The Boss- Nic Amor
Nic first joined Bristol Balloons in 1983 when he applied for a job as crew driver. In 2008 He bought the Company and became MD
He combines ballooning with looking after his two young boys, Ben and Ollie. Always one to keep his eye on the ball, when not at his desk or flying, you'll probably catch him fitting in a quiet game of snooker.
Sales and Marketing Manager - Michelle Holloway
Until taking up ballooning Michelle thought she was scared of heights and was surprised ballooning was not like walking across the suspension bridge.
When not working Michelle enjoys cooking, and eating out, then heads off to the gym to work off any excesses.
Chief Pilot - Mike Evans
With over 2500 hours flying experience, flights all over Europe and now a Civil Aviation Authority Examiner, Mike Evans is probably one of the region's most experienced pilots. Flying since 1982 when he discovered the Hot Air Balloon Club at Bath University, he is a major contributor to local ballooning, regularly seen over the skies of Bath and pioneering training for local pilots when he's on the ground.
When on holiday, Mike's favourite launch site is the small village of Chateau D'Oex in the Swiss Mountains flying over a blanket of white snow and clear blue skies. Every once in a while, you may catch sight of him in a local park with his own small hot air balloon, helping sons Thomas and Oliver practice their flying skills on the end of a rope. Alternatively, try the HopPole another favourite local venue, where, when not flying, he might be tempted to sample a pint.
Pilot - Steve Fensome
Now taking off from launch sites in and around Gloucestershire, Steve Fensome has been flying for Bristol Balloons for fifteen years, clocking up more than 1000 flights from Bristol city centre and amassing a number of favourite landing spots on the way. He became hooked on ballooning after he and his wife took their first flight and was sold a balloon by a man in a pub some 16 years ago!
A former micro light pilot and keen hang glider, Steve is the 007 of the team, having completed a stunt in the film Moonraker, piloting a microlight that made a successful nautical take-off, enabling Roger Moore (and Steve) to leave an assortment of baddies on the deck of the boat below. Fortunately for his passengers, since then Steve's, launch site antics have become considerably less dramatic.
Pilot - Dave Thornley
Dave Thornley first got the ballooning bug like many people in Bristol, fascinated by the sight of balloons flying over Clifton in the early mornings. He used to chase them on his bicycle and end up very late for work.
Having chipped in to buy a share of a second hand balloon, he learned to fly in 1982 qualifying for his commercial license just a few years later. An instructor rating and balloon aerial display work followed, with Dave flying a special shape balloon can of Carling Black Label - without spilling a drop! Since then, he's hopped across the channel, (twice), flown passengers in the Austrian Alps and most recently spent time flying in Asia over stunning gilded pagodas and clocked up more than 2,000 flying hours.
When not in the air, you'll either find Dave working on his allotment or more likely, behind the wheel, because he's a very accomplished potter.
Pilot- Crispin Williams
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Our competitive pilot. Crispin has been British National Champion
seven times and is a past world balloon champion. He is a CAA
examiner and former RAF Navigator. Crispin’s hobbies, when not
adding to his 3000 hours flying, include sailing in Thailand.
Crispin in currently in Japan Competing in the Word Championships
Pilot -Pete Dalby
Joined the company in 2006 but has been flying for 20 years.
When not flying passengers, Pete can often be seen flying some weird and wonderful special shape balloons including the Berti Basset Balloon
A keen photographer, his work can be viewed at http://www.thecmscentrehost.com/ws/urbaneyes/page1.html