Richard Scott Kelly

Experiences with Lighter-than-Air

Started Ballooning in 1982. Received Private and Commercial Pilot Certificates for Hot Air and Gas Balloons 1982 and 1983. I have trained students in both Hot Air Balloons and Gas Balloons. I have flown nine different Manufacturers’ balloons. Flew the USA Bicentennial Hot Air Balloon. Have been consultant and pilot for 2 PBS Films: short film relating to 1860’s Biedermier Period in Europe and Africans in America Series. Have piloted a balloon for one Commercial Film: A Time Being. Participated in the 1988 Winter Olympics Games Festival in Calgary, Canada. Consultant for AWMC Sports. Participated in the French Bicentennial Festival in Alsace-Lorraine, France 1989. Flew a gas balloon for the 350th Anniversary of the Founding of Quebec and the 125th Founding of Canada in St. Jean-Sur-Richelieu, Canada. I was a FAA Designated Pilot Examiner from 1992-2010, to certify and issue Student Pilot, Private Pilot and Commercial Pilot Certificates: Lighter than Air Balloons both gas and hot air. Our crew and I have always enjoyed participating at the Warren County Farmers’ Fair and Hot Air Balloon Festival; the spectators, landowners and festival organizers have been great in welcoming us to this event.