Q&A
With Peter Procopio Q: You have recently been awarded the Ed Yost Master Pilot Award from the Balloon Federation of America. What does it take to receive such a high honor? A: The Ed Yost Master Pilot award is given to someone for 40 years of consecutive safe flying of a hot air balloon. My first solo flight was in 1979. Q: What got you interested in flying a hot air balloon and how did you become a certified balloon pilot? A: I was 33 years old when I first got the ballooning bug. I took a course up at UNMGallup with Alan and Kaye Wilson. They were both pilots and were teaching a class up at UNM-Gallup. I first started to help them as part of the chase crew and from there I began to trade classes for my pilot certificate by helping them build a porch enclosure. Q: What was the first balloon you owned and what excites you about ballooning today? A: The first balloon I owned was the Stormy Weather. Ballooning allows you to meet people from all over the world and from all walks of life. It also allows you to visit beautiful places and participate in
Peter with BFA President Cheri White 18
November 2019
balloon festivals. Some of the places I have enjoyed going to are: Durango, Pagosa Springs, Monument Valley, Albuquerque, Telluride, Taos, and Lake Peter flying in his earlier years... Powell. Q: How many different balloon pilots do we have in our area? A: There are around 7 to 8 pilots here locally. I have trained five students to become certified balloon pilots. I enjoy teaching and sharing my love of ballooning with others. Q: What do you think contributed to having such a safe record of ballooning over the past 40 years? A: I am very careful when I choose to fly. If the weather is bad or the winds are high, I do not have to fly. I choose not to take the risk and pick another day to fly. There is a quote by R.J. Childerhose: “There are old pilots and there are bold pilots, goes the saying, but there are no old bold pilots.” Q: The 39th Red Rock Balloon Rally is coming up this December 6-8th. It began as a small rally but has grown into one of the largest balloon rallies in North America, with 200 balloons. What is most exciting about this event to come to Gallup? A: It is such a fun event that brings balloonist and tourists from all over the country. It is extra special due to where the balloons get to fly, right next to the beautiful red rocks. The scenery and open space makes it one of the favorites. I would like to give special thanks to my wife and the city of Gallup who have given me continued support to continue to fly and to promote Gallup at each of the events I attend.
Koshari Balloon
Stormy Weather Balloon
Save the date for the 39th Red Rock Balloon Rally December 6-8th Red Rock Park redrockballoonrally.com
