Meet the Alpo Airlift Crew
WHAT'S
IT LIKE TO FLY BENEATH THE WORLD'S
LARGEST CAN OF DOG FOOD?
Find out in this highflying video series. See what it takes to get this
500-pound balloon off the ground, experience the peace and beauty of flight and
then party down at the Eyes to the Skies balloon festival in Lisle, Illinois.
Carl Young
Pilot
"The first time I flew in a hot air balloon I was totally in awe of how
peaceful and quiet it was," says Carl, pilot of the ALPO balloon. That flight
made a big impression on him, because in the 26 years since he's logged close
to 2,000 hours of flying time. "It's the most enjoyable job I could have," he
says. "I just love it."
Nancy Jo Swistoski
Crew Chief
Getting a 500-pound balloon up and down safely is a big job, and that's where
Nancy Jo comes in. She leads the crew that prepares the balloon, tracks it
while it's in flight and then catches it for landing. Her favorite part of the
job? The travel. "We get to meet different people in every area, see the sights
of our great country… Thinking about it makes my hair stand on end!"
Roadie
Crew Dog
Everybody on the ballooning circuit loves Roadie, and it's easy to see why.
This Australian Shepard was born to fly. He took his first flight at the age of
ten weeks and has accompanied Carl on countless flights since. Roadie loves all
the people around the sport of ballooning, but what he loves most is the joy of
flight. "If Roadie doesn't get to fly sometimes he pouts," Carl says.
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