Mr. Hugh Ehrlich, a native Californian, founder/owner and Chief Pilot, has been ballooning for over 30 years and has his FAA Commercial Pilot's license (required for all balloonists) because hot air balloons are FAA certified aircraft. He continues to be involved in the Cedar City, Utah, and the 4th of July Bear Valley Springs Balloon Festival in Bear Valley Springs, CA. In the past, he concluded 27 years of flying at the Great Reno Balloon Race (won the race in 2006 against 108 pilots) and flew in the Albuquerque Fiesta for 25 years.

In 2005, he concluded seven years of successfully coordinating "The Las Vegas Hot Air Balloon Festival to benefit Sproul Ranch Inc.'s "Deaf Kids' Kamp". (www.deafkidskamp.com). Hugh prioudly flies several different balloons:

"Smile High," which has "personality in the sky" and used mostly in competition events or for groups;

"Band of Gold," which is used to carry 2-3 passengers or for weddings (appropriate name);

The RE/MAX balloon in Southern Nevada, which he has been contracted to fly since 2003;

And the newest members to his fleet, a pair of 115-foot airships to be used commercially as advertising tools.

In addition to ballooning, he has his Masters Degree, is a former school teacher (with an emphasis in Special Ed), speaks Japanese, enjoys judo, weight lifting, traveling and working with wood. Since 1999, he has participated in and been instrumental in supporting and sponsoring 100% the "Deaf Kids' Kamp" and "Silent Weekend," a fundraiser for the "Deaf Kids' Kamp." In September, 2009, he chose to donate ALL of his passenger flight fees to the Deaf Kids' Kamp.

Establisehd in 1979 in California, Adventure Balloons offers scenic balloon rides, wedding celebrations, group flights, tethered balloon rides, promotions, and flight instruction in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Hugh is married, and is very proud of his children: Rob, a Registered Nurse; Michelle, an auto mechanic; Ken Gee, a Chiropractor; and Julie, a member of the Peace Corps, currently serving in West Africa until 2010. He is equally proud of his two grandchildren, Eric (21) and Dylen (8).

Thanks for joining our "Adventure"! We hope you enjoy your flight!

Flight Administrator

Buffy Sproul is the Flight Administrator, Crew Person, and Executive Director of the Deaf Kids' Kamp, which Adventure Balloons supports 100%.

Crew Chief

Buffy Sproul is also the Crew Chief and Director of Ground Support during the flights.