More Insights From The Scene Of One Of Aviation's Most Amazing Gatherings
A 1995 inductee into the Balloon Fiesta Hall of Fame, Dr. Tom McConnell has quite a resume... a retired Pathologist and Professor at the University of New Mexico's medical school, he is also one of the ballooning world's most expert authorities and an avid flyer for many decades. He and a number of his fellow balloonists are undertaking the gargantuan task of documenting the history of the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta for this and future generations to enjoy.
2010's 39th Balloon Fiesta featured 500 registered hot air and gas balloons and 650 balloon pilots representing 17 countries and 39 states. Registered pilots from 17 countries include Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Croatia, France, Germany, Ireland, Japan, Lithuania, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, South Africa, Spain, United Kingdom, and the United States of America.
Topping the list of states contributing the most pilots is New Mexico with 177 pilots, followed by Texas (40 pilots), Arizona (26 pilots), Colorado (25 pilots), California (22 pilots), Illinois (14 pilots), Florida (11 pilots), Missouri (10 pilots), rounding out the top ten are Indiana and Kentucky with 9 pilots from their respective states.
New Mexico is the state that boasts the largest number of balloon pilots and is home to almost 200 balloons. Pilots from around the world thrive in Albuquerque’s unique fall weather and take advantage of the “box” – a combination of upper and lower level winds created by the Rio Grande Valley and enhanced by the Sandia Mountains. The box enables balloonists to sometimes backtrack their flight path and land close to their launch site.
Please join ANN and Aero-TV for the latest in our series of lofty programs shot and researched on and over the cool terrain of Albuquerque, New Mexico... which we assure you that for one week each year is easily the most uplifting place on the planet.
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