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| Wilson: Mineta Says All Balloon Fiesta Pilots Good for Launch |
September 25, 2003 |
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| Lawmaker Was Concerned About Economic Effect on Fiesta
Washington, DC – Congresswoman Heather Wilson says foreign pilots will take to Albuquerque’s skies after she raised concern about FAA rules that threatened to ground them. Wilson says it’s a victory for Albuquerque, citing the economic impact of the Fiesta and the tourism it brings to Albuquerque. The New Mexico lawmaker feared that a limit on foreign pilots—hot air and gas—would have taken the air out of the Balloon Fiesta’s international appeal.
“I just got off the phone with Secretary Mineta,” says Wilson. “And he says that a waiver will be granted for licensed foreign pilots scheduled to participate in this year’s Balloon Fiesta. This is great news for the Fiesta and the tourism dollars its represents to our state. I appreciate the fact that Secretary Mineta understands the importance of this event to our local economy. This is a common-sense fix that will enable experienced pilots to continue to delight Albuquerque and the thousands of visitors who will descend upon our state in the coming weeks.”
“This is just great, it helps all our international pilots, they will be able to launch with all of the U.S. pilots,” says Pat Brake “The Board and Staff of the International Balloon Fiesta appreciate all that Congresswoman Wilson did to make this possible.”
Yesterday, Wilson wrote to and called Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta and outlined the significance of the Balloon Fiesta and how the FAA interpretation of existing regulations would impact the event. Today, Mineta replied to Heather that hot air and gas balloon pilots are exempted. An FAA inspector will be present at the event to ensure safety and license any foreign pilots who want to obtain a U.S. license anyway.
Event organizers told Wilson the hitch could have affected as many as 6 or 7 special shapes balloons, including the well-known dairy cow, the elephant, and a balloon shaped like a bear’s head. It also would have impacted a contract with a major sponsor, whose contract requires their balloon to fly.
This isn’t the first time federal regs have threatened the Balloon Fiesta, nor is it the first time Wilson has appealed to Mineta for a common sense approach. In September 2001, in the weeks following the terrorist attacks using commercial airliners as weapons, all hot air balloon flights and small, private aircraft, were grounded. Wilson’s appeal to Mineta was successful and the balloon Fiesta that year continued as planned.
Mineta’s Department includes the Federal Aviation Administration, which is responsible for America’s airspace and safety.
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