"The Black Sheep Squadron"

About us....

 

The Black Sheep Squadron Hot Air Balloon Group was formed by a small group of pilots, in April 2007, who found it necessary to watch out for each other and make a name for themselves in the sport of ballooning. The original pilots who formed this group are Todd Monahan, BJ Sullivan, Eric Hodges, Andrew Avon and Michael Hernandez. These Pilots and their family and friends thus began what has now become the following known as The Black Sheep Squadron. In the Summer of 2008 the Black Sheep Squadron welcomed their newest Private Pilot, Mark Pluta and his crew to the flock.

The Black Sheep Squadron made it a priority to find their own landowners from which they would be allowed to launch from and also to be sure to honor any landowner where they have landed since their beginning. They have also made it priority to welcome any pilot or person to become a part of the group if they so wish too. This group has now blossomed to a size which has more than doubled the amount of Hot Air Balloons which grace the skies of Warren/Washington/Saratoga Counties.

Probably one of the most intriguing reasons for why this group is so well known is their very public disagreement with The Adirondack Balloon Festivals' "Commercial Pilot Rule". In 2007 and 2008 the group managed to have their own group fly off during the Adirondack Festival yet separate and visible to the large crowds assembled at the Adirondack Festival.

In May of 2007, Mike Hernandez asked Eric Hodges to design a logo for the group. The premise was to use a black background, yellow balloon and a black sheep in the middle of the balloon. Eric made the design and sent it to Mike which was deemed "perfect". Five minutes passed and Eric sent Mike another email to which he stated that the "Sheep" that he sent was a "Goat" and would make the changes to fix the logo. Mike quickly told him to leave it as it was indeed "perfect" the way it was. This is the story of the "Black Goat" inside the yellow balloon that became the official logo of The Black Sheep Squadron.

The Black Sheep Squadron participated in Rally's in the North East, Canada, Utah and the Albuquerque Fiesta. They have met many great people who expressed their wish to become a part of the Squadron and were welcomed with open arms. The Squadron is all about promoting the incredible sport of ballooning, safety, fun and honoring all of the wonderful landowners whose property we hold with the highest respect.

You can find the Black Sheep Squadron participating at Rally's around the United States, Canada and Mexico. Keep an eye out for the very popular Black Sheep Squadron flag flying from members crown lines and be sure to come by and introduce yourselves! Be a part of this infectious and fun movement and make an impact in the sport of Hot Air Ballooning!

 

"Here they come y'all, here they come!"