Our 2026 Pilot Lineup!
We are happy to introduce the pilots registered for the 2026 Heritage Inn International Balloon Festival. Not only do we have our local pilots, we have representation from across Alberta, BC, and Ontario. 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 2026, we have over 20 entrants. That number may increase or decrease over the coming weeks as details are finalized.
Competitor: #12
Pilot: Brant Leatherdale
From: Calgary AB
Attended: 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026
Local Flyer
Brant knew he would become a balloon pilot after his first flight in 2003. Licensed in 2007, he is now a Flight Instructor and Commercial Pilot. Brant enjoys sharing ballooning with passengers, children, and new students. His most heartwarming moments have been building memories with his family. His wife Tara is also licensed, and their children plan to follow suit. The Heritage Inn Balloon Festival provides Brant with opportunities to build friendships, create memories, and contribute to the sport he loves.
Balloon: Kiss the Sky
Call Letters: C-FRQV
Type: Kubicheck
Size (volume): 250000
Category: Sport
Competitor: #13
Pilot: Matt Ellard
From: Nanton AB
Attended: 2026
Pilot From the Start
Introduced to ballooning right here at the Festival, Matt quickly fell in love with the sport. He spent five years gaining hands-on experience as a dedicated crew member before achieving his dream of earning his pilot's license this year. As a brand-new pilot making his official festival debut, Matt is driven by a passion for adventure flying and looks forward to taking to the skies in unique locations.
Balloon: Old Blue
Call Letters: C-GVOH
Type: Cameron AX7
Size (volume): 77000
Category: Sport
Competitor: #14
Pilot: Michael King
From: Sandia Park NM USA
Attended: 2022, 2023, 2025, 2026
The "Southern Canadian"
A former US Air Force fighter pilot and commercial airline captain, Mike spent decades traveling the world before catching the ballooning bug in 2014. Introduced to hot air ballooning by Canadian friends, he fell in love with the sport, completed his training, and earned his Lighter Than Air pilot rating. Today, Mike serves as a Chief Flight Instructor in Albuquerque, NM. He and his wife Donna fly together regularly, cherishing the strong camaraderie of the ballooning community and their many Canadian connections. They love meeting fans at every event and always welcome a friendly hello.
Balloon: Upsy Daisy
Call Letters: N270VT
Type: Cameron US O-90
Size (volume): 90000
Category: Sport
Uplifting Experience
Just like the words of encouragement said to children, Upsy Daisy is a big, bright daisy in the sky soaring and lifting spirits everywhere.
Competitor: #15
Pilot: Cliff Skocdopole
From: Condor AB
Attended: 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026
BALLOONATIC!
Cliff’s journey into the sky began with a Father’s Day gift flight that instantly hooked him on ballooning, leading him to earn his pilot’s license in 2010. Alongside his wife and crew chief, Sheri, ballooning has taken them to festivals across Canada, the US, and around the world. For Cliff, the best part of flying is the lifelong friendships made and the adventures shared with family and fellow pilots along the way. Say hello when you see Cliff, Sheri and the team on the launch field!
Balloon: Northern FLights
Call Letters: C-GHOT
Type: Kubicek BB26XR
Size (volume): 90000
Category: Racer
Glowing Sky
Northern FLights has the notable slender profile of a racer. It is a true collaboration blending Cliff’s love for aviation with Sheri’s talent as a photographer. The envelope prominently showcases stunning photos of the Aurora Borealis captured by Sheri at Cliff’s grandparents' farm in central Alberta. If you look up at the very top of the envelope, you will notice the vent features a full moon. Keep an eye to the sky for this one-of-a-kind artwork!
Competitor: #16
Pilot: Del Michaud
From: Calgary AB
Attended: 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026
Mountain Man
Del started ballooning in 1974 and was one of the first three balloonists in Western Canada. He is one of only two Canadian balloonists with 50 years in the sport. Del has flown in 15 countries and was one of the first to fly in South Korea and Taiwan. A former Canadian Balloon Champion, he represented Canada in six World Championships, with best placings of 4th and two 9ths. His most memorable experiences were flying in the Rocky Mountains and Swiss Alps. Though retired, Del remains active in the sport that has defined half his life.
Balloon: Duke of Earl
Call Letters: C-GTEI
Type: Cameron N-105
Size (volume): 105000
Category: Sport
Competitor: #17
Pilot: Shane Lockyer
From: Calgary AB
Attended: 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2024, 2025, 2026
Next Generation
Following in his father’s footsteps, Shane grew up around hot air balloons and earned his pilot’s license in 2017. Since then, he has logged over 425 flight hours across Canada, the UK, the US, and Japan, competing at events like the 2021 Canadian Championships and the 2025 Saga International Balloon Fiesta. Off the launch field, Shane holds a flight instructor rating and works as an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) licensed to build and repair balloons.
Balloon: Starburst
Call Letters: C-GUPB
Type: Cameron 90
Size (volume): 90000
Category: Sport
Splash of Colour
Starburst is a Shane's eye-catching new balloon this year. True to its name, this high-performance Cameron Sport 90 envelope features a brilliantly vibrant, multi-coloured design built for both precision competition and recreational flying.
Competitor: #18
Pilot: Peter Van Overwalle
From: Eke, Belgium & Ennis MT USA
Attended: 2013, 2014, 2015, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026
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).
Competitor: #19
Pilot: Paul Burrows
From: Bristol North Somerset UK
Attended: 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026
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: #20
Pilot: Simon Wrighton
From: St Brelade Jersey UK
Attended: 2019, 2023, 2026
Balloon: Buster the Bulldog
Call Letters: G-OPAW
Type: Cameron Z105
Size (volume): 105000
Category: Special Shape
