I became a pilot because it gave so much joy to many people. No matter what is going on when there’s a hot or a balloon around people become happy!


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


The weather can be the biggest and most difficult part of decision-making. The fact that it can be forecasted one way and then change whenever it wants to makes for a challenging “go or no, go decision” at times!


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


A very short version is to TRAVEL!! Ballooning has given me an opportunity to visit parts of countries and to fully integrate with the communities. It could be a challenge to fly in a country where you do not speak the language, but the language of Ballooning reaches far beyond verbal! I’ve been fortunate to fly in France, Italy, Mexico, and Canada. Also, I’ve been so fortunate to travel all over the United States and fly Balloons.


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


I want them to understand, although we are gorgeous and beautiful. We are also a very pow erful machine… So never get in front of us! We will accidentally run you over! Also, I like to share and teach the knowledge of Ballooning to all ages of people… We are all kids at heart when it comes to hot air Ballooning. So when you see a balloon carefully approach and most of the time your visit will be welcomed, and you will be given an opportunity for a hands-on experience!