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Your WBG……
I have some good news from FAA Legal on the question of Commercial pilot training. Because of the efforts of
some of our ballooning friends within FAA, the Office of Chief Counsel has taken a second look at their opinion of
May 12, 2015. The “corrected” interpretation can be found here:
http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/agc/pol_adjudication/agc200/interpretations/data/i
nterps/2015/asp%20%20(2015)%20legal%20interpretation.pdf
Our Social Director, Corey Goebel is in the process of relocating to Florida. Thanks, Corey for your help over the
past several years. WBG wishes you the best in your new endeavors.
Daron Powers has volunteered to finish up the planning of the September 19 Brewers outing. See the invitation
and details elsewhere in this issue.
Corey’s move also means that the Social Director position is in need of a volunteer. If anyone would like to
volunteer or has a suggestion, please let me know. We need to get a person in place in time to plan and publicize
the Fall dinner meeting.
“Rally season” has pretty much wrapped up for 2015.
There has been lots of good Facebook and reflector chatter and some not so good. The fallout from some
questionable decision making at Waterford continues and likely will for some time. I’m not going to belabor the
point, but…..we really must do better. ‘Nuff said.
We will be getting landowner prizes out in the mail shortly.
Let’s fly ‘careful’ out there,
Pete Asp
The Ventline Summer 2015www.wiballoongroup.org
In this Issue:
Memories of Dirk Bakker Page 2
Debbie Spaeth wins Spirit of Annie Award Page 4
Jim Neil presented with Ed Yost award Page 5
Token Creek Balloons Reunion Page 6
VENTLINE A publication of the Wisconsin Balloon Group Page 2
Memories of Dirk Bakker (19432015)Founder of Wisconsin Balloon Group
by Debbie Spaeth
Dirk Bakker died on June 9, 2015. For many of the Wisconsin balloonists who are
active today, Dirk's name is just that, a name only, since he stopped flying actively
30+ years ago. But for those who knew Dirk, we all had memories that popped up
when we heard the news.
Dirk was a life member of the Balloon Federation of America. But his impact for us
was closer. Dirk was the founder of the Wisconsin Balloon Group (WBG). It was
Dirk's idea to establish the annual landowner draw and cash
award. And this lead to the establishment of the WBG as a statewide organization.
Dirk served as the first leader of the WBG.
Dirk recognized the importance of marketing to the public, as evidenced by his idea
f or the Landowner Draw. But he also made sure the merchants knew the balloonists
were in town when he attended a balloon event. He took along a pad of $2 bills that
he used to pay for his meals etc. Wanted to be sure the local businesses recognized
the positive impact of ballooning.
Dirk's bio in the 1976 program for the Great Midwest Balloon Rally @Wisconsin Dells stated:
Dirk has been interested in balloons since building tissue paper ones in grade school. His wife, Winnie, is the first
licensed woman aeronaut in Wis. This will be their first competition flying their homebuilt balloon.*
==============================================
*Note: Dirk & Winnie were divorced. Winnie passed away in Florida. Dirk was survived by his former wife, Susan
Franklin.
Dirk flew an AX6 homebuilt balloon, N71RR, that he called "Windancer". The balloon was dark blue, light blue and
orange. And his VW van was painted the same colors. Donna Spaeth recalled that Dirk was never happy that he had
to shut off the vehicle while in the balloon refueling line. At times, he had trouble getting the van going again!
VENTLINE A publication of the Wisconsin Balloon Group Page 3
Thank You!!
Thanks to those that contributed to this issue of the
Ventline. Debbie Spaeth, Jon Swartz, Ken Walter
and Gary Britton
If you have something to contribute please send it to
John Swartz.
The license plate on the VW van was "I FLY LO". And yes,
that was Dirk's favorite height, tree top if possible. Better
to talk to those enjoying the balloon from the ground.
Dirk flew annually at balloon events including Wisconsin
Dells, Lake Geneva, and the US Nationals in Indianola,
Iowa. And Dirk was one of the first Observers as he
worked as a Observer for the 1981 World HAB
Championship in
Battle Creek, Michigan.
In private life, Dirk worked for a company that made theatrical rigging equipment. This went well with his
"Inventor" side. As was mentioned by his childhood friend at his memorial service, Dirk was always thinking of
new ways and building a better solution.
We appreciate that Dirk gave the Wisconsin Balloon Group such a great start. And it is indeed a tribute to him, that
WBG is still an active ballooning organization.
