About Airborne Heat Ballooning
Established in 1984, Airborne Heat, LLC is a privately-owned Albuquerque, New Mexico based company that specializes in hot air balloon pilot training, Cameron Balloon sales and marketing opportunities featuring hot air balloons. Our goal is to provide a highly personalized service offering the very best hot air ballooning experience from the most experienced balloonists in the business.
We are proud members of the Balloon Federation of America (BFA) and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). Airborne Heat became the first corporate sponsor of the Albuquerque Aerostat Ascension Association (AAAA), although the principals had long held individual memberships.
Elizabeth (Beth) Wright-Smith
Owner/Chief Instructor/Chief Pilot
Involved in ballooning since a child in the 1960’s; balloon pilot for over 45 years
5000+ hours total time in balloons as a sport pilot, competition pilot, balloon ride pilot and commercial/corporate pilot and instructor. Previously served as a DPE for the FAA
Became a full-time commercial pilot in mid 1980’s
Flown many makes/models of balloons, including large ride balloons and special shape balloons
Gas balloon rated
Served multiple terms on the Albuquerque Aerostat Ascension Association (AAAA) board, including 5 years as VP
Two terms on the Balloon Federation of America (BFA) board
Multiple terms on the Board of Trustees for the Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum, including as Chair
Chief Flight and Ground Instructor for one of only two FAA approved Part 141 pilot training schools in the US
Began giving pilot training in 1985
400+ students trained
2000+ hours of flight instruction given
Speaks at safety seminars, other ground schools and civic/school groups
30 + years as FAA certified repairman and 10 years as Chief Inspector for a balloon repair station
Served as an FAA Aviation Safety Counselor since 1992; renamed as FAASTeam - through 2023
Owner of Airborne Heat, providing pilot instruction, Cameron Balloon sales and pilot services for corporate programs, including Wells Fargo Bank and Smokey Bear
15 years as Director of Operations and then co-owner of World Balloon, an internationally known balloon services company
Recipient of a BFA Director's Award, the BFA Ed Yost Master Pilot Award, the AAAA Ruppenthal Education Award & the AAAA’s highest honor, the Sid Cutter Award.
Ron Sanchez
Assistant Chief Flight Instructor
First balloon ride in 1981
Been involved with ballooning full time since 1982
Earned Private pilot certificate in 2003
Earned Commercial rating in 2006
Over 900 hours of flight time in hot air balloons
Flown different size balloons from 54,000-310,000 cu ft
Has flown a variety of special shape balloons
Has flown in multiple parts of the United States
Instructed numerous students
Enjoys recreational and competition flying along with sharing knowledge while instructing students
Competed in the 2015 U.S. National Championships
Also flown for corporate programs such as Wells Fargo, RE/MAX ande Bubbas 33
Retired from the Albuquerque Fire Department after serving 20 years
Resident pilot and instructor for multiple BFA Balloon Camps
Active member of AAAA (Albuquerque Aerostat Ascension Association) and BFA (Balloon Federation of America)
Don Boyer
Assistant Chief Flight Instructor
1985 – First balloon ride in Roswell, NM and joined the Chase Crew
1989 – Purchased first balloon system
1990 – In January earned Private Pilot Certificate and in September earned Commercial Pilot Certificate
1990 – Participated in first Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta as a pilot. Placed 10th overall and named “Rookie of the Year”. Now over 30 consecutive years flying in the Fiesta
1994 – Joined World Balloon Corporation as a Ride Balloon Pilot and Flight Instructor
2004 – Joined Airborne Heat as a Flight Instructor
2009 – Contract pilot for Wells Fargo Bank Balloon Program until 2017
Over 1400 pilot hours and safely flown over 3000 passengers
Either completely trained or shared in the training of over 50 balloon pilots
Past President and Vice-President of the Valencia Flying and Retrieval Society (VFRS)
Active member of the Albuquerque Aerostat Ascension Association and the AAAA Education Foundation.
Member of the Balloon Federation of America
Past Balloonmeister and Safety Officer for the annual St. Patrick’s Day Balloon Rally in Belen, NM featuring up to 100 balloons.