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.)