ANNUAL QUECHEE BALLOON FESTIVAL — 46TH ANNIVERSARY PILOT PROFILES
Bruce Byberg
It was 1989 when Bruce saw his first hot air balloon. He traveled around crewing for the pilot and purchased his first balloon three months later — before even taking a ride! He earned his certificate in just three months and quickly began flying more than 500 passengers a year.
Bruce especially enjoys sharing the magic of ballooning with others and loves the smiles it brings. Along with operating a small ride business, he also flies over the New England skies with the iconic RE/MAX balloon and the Hunterdon Health balloon in New Jersey, accumulating over 4,000 hours of flight time.
Andre Boucher
Andre first flew at the Quechee Hot Air Balloon Festival in 1995 with his Teddy Bear balloon and always looks forward to flying at the Festival — 2026 will be his 31st year flying at the Festival! “The landowners are terrific, and the Vermont scenery is beautiful!” He flies his balloon “Passion” at the Festival and has a passion for flying. Andre enjoys sharing his passion for flying with everyone he meets.
Andre’s love of ballooning started 40 years ago when, on his way to work, he saw a hot air balloon in Pittsfield, NH. He began to crew and got his commercial pilot license on October 29, 1994. Andre has over 2,800 hours as Pilot in Command and has flown in many states across the US, including Alaska, Florida, Montana, Utah, and New Mexico. Andre has also flown in Canada, France, and León, Mexico.
Some of Bruce’s fondest memories in ballooning include flying with Paul Newman and his friends, giving children rides at Paul Newman’s special summer camps, and soaring over the pyramids in Mexico and the countryside of Norway.
He maintains memberships with the Balloon Federation of America, the Great Eastern Balloon Association, the Connecticut Lighter Than Air Society, the Experimental Aircraft Association, and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association.
Bill Colyer
Bill has been flying since 1974 in the USA, Canada, Europe, and New Zealand. He still attends the Irish Balloon Festival and has attended the Quechee Balloon Festival for 25 years. 2022 was his final year as a commercial pilot. Quechee is one of his favorite festivals, with its green valley and beautiful mountains. He will continue flying in experimental balloons for fun and looks forward to returning this year.
In his own words: “If I don’t see you in the future, I’ll see ya in the pasture.”
Darrek Dauost
“Every flight is a new adventure. What is most enjoyable is the great people you can meet from all over the world. From Bermuda to the Azores, Cape Town to Moscow.
Darrek began his hot air ballooning career as a crew in the mid-1990s, but before too long, realized that he wanted his balloon. Darrek graduated from a 141 Flight School located in Park City, Utah. Darrek is an FAA Certified Commercial Pilot, flying year-round in Quechee. He has had the pleasure of flying in Italy, parts of Europe, and Canada.
For recent ballooning adventures and aerial photos of the beautiful Quechee area, visit our website: www.balloonsofvermont.com or find us on Facebook!
