One Of 700+ Balloonists In Annual Fiesta

Standing a towering 6 feet 11 inches tall, Staff Sergeant Bill Manus is already a bit closer to the clouds than the average person... but this past weekend, he managed to soar to even greater heights.

Manus (above), an electronic warfare journeyman with the New Mexico Air National Guard's 150th Fighter Wing, piloted one of over 700 hot-air balloons that took to the skies Saturday in Albuquerque's 35th Annual Balloon Fiesta.

The sergeant said it is a great feeling. "There is nothing I can think of that is like hot-air ballooning," he said. "It is like you are just floating along with the wind."

Sergeant Manus, who grew up in Albuquerque, first got involved in hot-air ballooning in 1996. An owner and pilot from overseas traveled to the event but didn't have a crew to help get them in the air. The sergeant's father volunteered to assist and the hobby became a family passion. In 1999 the family bought their own balloon from a friend.

The sergeant is a seven-year veteran of the Air National Guard and he said he finds that he uses a lot of the skills he has learned in the military, when he pilots his hot-air balloon. Leadership in particular, is used to direct his support crew of family and friends.

"As the pilot, I'm responsible for everything," he said. "I am responsible for every action my crew takes, whether they are in the air or on the ground."

Safety is a primary concern of the sergeant when he pilots his balloon. He inspects his equipment constantly and ensures that he is comfortable using it. He also checks the weather reports before he flies. He can only control the balloon vertically, so he is at the mercy of Mother Nature when it comes to his flight path. With a detailed wind report in his hands, he is able to safely plot his trip.

Sergeant Manus said the balloon fiesta is a great chance to catch up with other hot-air balloon crews.

"Over the years you make good friends and typically this is the only time you can see them if they come from out of state," he said.

The sergeant said he could not think of a better way to spend his time.

"Being up in a hot-air balloon is great," he said. "Everybody should be able to experience a rush like this in their lifetime."

(Aero News salutes Staff Sgt. Jeremy Larlee, Air Force Print News. ANN also sends out positive vibes to Manus and all other participants in this year's Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque -- which has seen many events cancelled or postponed since Saturday due to weather.)

FMI: www.af.mil, www.balloonfiesta.com