2025 Pilot Bios



Pi-Ball

Darrell Day

Rock Island, IL

Sponsored by

The Dash Foundation


Years Flying Balloons - 44


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


Train dogs/ hunt/ fish/ and run a small hot air balloon repair station.


Why did you become a pilot?


I enjoyed flying and crewing and decided become a pilot.


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


The weather and have crew to allow me to fly.


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


I have met so many great people with long time friendships.


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


Safety is always first. make sure the passengers need to dress appropriately because do not know where you are going to land.