Our 2025 Pilot Lineup!
We are happy to introduce the pilots registered for the 2025 Heritage Inn International Balloon Festival. Not only do we have our local pilots, we have representation from across Alberta, BC through Quebec. Our international friends from the United States, United Kingdom, and Belgium are participating again this year as well.
Enjoy becoming familiar with the pilots and their balloons so you'll know who is in the sky when we fly. As of August 2025, we have 25 entrants. That number may increase or decrease over the coming weeks as details are finalized.
Competitor: #12
Pilots: Bill Whelan
From: Vankleek Hill ON
Attended: 2014, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
Believe
Bill Whelan and Sandra Rolfe Whelan are a long time balloonist and life duo who recently married. Bill has been involved in balloon aviation for 40 years and Sandra for 30 years. Sandra is a renowned extreme balloonist, holding 57 Canadian and 3 world records. With Bill in charge of transportation and moral support, Sandra is breaking new records after a devastating stroke in 2015. Told she would never walk or talk again, today Sandra can walk, talk, drive, and fly using accessible devices. Sandra and Bill spread the message Aphasia is a loss of words, not intellect.
Balloon: Aphasia Word Warrior
Call Letters: C-GXHF
Type: Bill Whelan AX7
Size (volume): 77000
Category: Special Shape
Balloon with a Mission
Aphasia Word Warrior is a special balloon built from the heart. Their mission is to raise awareness that APHASIA… is A LOSS OF WORDS… NOT INTELLECT. Designed by a 15 year old in 15 minutes on an iPhone, Aphasia was built without the aid of a computer. Aphasia Word Warrior AX 7 used 1000yds, 900M with all the extra for the face guard and head gear.
Competitor: #13
Pilot: Pier-Alexandere Marcoux
From: Lévis QC
Attended: 2021, 2025
Pilot From the Start
Pier-Alexandre began flying in 2016, fulfilling his childhood dream of becoming a balloon pilot. He bought his first balloon in 2017 and has flown in four countries and over 10 events. In 2023, he attended France's largest balloon event with 500 balloons flying simultaneously. For Pier-Alexandre, flying in Alberta is special, and is excited flying again at the Festival.
Balloon: Prism
Call Letters: C-FZIN
Type: Thunder & Colt 77B
Size (volume): 77000
Category: Sport
Balloon of Many Colours
Prism is a beautiful barn find rainbow coloured 1992 Thunder and Colt Bulilt 77,000 cubic foot balloon. The distinctive shape and double rainbow of colours makes it easy to spot in the sky.
Competitor: #14a
Pilot: Harold “Bubba” Cliver
From: Lewisville TX
Attended: 2025
Competitor: #14b
Pilot: Cody Smith
From: TBA
Attended: 2025
Balloon: Neon Twist
Call Letters: N49KB
Type: Kubicek BB30E
Size (volume): 105000
Category: Sport
Competitor: #15
Pilot: Bill Dickinson
From: Rolling Hills AB
Attended: 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2024, 2025
Ballooning in the Blood
Bill Dickinson became a licensed pilot in 2002 and recently qualified as an Instructor. He lives in Rolling Hills, AB with his wife Annette and family. Bill also runs a backhoe business and works with neighboring farmers. Inspired by a neighbor, he enjoys sharing first flights with passengers and showing them scenery from above. His favorite flying locations include Medicine Hat, Drumheller, and High River. Bill appreciates the camaraderie with fellow pilots and crew members, having made many friends over the years.
Balloon: Geppetto
Call Letters: C-GFPH
Type: Galaxy GLX 7
Size (volume): 77000
Category: Sport
Love of a Woodcarver
Geppetto became Bill's flying partner in 2013. The patchwork of red, orange, and yellow brightens the skies every time she flies.
Competitor: #16
Pilot: Jamie Kinghorn
From: High River AB
Attended: 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
Firefly
Jamie Kinghorn caught the "Firefly Bug" on his very first flight in July 1988 and began crewing the next day. Pilot training began in March 1989 and he was signed off as a pilot in May 1989. Jamie has flown in every Canadian Championship since 1992 where he was awarded Rookie of the Year. Ballooning has taken Jamie across Canada and the US as well as Belgium, Japan, and Thailand. The 2013 Heritage Inn Canadian Championship in High River inspired Jamie to continue growing the Festival in High River for years to come.
