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Aaron Stonerock |
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I am the pilot in command of “Topaz Balloon”. The 1999 Marysville All Ohio Balloon Rally was my first flight, which took me directly over my farm on St Rt 245. I became crew chief for the Kroger and Swan Cleaners balloon in 2000 while I began my flight instruction. My first balloon, “Topaz Balloon”, was purchased in 2004 and I was issued my Private Pilot certificate in November of 2005 by an FAA designated examiner. This will be my second balloon rally. While each flight is another exciting chance to view this creation from a new perspective, my first solo flight was particularly exciting. I took off from the Marysville Union County Airport knowing the wind direction would take me toward our farm. Shortly, any nervousness went away as I concentrated on using the winds at different altitudes to position my landing on the lane going to our back field. |
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My wife’s cousin Amy got me into ballooning by inviting me to crew during the 1999 All Ohio Balloon Rally in Marysville. After crewing the previous flights, we were invited into the basket on Sunday morning and took off for a flight right over my family’s farm West of Marysville. A few months later the Swan Cleaners balloon landed near our farm and I helped pack it up. I asked the pilot about instruction and he said “We fly all the time, give me a call.” Many flights and great times later, I am flying as a pilot. |