Welcome to SEPTEMBER, Ranch Members!

Howdy everyone! It’s been a whirlwind of activity here at the ranch, and we’ve got a ton of updates for you. Here’s the latest on everything happening both at the ranch and beyond:

 

 

AT THE RANCH:

  • Accommodation Reservations: We now have a streamlined system for booking your stay at the ranch. With 4 bedrooms, 3 RV slots, and 3 camping areas, we’re excited to offer a variety of options for your visit. If the online bookings show full availability, just give us a call—there’s always room for more! Reserve your spot today and enjoy a stay at the ranch. Accomodations
  • Flight Instruction: We’re thrilled to announce that we’ll be offering flight instruction right here at the ranch! With 9 eager students and a full-time instructor on board, we’re set for a fantastic season of learning and flying. Check out our Master Calendar for detailed information on dates and times.
  • New Events and Activities: We’re planning some exciting new events at the ranch. October 11 – 15th We will be hosting Fiesta East at the Ranch. This will allow pilots that can’t quite make it to Fiesta to come and fly, tailgate and hang with friends, without the drive. Please RSVP through the event link on Facebook or email Jessica at aviationranch22@gmail.com    Keep an eye on our Master Calendar for announcements about upcoming workshops, special guest speakers, and community gatherings. There’s always something new on the horizon!

 

 

ONLINE UPDATES:

  • Balloon Rides Section: Our website now features a comprehensive section dedicated to balloon rides. Explore our FAQs, Weather or NOT guide, and other helpful pages to get all the information you need about booking and experiencing a balloon ride.
  • The Maverick Division: Have you checked out the Maverick Division yet? Aviation Ranch Maverick Division aims to support and uplift young adults in the ballooning community. It focuses on those who have outgrown traditional summer camps and are managing life expenses while striving to become exceptional pilots. The platform is dedicated to building their confidence and passion for aviation, promoting safe, enjoyable, and affordable learning experiences. By guiding them, the division helps them pave their own paths and pass on their knowledge and enthusiasm to future generations in ballooning. Maverick Division strives to make responsible, respectful and resourceful pilots securing hot air balloon adventures for generations to come.
  • The Maverick Division is a remarkable initiative aimed at supporting and growing the ballooning community. We recently had a moving presentation at the Anderson SC “Hot Air Affair” over Labor Day. We would love to take a moment and recognize the three Maverick Division Recipients: Mason Warren (flying Maverick), Jenna Litton (Flying Phoenix Rising, and Lauren Sawin (Flying her balloon with her new AR Fan). You can watch the video or Jenna and Lauren receiving their unexpected surprises here and learn more about how you can contribute. Every donation, big or small, helps us further our mission.
  • New Members: We welcomed around 20 new members over the Labor Day weekend! A warm welcome to all of you. We’re excited to have you on board and look forward to your participation, whether you’re sharing your experiences, talking about events, or planning to visit and fly at the ranch.
  • The Pole Barn: If you haven’t explored the Pole (Poll) Barn section of our site, now’s the time! It’s packed with ballooning-related questions and interactive features. Answer questions to see how your knowledge stacks up against others, and check out the practice test for the written exam. Logged-in members can also contribute by adding questions to the Student LTA test.
  • Competition Videos: We’ve added a new section under the Downloads tab called Competition Video Tutorials. This collection of videos is designed to help you get familiar with ballooning competition events. Whether you’re new to competition or looking to refine your skills, these tutorials will give you a great start. If you’re hosting a balloon festival and want to run a competition, we offer competition target kits. These kits come with everything you need, and we just ask for them to be returned with photos and updates on your event.
  • Aviation Ranch Merchandise: If you are looking for AR gear or things to add to your own balloon ride goodies, visit Soaring on the Sun Etsy Page or visit our store for so many cool options.  If you are looking for your own shirts, mech and more, Soaring on the Sun can redesign your logo, print your gear or help you with cards and trinkets.  https://aviation-ranch.com/product-category/accessories/ or Soaring on the Sun
  • Members Stories:  Each month we would like to highlight a member and their story.  This month our author is Kevin Knapp.  You can read his bio HERE.  He has written a story and posted it in the Ranch House News area of our site.  Click Here to read his post.  We have featured his story below

 

 

LEGENDS CORNER:

Written by: Kevin Knapp

Creating A Lifetime Memory

As I travel the country sharing Civil War Balloon Corps Living History many who come by my display or listen to my lectures are surprised to learn that I actually flew balloons before injuries from my Army Service eventually grounded me in December 2010.  Learning that I really know ballooning opens the door to discussion of a lifetime of memories many of you helped create.  Their smiles get bigger and the flood gates open.

I know you’ve heard their stories before: “I got a balloon ride for my birthday.”; “A balloon landed in my yard – or – flew over my house.”; “I flew in Egypt, Africa, or another exotic location.”; “The pilot let me help inflate or pack up.”; . . . . and occasionally I’ll get the “bad experience” with the comment: “I’m not doing that again!”  Of course there are those who say “Not me!  I’m afraid of heights!”

Recently, another living historian at an event at San Fransisco’s Historic Fort Point, located at the base of the Golden Gate Bridge, couldn’t wait until I arrived to tell me that she got to crew for Tim and Sheri Gale at the Sanoma County Hot Air Balloon Classic and was surprised to hear “yes, we know Kevin!” after mentioning my name.  Although weather didn’t permit a free flight, she was excited to tell me about her experience and how fun it was even to go up on tether.  Her excitement grew and she was even more surprised when I asked her to stand with me by my display, handed someone my phone for a picture, and then messaged it to Tim & Sheri confirming we really do know each other!!

This weekend two fellow Special Forces Veterans contacted me to let me know they were at separate balloon festivals.  The first linked up with and crewed for Luke and Pam Cesnik and the POW/MIA Balloon at the Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic; and the second was with his wife at the Colorado Springs Labor Day Lift Off.  At each event, you, my friends, made them feel welcomed, entertained, and wanting to share their experiences with everyone they know!  Thank you!

As a Corporate Pilot we used to and still say that you can take a client out to the best restaurant in town and buy them the most expensive or their favorite meal.  Two years later they might remember the evening, the meal, and some of the conversation.  Take them for a balloon flight and they’ll tell everyone they know about their experience for years to come.  You’ve created a lifetime memory.  That’s the Magic of Ballooning!

 

 

 

That’s the rundown for this September! We’re excited about all the activities and updates, and we hope you are too. As always, if you have any questions or need more information, don’t hesitate to reach out. Here’s to a fantastic month ahead at the ranch!

Happy September! 🌟