Pilots

William “Erik” Eaton Erik took his first balloon ride in 1990 and was immediately hooked. He spent many years crewing and chasing. In 2000 he completed ground school and worked on earning his private Lighter Than Air license. In 2011 he received his commercial license and has enjoyed teaching new hot air balloon pilots to help grow the sport of hot air ballooning. Erik has owned flown both Firefly balloons and Aerostar balloons. He added Peanut and Honey Bear shapes to his fleet last year and enjoys participating in festivals around the US and abroad, including Albuquerque’s Balloon Fiesta and Leon’s Festival International del Globo.