Pilots

Pilot Profile

Donna J Carlton-Vish

Donna says ballooning gives her an opportunity to meet people from all walks of life and make friends all over the world. Every flight is just a little different and a new experience each time, but one thing that is a constant is the large smile on everyone’s face as they get to crew and/or ride.

Ballooning has always been a family event in the Carlton Clan. Donna started crewing at the Danville Illinois Balloon Classic, in 1989. Her family sponsored a balloon team. Donna tallied over 15 years of crewing experience before she realized her dream of becoming a private balloon pilot in 2001 and a commercial pilot in 2006. Her husband, Don is her crew chief.

She has assisted in planning and running a few balloon events including the Balloon Splash at the Danville Boat Club, Non-Event, Indy Air Show and Balloons Over Vermilion. Donna often uses her balloon for fund raising and has donated to Relay for Life, Riley Children’s Hospital, and the National AMBUCS Service Organization which helps create independence and mobility for persons with different abilities. Her focus has been children, persons with different abilities persons involved with cancer both patients, family or healthcare workers, and veterans.

One of her favorite opportunities was teaching at the BFA Balloon Camp. Since she loved working with kids so much she has become the Chair of the Balloons Over Vermilion Balloon School. There is something for “kids” of all ages.

She fly’s many places all over the USA and wants to continue to add new States each year. She hopes to do more international flying a well. She has already flown in Quebec, CA, Leon Mexico and the Umbria Region of Italy.

Balloon Make Lindstrand
Balloon Name Sunny Side Up
FAI Category AX-7
Balloon Design Sunny Side Up has the colors of the rainbow dripping down from the top and ascending upward from the bottom. The center is yellow with 2 beautiful sunbursts.
Registration Number 6065V
License Number 3587616