Checkride piloted by Bill Champion is one of the unique balloon teams I've had the pleasure of being a part of. I met Bill in August of 1999.  I had been invited to crew with some friends who were planning to fly that weekend. Unfortunately I stayed out all night at a party drinking so I missed their message telling me they were not coming.  I stumbled around pretty hung over when I ran into Bill.  Figuring I had been stood up by my friends I inquired if he could use an extra hand.  The rest is pretty much history! Bill is an exceptional pilot as well as a loyal and trustworthy friend. In the last year Bill has been a wonderful teacher and has shown me that there is a lot more to ballooning then the balloon. With a highly mixed crew I have been given a chance learn tons about myself and the truly unique type of People it takes to get a balloon off the ground.

"The Crew" Bill's Sister Susie leads the battle hardened crew members from rally to rally overseeing the safety of the crew, balloon, and lands we drive across are protected. Bill's mother is in charge of feeding the hungry pack after a valiant chase. The tailgate's Rovera "Mom" puts together are the things legends are built on, And on days Susie is unable to make it Mom fills in. Unfortunately I would be here along time to go on about all the members of this Awesome crew. Below lists the men and women that make up Checkride's chase crew! Brett Dennis Gina Joanna Tom Terry Doug Vicky (my sister) Diana (my niece)

This is Bill's tailgate which was custom painted by Jim Pearson a local artist.  Jim is my buddy Nate's uncle who sometimes comes out to balloon with us as well.

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