Inside the Basket - Doug Gantt, Balloon Pilot

Special Shape Balloons are often guest favorites at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.

In this month’s Inside the Basket, long-time pilot and Albuquerque local, Doug Gantt, owner of the balloon Ham-Let, the World’s Largest Flying Pig tells us more about his ballooning career and provides advice for those looking to become a pilot.

1. Please provide a brief overview of your ballooning background.

I have been a balloon pilot for over 35 years, flying in events throughout the US, North America, and Internationally. I am a commercial pilot, flight instructor, safety seminar speaker, event organizer, and an on-air personality for radio, television, and film documentaries.

I attended the very first balloon rally in DeLand, FL, and was captivated and mesmerized by the sight of all the hot air balloons. I booked a balloon ride a few months later in Orlando for an anniversary surprise. Little did I know that that flight would change my life forever. I subsequently bought a balloon, received my LTA Commercial Certificate, and I haven’t stopped flying, and traveling, since then.

I have flown hot air balloons in 40 of the 50 states, Canada twice, and Taiwan four times, and operated several corporate balloon programs. My partners have included Sony Electronics, Ford Motor Racing, the Bacardi Corporation, Sara Lee, Heavenly Ham, Hawaiian Tropic, ATT, and Taco Bell. While living in Central Florida, I also worked with the local ABC Station (WFTV-9) as their “official hot air balloon”.

For 15 years, I was the Organizer/Balloonmeister of the Central Florida Balloon Rally in DeLand, Florida; an event that was recognized annually as a Top Ten Event in the Southeast. I have also been a featured speaker and presenter at Balloon Safety Seminars across the country on the subjects of Meteorology, Safety, Pilot Awareness & Decision Making, and Pilot Professionalism.

I have been a Media Pilot for Balloon Fiesta since 2002, and I have worked with all the major television stations and cable networks across the country. I have been featured in Forbes Magazine and the Wall Street Journal, along with The Weather Channel, Google Earth, Dirty Jobs, Small Town Big Deal, and various other television shows and specials.

I am involved with the AAAA Balloon Club, and I have been their Flying Events Chair for the past four years. Non-balloon activities include hiking and exploring the Southwest.

2. What balloon do you fly and what is the story behind it?

I fly Ham-Let, the World’s Largest Flying Pig. When Pigs Fly was my dad’s favorite phrase, and we were able to bring it to life. And he has been a crowd-pleaser ever since.

3. How and when did you become involved in Balloon Fiesta?

Albuquerque was the one event that all balloon pilots wanted to attend, and I finally achieved that dream in 2001. I had a commercial hot air balloon contract with Sony Electronics that year, and that was what brought me to Albuquerque and Balloon Fiesta.

After many years of that three-day drive one-way from Florida, I finally got tired of that long, lonely, drive and bought a house and moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico. My drive to Fiesta Field is now significantly shorter.

4. What is your favorite Balloon Fiesta memory?

There have been many wonderful memories over the years, but my favorite memory is still my first Balloon Fiesta in 2001, my first crew, and my first flight off Fiesta Field with my son as passenger.

5. What do you do when you’re not flying hot air balloons?

I am involved with the AAAA Balloon Club, and I have been their Flying Events Chair for the past four years. Non-balloon activities include hiking and exploring the Southwest.

6. Do you have any advice for someone looking to become a hot-air balloon pilot?

Buying a hot air balloon is a major expense for anyone, but before you make that purchase, get involved with the AAAA here in Albuquerque, or your local balloon club and/or local balloonist, and get involved in crewing for them. Learn all that is involved with crewing, safely, and flying a hot air balloon.

It is not for everyone but make that oh-so-early commitment to crewing and find out if it is for you. You don’t have to become a pilot to enjoy this wonderful sport of hot air ballooning. Flying in a hot air balloon is the closest thing to being a cloud, but being a crew person during Balloon Fiesta, or at any balloon event throughout the US or the World is the next best feeling.