Gary Sines |
Janice Sines |
Owner, BalloonStormers, Inc.
Gary began ballooning in 1972 and received his commercial certificate (lighter-than-air) that year after training with Dodds Meddock and Tracy Barnes, founder of The Balloon Works. Gary and his wife Janice flew in 14 states their first year of ballooning and then started the Kansas City BalloonPort in 1973. In 1993, Gary started BalloonStormers, a full service BalloonPort at the Boone County Fairgrounds in Columbia. Gary received the BFA Distinguished Aeronaut Award in 1974. Other awards include: 1993-Balloonmeister, Show Me Classic. 1994-qualified for the finals of the Balloon Tour America in Anniston, AL. 1994-Fiesta Director, Legend Automotive Show Me Classic. 1995-qualified for competition division for the U. S. Nationals. 1995-First place at the Balloons & BBQ in Baton Rouge. 1995-Balloonmeister, Wake Up To Missouri Dawn Patrol Race. 1998 and 1999-Balloonmeister, U. S. Cellular Balloon Classic in Columbia, MO.
George Thomas
Administrative Officer, USDA-Columbia, Missouri
Began ballooning in 1978 as a chase crew member at the Pershing Balloon Derby. Started flight lessons in 1993 and received his private certificate (LTA) in May of 1994 and commercial certificate (LTA) in October that same year. He purchased a FireFly AX-7B "Tiger Paw Express" balloon in 1993. As a BalloonStormers' pilot, George flies our commercial balloons, passenger rides, and trains student pilots. He is an active member of the local 4-H Foundation Board and was recently named to the Board of the State 4-H Foundation. He won 1st place at the 1999 Kodak Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta and drove home a brand new Subaru Outback.
Denis Sutter
Millwright, Square D-Columbia, MO
Began ballooning in as an observer and chase crew member in 1994. Received his private certificate (LTA) in 1996 and commercial certificate (LTA) in 1997. He and his wife Ellen purchased a FireFly AX-7 "Daydream Believer" in 1997. He flies our passenger rides and commercial balloons and has trave led to races in Rockford (IL) and Plano (TX) with our special shape balloon "Coco the Clown."
Owner, PM Printing-Jefferson City, MO
Began ballooning in 1994 as a member of Gary's chase crew . Received his private certificate (LTA) in 1996 and his commercial certificate (LTA) in 1998. He and his wife Cheri (also a pilot) purchased a Galaxy AX-7B "Sara's College" in November 1994. Herb, one of Cole County's most active pilots, enjoys flying over the scenic countryside of Mid-Missouri. He flies our passenger rides and commercial balloons.