How we got started in Hot Air Ballooning:

Chris went on his first Hot Air Balloon ride in 1988.  The ride was for his father’s birthday and the whole family went along. One ride was all it took for Chris to be bit by the ballooning bug.  He and his father, Vince, began following the balloons and were there for many landings.  Soon the balloon teams they were chasing invited them to come along as crew.  So Chris & Vince became chase crew and his mother, Dolores, would chase as time allowed. 

Chris became a crew chief and learned all about Hot Air Balloons for the next four years.  Then in 1993 Chris got his student certificate and begin his Hot Air Balloon pilot training.  In 1995 he obtained his private Hot Air Balloon license and then completed his commercial Hot Air Balloon license in 1997.  During this time Chris also obtained his fixed wing pilot license.

He then bought his first balloon in 1995.  He also, began flying the RE/MAX balloon for the Mid States region, flying in Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, and Oklahoma.  Chris flew the RE/MAX balloon until May of 2002.  In addition, he has flown for Coca-Cola and Kellogg's.

In the 9 years that Chris has been a pilot, he has flown hundreds of hours in Hot air balloons.  He has flown all over the United States and has competed in hot air balloon competitions.  With over 400 hours logged in airplanes, Chris is currently working on his advanced airplane certifications.  In addition, he is the full time pilot and flight instructor for his company Kansas City AeroSports.  He is also the Cameron Balloon Dealer for the Kansas City area and sells Hot Air Balloons and balloon equipment.  Chris enjoys flying and is proud to share his enthusiasm for the air with his passengers and students.

Chris met his wife Amanda in May of 1999 while piloting the RE/MAX balloon.  He was returning from Springfield, MO and was scheduled to have the evening off, but decided to take the Kansas City RE/MAX flight so as not to inconvenience the other pilot.  Amanda was working at her office RE/MAX, First when her broker asked what she was doing that evening.  Amanda responded with “homework, but what would you like me to do”.  As fate would have it, there was an open space on the RE/MAX balloon that Chris was piloting and Amanda accepted the offer to board.  Chris and Amanda meet in the parking lot of Target at that evening and flew together for the first time.

Chris had a busy summer that year flying the RE/MAX balloon and Amanda was busy selling homes.  On October 4th Chris called Amanda and offered her two spaces in the RE/MAX balloon … of course she took him up on the offer.  Amanda and her mother flew with Chris that evening.  After the flight Amanda offered to buy Chris a beer.  Chris then turned to invite all of his “balloon buddies” and off they all went.  Chris and Amanda have been together ever since. 

Amanda has been chase crew for Chris from that time on.  Amanda has been the crew chief for their company since the end of 1999.

Currently, Kansas City AeroSports owns 4 Hot Air Balloon systems.  Traveling extensively with the Wonder Bread Balloon.  Weather permitting, we schedule Hot Air Balloon Rides year round, in the Kansas City Area.  Providing an advertising opportunity for Walmart Neighborhood Markets as well as providing a fun and exciting passenger experience.

What is a commercial hot air balloon pilot:

A commercial pilot has passed a commercial written test as well as taken a commercial check ride with a flight examiner and holds a FAA pilot certificate for lighter than air aircraft.  A commercial pilot has a minimum of 35 hours in a Hot Air Balloon and can receive compensation for passenger flights.   The pilot is ultimately responsible for the crew chief, crew, passengers and aircraft.

What is a Crew Chief:

The crew chief is responsible for the safety of the crew.  He or she drives the chase vehicle and follows the balloon on the ground, remaining in constant communication with the pilot.  Another responsibility is to make sure the chase vehicle and crew are there when the balloon lands, and to make attempts to get landowner permission at the landing site.

What is crew:

The crew and crew chief work together to set up and cold inflate the balloon.  They will assist the pilot as necessary with the hot inflation.  Typically the crew rides in the chase vehicle and is there when the pilot lands the balloon.  After the flight the crew and crew chief will milk out the balloon, and pack up the equipment.

Passengers and spectators are always encouraged to help with inflation and de-flation of the Hot Air Balloon.  This is a fun and exciting learning experience for kids of all ages.