Balloon Flight Examiner Expert Witness

SUMMARY

Former FAA Designated Pilot Examiner, that has tested and issued certificates to hundreds of balloon pilots for over 30 years.  He is a Chief Pilot for his privately owned school and supervisor of the repair station.  Expert 2852 has flown balloons in England, Europe, Guatemala, Jamaica, Japan, Russia, Ukraine and Mexico and has trained pilots in many different countries.

Education:

BA, Broadcasting, San Francisco State University
Annual FAA Examiner Course
Balloon Manufacturer Maintenance Courses
Industry Flight Instructor Courses

Pertinent Dates:

1966, Starting Ballooning, First solo flight in 1968
1970, Earned FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate, Balloons
1971, Established FAA-Approved Balloon Flight School in U.S.
1973, Appointed Designated Pilot Examiner, Balloons, Oakland Flight Standards District Office
1974, Appointed FAA-Approved Balloon Repair Station
1981-1985, Director of Balloon Federation of America
1982, Awarded Distinguished Aeronaut Award, Balloon Federation of America
1989-1997, Worked with FAA on revision of Federal Aviation Regulations, Parts 61 and 141
1990, Team Captain, Experimentation Balloon Flights in Soviet Union, Joint Venture between
U.S., Soviet Union and France, Mars exploration program.
1993, Awarded FAA Certificate of Excellence, Diamond Award, FAA Aviation Technician training
Program
2002, Member of board, Balloon Historical Society
2001, FAA published handbook on balloon flying co-authored by expert

Additional Information:

4000+ hours in balloons
Trained over 350 students in balloon flying
Has experience in flying at least 32 different models of balloons
Experience in flying gas balloons, airships, helicopters, seaplanes, gliders and flies own single engine airplane.

Certifications and Accreditations:

FAA Certifications

Commercial Pilot, Free Balloon, no limitations
Private Pilot, Airplane Single Engine Land
Previously a Designated Pilot Examiner for Balloons
Aviation Safety Counselor, Balloons
Repairman/Inspector for Balloons

Other Relevant Certifications

Credential, Aeronautics/Aircraft, California Community Colleges
Master Instructor, Balloon Federation of America
FAA Pilot Proficiency Award, Phase XIX

Work Experience

Co-Owner & Chief Flight Instructor, A privately owned, FAA approved Balloon Flight School and Balloon Repair Station

Previously, FAA-Designated Pilot Examiner, Balloons

Previously, FAA designated Aviation Safety Counselor

Publications

Available upon request

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