BRUCE R LEONARD: Chief Pilot of Aoraki Balloon Safaris, Methven.

Bruce is a Pilot with over 2200 hours in the aviation industry, earned in gliders, fixed wing aircraft and balloons. He has an extensive knowledge of the Canterbury air conditions having spent 1350 hours in balloons. He began flying in 1985, after a tourist plane flight he took around Mt Cook sparked his interest. Starting off his career in gliders, Bruce has received several gliding awards and has been involved with aerial acrobatics. A rural automotive engineer by trade, he hails from the small community of Lauriston, close to Methven. He is supported by his wife Rose and their three children. His interests include tennis, rifle shooting, tramping, marathons, squash and skiing. He is able to provide a full commentary on the region during your flight covering the geography, history and farming of the local area, as well as information on ballooning itself!

GRAEME CHURCH: Owner and Chief Pilot for Pendle Balloons - Lancashire, England

Experienced balloonist Graeme has joined Aoraki Balloon Safaris for the summer. He is the owner and Chief Pilot for Pendle Balloons, Lancashire, England, which operates over some spectacular countryside in northern England. His love for Ballooning also developed after years in fixed-wing flying and he has flown over 1500 hours in balloons. Graeme has been involved in competition ballooning and has completed flights across the English Channel, alpine crossings and other special flights both in the UK and Europe. Outside of ballooning, Graeme's wife Ann is involved in breeding exotic Northern Inuit Sled dogs.
www.pendle-balloon-flights.co.uk

GEORGE CURRIE: Crew Chief for Aoraki Balloon Safaris

Local lad George is Methven born and bred, having grown up on the family grain and seed farm. In 1992 George and Bruce founded Aoraki Balloon Safaris, having previously spent time in insurance and finance. George is actively involved in the local community and also takes an interest in genealogy, travel, politics, history, world and human affairs. He has three adult children; Andrew operating the family farm, Fergus in Melbourne, Australia, and Lt Colonel Ruth, an officer in the New Zealand Army.

DAVID BARROW: Pilot for Aoraki Balloon Safaris

David has spent much of his balloon flying time in the upper North Island, involved with his family company “Balloon Safaris New Zealand”, New Zealand's first commercial hot air balloon company. David and Andrea live on a small lifestyle block near Albany and have three daughters, Jacqueline, Alexandra and Charlotte. Andrea helps out with their balloon operation and they breed warmblood horses. David's hobbies include four-wheel driving, working on tractors and maintaining their four hectare lifestyle block. www.balloonsafaris.co.nz