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Updates

Inside the Basket - Sam Robey, First-Time Balloon Fiesta Pilot

June 24, 2021

During Sam Robey’s first balloon ride, he proposed to his girlfriend. Now, nearly 30 years later, he will pilot a balloon at Balloon Fiesta for the first time and she is his wife and crew chief.

In this month’s Inside the Basket, Sam shares more about his ballooning story and what he is most looking forward to about experiencing Balloon Fiesta as a pilot.

1. Give a brief overview of your ballooning background.

In my first hot air balloon ride, I proposed to my girlfriend (now wife of almost 30 years and crew chief). I first started participating as a crew member 20 plus years ago. Over those years, my wife and children were also able to occasionally be involved. We enjoyed this time ballooning together. After about fifteen years of crewing, we purchased our own balloon in 2013. Once I earned my pilot certificate, we began traveling and participating in various ballooning events. We are hoping to enjoy even more of those events as we both retired in 2020 and are more free to travel now.

2. What inspired you to become a pilot?

I grew up in Longview, Texas where we have many balloon pilots in the area and Longview is the home of “The Great Texas Balloon Race”. I have always been fascinated with flying and saw the hot air balloon as an interesting way that I might be able to fly. Crewing for Bill Adler allowed me the opportunity to be around balloons, ballooning events, and other pilots. This up close exposure encouraged me to become a pilot.

3. What is your favorite ballooning memory?

If I can, I will share two or three memories. Probably the most special memory was being able to take my 82 year old Dad for a flight about nine months before he passed away. Another fun memory would be flying as a passenger with Bill Adler in Albuquerque at Balloon Fiesta. During the flight with Bill, he flew us into the field and alongside one of the poles, where we were able to put the ring on the pole! A third memory would be flying in my first competition event as a new pilot. On the second day, I was able to fly into the target and drop my marker five inches from the center of the target (still hoping to do that again soon!).

4. With this being your first year to fly at Balloon Fiesta, what are you most looking forward to?

Just getting to be a part of the experience as a pilot (I have been to Balloon Fiesta three times as a crew member) and maybe getting to fly to the pole again.

5. What advice do you have for someone who is thinking about becoming a pilot?

The same advice that I was given. That is to find a pilot and crew for them. Learn what you can from crewing and being around the balloons and the pilots. This will give you the exposure and the opportunity to make sure you love it enough to invest the time and money it takes to become a pilot and purchase your balloon.

Categories: Inside the Basket

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© 2018-2025 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, Inc. A 501(c)(3) Organization
  • This Year's Event
    • Event Schedule
    • Entertainment Schedule
    • Balloon Fiesta Live!
    • Guest Guide
    • Know Before You Go
    • FAQs - Balloon Fiesta
    • Maps & Directions
    • Transportation Services
      • Courtesy Shuttle and Fiesta Transport
      • ADA-Accessability
      • Bike Valet
    • Session Type
      • Albuquerque Aloft
      • America's Challenge
      • Balloon Glows
      • Competition
      • Dawn Patrol
      • Fiesta de Los Globitos
      • Mass Ascension
      • Special Shape Rodeo/Glowdeo®
    • Entertainment
      • Balloon Discovery Center
      • Chainsaw Carving
      • Music Fiesta
    • Photos
      • Photos-Photographers
      • Photo Contest
    • Travel Help
    • Official Mobile App Sponsored by Visit Albuquerque
  • Tickets & Reservations
    • General Information
      • Chasers' Club
      • Concierge Program
      • Fiesta Sky Box
      • General Admission
      • Gondola Club
      • Group Tours
      • Park & Ride
      • Purchase Tickets
    • Balloon Rides
    • Lodging
      • Camp 505
      • Glamping
      • RV Information
      • Travel Help
  • Ballooning
    • Hot Air
      • History of Ballooning
      • Balloonist's Prayer
      • Special Shape Rodeo
      • Recognitions
    • Gas Balloons
      • America's Challenge
      • Gas vs Hot Air
      • History of Gas Ballooning
      • FAQ's - Gas Ballooning
      • Gordon Bennett
    • Pilots
      • 2024 Pilot List
      • Pilot List All Years
      • Pilot News/FAQs
      • Pilot & Crew Videos
      • International Pilots
      • Ops Manual
      • PZ Maps
      • Waiver
      • Weather
      • Radios
      • Competition scores
      • Remote Control Balloons
      • Fly Swapper
    • Crew Registration
  • Merchandise
    • AIBF Official Merchandise Online
    • Artisans
    • Concessions
    • Buy a Brick Program
    • Collectors Corner
      • Bumper Stickers
      • Calendars
      • Coins
      • Pins
      • Posters
      • Programs
  • Sponsors
    • Official Sponsors
    • Sponsorship Opportunities
  • Media
  • Behind The Scenes
    • Volunteering
    • Board of Directors
    • Mission Statement
    • Contact us
    • Ambassadors
    • Donation Requests
    • History of Balloon Fiesta
    • Concessions & Artisans Application
    • Public Safety Application
    • Recognitions
    • Latest News
    • Newsletter
    • Inside the Basket Archive
    • Privacy Statement
    • Web information
  • At The Park
    • Know Before You Go