Learn to fly a balloon with the SEMBA

The Southeastern Michigan Balloon Association (SEMBA) will kick off the hot air balloon season with an informational seminar that gives participants a chance to be part of a hot air balloon crew.
The seminar is from 3-6 p.m. on June 17 at the Springfield Oaks County Park Activities Center. Gordon Schwontkowski and Alyson Murray, co-authors of the books, ‘Hot Air Balloon Crewing Essentials’and ‘What Every Crew Must Know – What to Expect and What is Expected? will be leading the seminar.
The cost is $35 and includes the crewing book. Dawn McKenzie from SEMBA Public Relations said anybody is welcome and encouraged to come learn about the sport.
‘Some people are nervous,? McKenzie said. ‘They say, ‘I don’t know anything about this and I don’t want to screw up.? Everyone starts at that point. We are sitting down and teaching things you wouldn’t normally learn. One of the key topics is how to keep things safe. We want to recruit new people. Pilots are always looking for crew. We are hopeful new people will get involved.?
McKenzie also said the seminar is a good idea for anybody interested in becoming a hot air balloon pilot.
‘This is the best way to become a pilot,? McKenzie said. ‘Every pilot should crew. You learn so much as a crew member. The crew has a lot of responsibility. No pilot could go on flight without a crew.?
McKenzie was a crew member before she got her pilot license when she was 19. She began flying because of her father and said it’s still a good way for them to bond.
‘My dad and my four uncles are pilots,? McKenzie said. ‘We all do it together. My husband crews for me. It’s a whole community. I call it my ballooning family. I meet people from all different walks of life. We love bringing smiles to people’s faces when we fly.?
If you wish to attend the seminar please RSVP with your name, age and contact information to learntocrew@hotmail.org. McKenzie said payments must be made in advance and can be sent to SEMBA at P.O. Box 431503, Pontiac, MI 48343. Payment arrangements through PayPal can also be made.