My name is Walt Rudy and I am a Commercial HAB Pilot since 1984 (26 yrs) with over 850 HAB hours Fixed wing pivate pilot since 1977. While I pilot in my spare time I am currently Business Manager of Perioperative Services Grant Medical Center (OhioHealth, Columbus, OH). My crew chief is my wife, Deb Smith and she has been my crew chief since 1987. Deb is a Recovery Room Nurse of Barberton Citizens Hospital, Barberton, OH (SUMMA Health System, Akron, OH). We reside in Wadsworth, OH.

The name of our balloon is Hour Big Bundle of Joy and it is a 2003 Lindstrand 2003 AX-8 105,000 cf. We love flying our balloon to provide joy to our flying guests and spectators. Last year we flew at Letchworth State Park, Northwestern New York State. Flew in the Genessee River gorge (4 flight) with 25+ other balloons in the "Grand Canyon of the East" over Memorial Day weekend. Some first time events for us in 2009 were Morganton, WV and Dansville, NY.

When we aren't in our balloon Deb and I both are inflation team members and co-pilots for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade helium character balloons. We also enjoy sailboating and enjoying our 8 grandchildren.