Pilots:

Chuck Dery (left)

    Cow Pie Chuck is our newest hot air balloon pilot. He has been the crew chief for several balloon teams and has extensive experience in balloon crewing. He flies every chance he gets and the weather permits. Chuck's motto, "Everyday is a perfect day!"

Doug Schmidt (center)

Doug has been hot air ballooning for 20 years and has his FAA Commercial Pilot's License. This allows him to take passengers and give flight instruction. Doug flies several balloons around Rochester and you can frequently see him in the Roscoe's BBQ Balloon system as well.

Keith Dahlgren (right)

Keith acquired his first balloon license in August 1981 and his FAA Commercial Pilots License in June 1982. He now has over 450 flight hours in balloons. Over the years Keith has worked with 7 student pilots in helping them acquire balloon piloting skills. He loves flying and especially seeing passengers enjoy their first balloon flight.