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| Wilson says Balloon Fiesta should take flight this year |
September 19, 2001 |
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| Albuquerque Rep. makes uplifting request of FAA
Albuquerque, NM - Congresswoman Heather Wilson today asked the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Department of Transportation to consider allowing New Mexico’s most photographed event, the Kodak Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, to take flight come October.
Currently, non-commercial flights, including hot air balloons, are banned from flying after last Tuesday’s terrorists attacks involving the use of jetliners. Wilson’s request of Mineta came today as she herself boarded a commercial flight from Albuquerque to the Nation’s Capital.
“Albuquerque is the premier ballooning city due to the crystal skies, perfect October climate, and a phenomenon called the “Albuquerque Box,” Wilson told Secretary Norman Mineta of the U.S. Department of Transportation, which oversees the FAA and has jurisdiction over America’s airways. “The Balloon Fiesta brings hundreds of thousands of people together in a fun, positive way.”
“For us, in New Mexico, it is a very visible annual symbol of who we are and how we celebrate each autumn. It would be a shame to not have it this year.”
Wilson asked Mineta that the FAA waive flight prohibitions on hot air balloons participating in this year’s balloon fiesta from October 5-14, 2001. She also emphasizes that safety must always be the first consideration, and says she understands and supports the reason for the Emergency Air Traffic rules. She thanked Sec. Mineta and his team for their diligent work to assure the safety and security of our air traffic system.
Attachment: Wilson letter to Sec. Mineta
September 19, 2001
The Honorable Norman Mineta
Secretary
U.S. Department of Transportation
400 Seventh Street SW, Room 10200
Washington, D.C. 20590
Dear Secretary Minetta,
I know you and your team are working very hard to assure the safety and security of our air traffic system. I want to bring to your attention a matter I discussed with one of your aides, Adam Ashmann yesterday evening.
Every year, Albuquerque hosts the Kodak Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. This year, it begins on October 5 and runs through October 14. Like other non-commercial aircraft flights, hot air balloons are currently grounded under FAA flying restrictions.
I understand and support the reason for the Emergency Air Traffic rules. Safety comes first. I also suspect that the FAA wasn`t thinking about hot air balloons when the rules were put into effect.
The Balloon Fiesta is unlike any other event in the world. Each year millions of spectators along with hundreds of balloonists from around the world come to Albuquerque, New Mexico to participate. This Fiesta has become the most photographed event in the world.
Albuquerque is the premier ballooning city due to the crystal skies, perfect October climate and a phenomenon called the "Albuquerque Box." The Balloon Fiesta Park covers over 200 acres and is filled with balloons and vendors. The Kodak Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta brings hundreds of thousands of people together in a fun, positive way.
The Kodak Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is working with local, state, and federal officials to provide a safe venue for the festival. For us, in New Mexico, it is a very visible annual symbol of who we are and how we celebrate each autumn. It would be a shame to not have it this year.
I am writing to request that the FAA consider waiving the flight prohibition on hot air balloons participating in the Kodak Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta from October 5-14, 2001.
As you can imagine, the organizers of the event need to know very soon whether the event will be allowed to go forward. I appreciate your prompt attention.
Sincerely,
/signed/
Heather Wilson |
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