Pilots

Pilot Profile

Alan Zielinski

Biography: Alan W. Zielinski

Alan has had two passions, flying and architecture. When he is not managing his 62 year old family architectural and design firm, Alan can be found at or near your local airport.

Flying for over 40 years, he began flying fixed wing aircraft in 1973 and discovered ballooning in 1979. Last year completed his 34th year flying at Balloon Fiesta in New Mexico. With over 10,000 hours of accident free flying experience to draw on, Alan is often found speaking to aviation groups, instructing and writing safety related articles and is involved in teaching the Civil Air Cadets and flying in EAA’s young Eagles Program.

Retired from one of Chicago’s Top 500 Corporations as Chief Pilot, he is type rated in the Citation series of jets, holds single pilot qualifications and currently holds six world speed records. Still flying Citations, Alan is certificated as an Airline Transport Pilot, Land & Sea and Commercial Pilot in Gliders and Balloons. He holds the distinction of being an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner for fixed wing and balloon operations and is a member of the FAA’s new FAAST Team.

Alan has been awarded “The Spence Award” by the Chicago Flight Examiners Association and “The Theo Award” by Chicago Flight Instructors Association for his contributions to aviation safety and leadership within the aviation community.

Balloon Make Balloon Works
Balloon Name Featherlight II
FAI Category AX-7
Balloon Design Spectrum with 6 White Feathers
Registration Number N830AL
License Number 2228592