Upcoming Balloon Events
Please reference the WBG website for the current list of events
Sep 19 WBG Brewer's game and tailgatingOct 311 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
VENTLINE A publication of the Wisconsin Balloon Group Page 4
Debbie Spaeth wins Spirit of Annie awardby Gary Britton
Pictured here is Debbie Spaeth at the awards brunch for the US National Hot
Air Balloon Championship where it was announced that Debbie was the 2015
recipient of the Spirit of Annie award. The award is presented by the
Northeast Ohio Balloon Pilot’s Association (NOBPA) in memory of Annie
Pryne. Annie was an Ohio pilot and observer who is best remembered for her
enthusiastic support of ballooning and dedicated reporting of accurately
measured marker drops of the pilot for whom she was observing. I worked
with Annie at many of the events where she served as an observer and it was
always a joy to watch her as she helped and encouraged less experienced
observers. And I never needed to worry about whether or not Annie’s
observer reports were complete and proper; they always were, no matter how
challenging the measurements might be. The award helps keep her memory
alive among those who knew her, and helps others obtain a glimpse of her
positive contributions to the sport.
In looking at the award criteria and Debbie’s long list of contributions to hot air ballooning, there is no doubt she far
exceeds each of the expectations. Her ballooning resume is too long to include here. But after looking at the
qualifications that NOBPA has for nominees, and Debbie’s full resume’, I listed a few of the items that enabled the
selection committee to check off those qualifications select Debbie Spaeth as the 2015 Spirit of Annie recipient.
QUALIFICATIONS FOR ANNIE PRYNE AWARD NOMINEES:
Debbie is the fifth member of WBG to receive this award since 1993 when Gil Pryne, Annie’s husband, received the
first Spirit of Annie award in recognition for his own contributions to ballooning.
… be a member of the BFA or a local/regional balloon club. Debbie is a life member of BFA and a founding
member of WBG.
… a crew member, observer, scoring or rally official who best personifies the "Spirit of Annie" attitude and
demonstrates "Being the Best You Can Be" for no less than three years. Debbie has served in all of these
capacities and is perhaps best known for her work as an event official for the past 40 years. She will be a
Steward for the 2016 World Championship event in Japan.
… hold a credible presence in the sport of ballooning and be respected by observers, officials and pilots.
She served as Secretary General of the International Ballooning Commission (CIA) for six years. Among
her many awards are the BFA ShieldsTrauger Memorial Award and the FAI Montgolfier Diploma.
… show a willingness to share their experience and knowledge with colleagues and be bold enough to speak
out when needed. Debbie wrote the first BFA Observer Handbook in 1978, organized an Officials
Seminar in 1990 & 1991, was a speaker at several safety seminars, and currently serves on the National
BalloonMuseum Hall of Fame Committee.
… enjoy and demonstrate the ability to interact with people from all aspects of the sport of ballooning.
Among her many roles in the ballooning community Debbie has served as Social Director for WBG, has
trained many observers, and was invited to participate as a guest pilot in the 1986 Forbes Balleroy
(France)
VENTLINE A publication of the Wisconsin Balloon Group Page 5
Jim Neil presented with Ed Yost Award
Long time WBG member Jim Neil was presented with the Ed Yost award during the National Balloon Classic in
Indianola, Iowa, held during the last week of July. The award is for 40 years of accident free flying. Jim also
finished in 12th place for the event with daughter Kim finishing 20th. This is the first father/daughter team to ever
both finish in the top 20. Congratulations to both!
A word from the editor
Sadly, this issue contains an article about the passing of Dirk Bakker, founder of the Wisconsin Balloon Group.
Most likely, many of you never met him, since he hasn’t flown balloons for about 30 years or so. Those of us who
got to know him many years ago found it impossible not to like the guy. His sense of humor, consistently positive
attitude, and fascination with restaurant reviews at the various balloon event locations was delightful. Dirk
founded WBG with the primary purpose of addressing the issue of landowner relations, which at the time was a
significant concern. Fortunately, while certainly not eliminated, it just doesn’t seem to be such a big issue today.
Less flying activity now than in the past helps the situation, of course, but I think the primary reason is simply
better instruction, combined with the recognition of what needs to be done by both pilots and crew to avoid
landowner problems in the first place. I can’t think of a better tribute to Dirk from the ballooning community than
being able to report that overall, landowner relations in Wisconsin have improved significantly over the years, and
I believe the WBG has played a major part in that improvement.
Soft Landings.
John
VENTLINE A publication of the Wisconsin Balloon Group Page 6
The Original Token Creek Balloons Blue Crew (+ friends) ReunionBy John Swartz
A reunion of the original Token Creek Balloons Pilots, Crew, and friends was held at Ten Pin Alley in Fitchburg, WI
on June 6th. 62 people attended, enjoying food, drinks, viewing of many memorable videos and photos, and lots
and lots of reminiscing. It’s been 20 years since the original Token Creek Balloons was sold, and was great to see so
many familiar faces, and enjoy sharing memories of the days when we were doing a lot of flying in the Madison area.
It was a bit emotional at times; meeting friends we grew very close to, some of whom we hadn’t seen for many years.
