YuZakura Koh Murai

Currently working on a two-seat cloud hopper. One of my other joys in LTA aviation is working on, executing, and helping others with long distance, long duration, and high altitude flights. Yet time spent aloft is still the biggest thrill after all these years. The people you meet and become involved with are right up there with flying.

From 1991-1998 I was involved as launch crew, launch master, and consultant for several trans-global balloon attempts. These included Earthwinds Hilton, Virgin Global Challenge, ICO Global Challenge, and Global Hilton.

History:

1978 - First balloon ride, start crewing and student pilot
1983 - Private certificate - hot air
1988 - Commercial certificate - hot air
1996 - Gas rating

Accomplishments:

FAA wings (Safety) Level XVII (not XV)
FAA Accident Prevention Counselor
BFA Pilot Achievement Award Program Level VII
BFA Crew Achievement Award Designee
BFA Pilot Achievement Award Designee
BFA Certified Safety Seminar Instructor
BFA Safety Seminar co-organizer 1991 - 1994
BFA Board Member 1997 - 1999
BFA Treasurer 1998
BFA - FAI/CIA Sporting Badge Program Chair
Hot air flights - Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas, S. Carolina, N. Carolina, New Mexico, Colorado, California, Idaho, Nevada, Morocco, Oregon, New Zealand.

Awards:

1997 - Excellence in Ballooning from Pacific Coast Aeronauts
1999 - Presidents Award from Balloon Federation of America