Balloon: Eye of RA
Call Letters: C-GRAA
Type: Bill Whelan AX8
Size (volume): 90000
Category: Sport
Eye in the Sky
Eye of RA had a double-first with a first flight and first Festival appearance in 2020. Watch for The Eye in the Sky with a skirt and Firefly basket throughout this year's Festival.
Competitor: #17
Pilot: Andy Samuelson
From: Riverton WY
Attended: 2025
Balloon: Cloud Kisser 4
Call Letters: N400CK
Type: Kubicek BB26Z
Size (volume): 90000
Category: Sport
Competitor: #18
Pilot: Chris Jones
From: Billings MT USA
Attended: 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2025
Dream Come True
Chris dreamt of flying since his first flight with his grandfather, a fixed-wing aircraft pilot. His love of ballooning began in 1998 while crewing at an event. After crewing for many years, Chris received his license in 2017. He shares his love of the sky with his three kids, wife, and two dogs. Chris owns two hot air balloons and has flown in South Dakota, Wyoming, New Mexico, Nevada, and Alberta.
Balloon: Sapphire Sunrise
Call Letters: N7111G
Type: Raven Aerostar S55-A
Size (volume): 77500
Category: Sport
Jewel of the Skies
Sapphire Sunrise returns to High River. The blue and yellow combination will sparkle in the sky.
Competitor: #19
Pilot: Cliff Skocdopole
From: Condor AB
Attended: 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
BALLOONATIC!
Cliff became a pilot in 2010 after a Father's Day gift flight. Their balloon features Aurora Borealis photos taken by Sheri, with the main image captured at Cliff's grandparents' farm and the vent showing a full moon. Ballooning has taken the couple to events across North America and internationally. Keep an eye to the sky for "Northern FLights" and say hello when you spot them!
Balloon: Northern FLights
Call Letters: C-GHOT
Type: Kubicek BB26XR
Size (volume): 90000
Category: Racer
Glowing Sky
Northern FLights is the newest hot air balloon in Cliff's collection and one of two balloons flying in the Festival. Also note Northern FLights' slender profile indicative of a racer.
Competitor: #20
Pilot: Paul Burrows
From: Bristol North Somerset UK
Attended: 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
The Special Shapes Guy
Paul Burrows has been flying balloons since 1991, specializing in special shapes. He has experience with passenger rides in the UK and aerial advertising globally. As managing director of Lighter Than Air Ltd, Paul organizes balloon events and air shows worldwide. When not flying, he works on his family farm in Nempnett Thrubwell.
Balloon: Bella the Bulldog
Call Letters: G-OWOF
Type: Cameron Z105
Size (volume): 105000
Category: Special Shape
Competitor: #21
Pilot: Ian Martin
From: Bristol North Somerset UK
Attended: 2018, 2022, 2024, 2025
All Things Ballooning
Ian earned his pilot's license in 1990 after his first balloon flight in 1987. His career includes commercial crewing, involvement in Richard Branson's Global Challenge, and directing night glows at the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta for 10 years. After flying commercially in Myanmar, Ian now pilots the UK's largest passenger balloons and runs Flying Enterprises. He loves entertaining crowds at festivals and sharing the excitement of first-time flyers, as well as experiencing breathtaking views above the clouds.
Balloon: Buster the Bulldog
Call Letters: G-OPAW
Type: Cameron Z105
Size (volume): 105000
Category: Special Shape
Competitor: #22
Pilot: Peter Van Overwalle
From: Eke, Belgium & Ennis MT USA
Attended: 2013, 2014, 2015, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
World Traveller
Peter had his first passenger flight in Belgium in 1997, began crewing in 1998, and became a pilot in 1999. He flew commercially in Belgium for 12 years. Princess Nelly is his third Elephant head balloon. Peter has flown in 20 countries across five continents, accumulating 1,100 hours on various balloons. He loves making children smile with his pink elephant balloon.
Balloon: Princess Nelly
Call Letters: N917PN
Type: Kubichek BB30Z
Size (volume): 105000
Category: Special Shape
Princess Nelly
Princess Nelly will brighten the skies with her bright pink complexion, goofy smile, and big silver crown. She is the youngest, but most regal sister of Nelly (grey) and Nelly B (pink).