Joyce Barlow started Token Creek Balloons in 1983, shortly after receiving her commercial
balloon rating. Soon afterwards, her husband Chris received his commercial rating, and the
business was off and running! The business grew to include four balloons, 10 pilots, and at
least 150 crew members who were involved with the company over the years. Joyce sold
Token Creek Balloons in 1995, after 12 years of operation. The business had earned the
welldeserved reputation of a safe, customer friendly organization, having given 100’s of
people a very positive first experience with hot air ballooning. Sadly, the legacy of Token
Creek Balloons after Joyce sold the business was not good, with multiple changes of
ownership, financial troubles, and generally bad press resulting from many customer
complaints. Joyce did a great job of running a successful business. Subsequent owners did
not.
As Joyce’s instructor, I recall my parting words of wisdom after she received her commercial rating: “Whatever you
do, Joyce, don’t try to make a full time business of flying balloons in Wisconsin, the sport is simply too weather
dependent to allow for any consistent type of income.” Lots of folks are quite happy that she chose to completely
ignore that advice!
Chris and Joyce Barlow
Token Creek Pilots, from left: John Swartz, Mike Fontaine, Gary Chenier, Joyce Barlow, Jerry
Teed, Donna Lotzer, Chris Barlow. Not shown: Dale Harris, John Rowe, Peggy Wolfe
VENTLINE A publication of the Wisconsin Balloon Group Page 7
VENTLINE A publication of the Wisconsin Balloon Group Page 8
VENTLINE A publication of the Wisconsin Balloon Group Page 9
WBG Membership Application
____ Pilot – $20.00
____ Additional pilots in household – $10.00 each
____ Crew – $15.00 (per household) ____ New Member
____ Event Official – $15.00 (per household) ____ Renewing Member
____ Business / Corporate – add $50.00
____ Life Membership $200
Name(s): ______________________________________________
For new members and renewing members with changes, please complete the following.
Address: ______________________________________________
City, State, Zip: _________________________________________
Phone: (___)__________ Secondary Phone: (___)____________________
E:Mail: ____________________________________
Balloon Owner: No/Yes N# ________ Balloon name: ___________________________
N# ________ Balloon name: ___________________________
Preferred communication: E:Mail _____ Surface mail: _______
Please check box if you would like your information withheld from the membership roster. [ ]
Note: The Wisconsin Balloon Group does not publish the contact information of its members.
Related Memberships: [Circle and/or complete]
BFA No/Yes #_______________ EAA No/Yes #_______________
AOPA No/Yes #__________________ Other:____________________________
Please complete the following information. Check all that apply.
[ ] Pilot [ ] Crew [ ] Observer
Student ( ) BFA Crew Achievement BFA Observer Achievement
Private ( ) Level: ______ Level: ______
Commercial ( ) Primary Pilot(s) Crewed: ( ) Hot Air
[ ] Sport [ ] Competition ____________________ ( ) Gas
[ ] Rides [ ] Promotion ____________________ ( ) CIA RegisteredObserver
[ ] Instruction / Accept Students
BFA Pilot Achievement Level: ____ [ ] Event official
Ratings: Hot Air ___ Gas ___ Other______________ Role(s):______________
Indicate areas where you would consider volunteering, to advance ballooning and the WBG:
Ventline Reporter Social Events Membership Special Events Land Owner Relations
Safety Seminar Other: ___________________________________
Send application form and dues to:
Pete Asp, WBG Membership Director
W1341 County Road B
Sullivan, WI 53178
2625932251
VENTLINE A publication of the Wisconsin Balloon Group Page 10
Wisconsin Balloon Group Leadership
Executive Director Pete Asp
[email protected] W1341 County Road B
2625932251 Sullivan, WI 53178
Landowner Program Director Ken Walter
[email protected] W241 S4115 Pine Hollow Court
4145876425 Waukesha, WI 53189
Membership Director Pete Asp
[email protected] W1341 County Road B
2625932251 Sullivan, WI 53178
Newsletter Editor John Swartz
[email protected] 3142 K and R Road
6086300885 Mt. Horeb, WI 53572
Original Member Advisor Debbie Spaeth
[email protected] P.O. Box 674
2623382300 West Bend, WI 53095
Past Executive Director Gary Britton
[email protected] 4458 Summit Ridge
4143335664 Slinger, WI 53086
Central Regional Director
(Vacant)
Fox Valley Regional Director Jeff Trzebiatowski
[email protected] 1619 East Pershing St.
9204501312 Appleton, WI 54911
Illinois Regional Director Kim Neil
[email protected] 1500 Shawnee
8154501777 Riverwoods, IL 60015
Southern Regional Director Jim Bushelle
[email protected] 4042 Saratoga
6087551828 Janesville, WI 53546
Social Director
(Vacant)
Website Director Mark Naber
[email protected] S89 W22570 Loretto Lane
4143051708 Big Bend, WI 53103
