Balloon Pilot Application 2025 - Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce

Balloon Pilot Application 2025

Attention Balloon Pilots: the 2025 Balloon Classic will be: FRIDAY, SATURDAY, SUNDAY, JULY 25-27, 2025.

Before you begin, please download and review this document: 2025 Balloon Classic Pilot Information. Please read carefully as there have been several changes to this year's event information and pilot amenities.

THE ONLINE APPLICATION IS DUE BY MAY 5, 2025.

If you prefer a paper application packet, please contact HOFEF, sydneyk@cantonchamber.org or 330-456-7253. You will be informed of your acceptance by June 9, 2025. If your plans change and you are unable to attend our event after registering and receiving a confirmation of your acceptance, please notify Tiffini NO LATER THAN JUNE 9, 2025. We look forward to seeing you in Canton, Ohio!!

Please note your application is not complete until all items are submitted. Click on Entry Fee below to pay online now.

$100 Non-Refundable Entry Fee
Acceptance on Insurance Authorization
Acceptance on Entry Agreement
Hotel accommodation request
Completed Pilot BIO questions
Color photo of balloon

Fields marked with an * are required.

Pilot Information

First Name *

Last Name *

Date of Birth: *

Address Line 1 *

City *

State *

Postal Code *

Email *

Phone *

Cell (for event REMIND text messages). Verizon users MUST download the REMIND app.

Crew Chief Cell Phone *

(for event REMIND text messages). Verizon users MUST download the Remind app.

Emergency Contact name and cell phone number *

Date of last safety seminar attended: *

Pilot Certificate Number: *

PIC Hours

How many PIC hours have your completed in the past 12 months? *

Last Flight Review Date *

Currency Date *

Indicate whether you are a competitor or fiesta pilot: *

Competitor

Fiesta

If yes, please provide issue date (MM/DD/YEAR):

Please answer the following. *

In the past 5 years, have you been convicted of a DUI/DWI offense or been cited by the FAA for violation of a Federal Aviation Regulation?

Yes, FAA violations

Yes, DUI/DWI violation

In the past 5 years, have you ever been convicted of a DUI/DWI? *

Yes

If you answered yes, did you file the Notification Letter required by 61.15?

Select Answer

If yes to either, please provide (date, brief facts, disposition)

Pilot Jacket/Sweatshirt Size: *

Would you like a hard copy of the map? *

Media/Glow Participation
There are a limited number of spaces and first consideration will be given to special shape and corporate/commercial pilots. All participants receive propane, and accepted participants who are traveling more than 25 miles will receive a complimentary room for Thursday evening. All pilots who participate in the Glow will receive the $100 stipend. Please respond below regarding your participation in the Media Flight.

Please respond below regarding your participation in the Media Flight. *

If you answered yes, how many passengers will you take?

Please choose:

Would you like to participate in the Friday evening Night Glow? Limited space available. *

Do you live more than 25 miles away?

Balloon Information

Balloon Category: *

Balloon Name *

N Number *

Balloon Hours *

Date of Last 100-hour/Annual Inspection *

Hours since last inspection *

Balloon Size

Balloon Model *

Airworthiness Certificate *

Date of Airworthiness Certificate *

Balloon Manufacturer *

Balloon Serial Number *

Local Crew Needs

Do you need local crew members? Please check all that apply. *

No, I DO NOT need any local crew.

Friday AM

Friday PM

Saturday AM

Saturday PM

Sunday AM

Not sure at this time, please contact me.

If checked "yes", how many crew members do you need?

If you have a different request for a certain flight please list.

Insurance Authorization

Please complete information below: *

I agree to add "Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce/Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival, Pro Football Hall of Fame, the Championship Director and Safety Officer" as an additional insured for the purpose of my participation in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival Balloon Classic to be held in Canton, Ohio, July 25, 26 & 27, 2025. Required Minimum Coverage: Every participating pilot is required to have a minimum of $1,000,000 combined single limit coverage, $100,000 minimum property damage, and $100,000 minimum passenger liability for each passenger carried. In the event of policy cancellation prior to July 25, 2025, ten (10) days written notice will be given to Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce, Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival, 222 Market Ave. North, Canton, Ohio 44702

Insurance Carrier *

Insurance Policy Number *

Insurance Policy Expiration Date *

Coverage Amount Per Passenger *

Combined Single Limit *

Insurance Policy Limit *

Hotel Accomodations

Arrival Date *

Departure Date *

Please review and choose room accomodations: *

Pilots receive one (1) complimentary room for Friday and Saturday evening. Please complete the following so that we may make a reservation for you. All pilots and crew will be hosted at the Courtyard by Marriott Canton. This first-class, facility is located across the street from the Kent State University at Stark Conference Center and primary launch field. If last minute changes to your reservations are required, please advise Tiffini Simon so that she can ensure that your needs are properly handled. All rooms are non-smoking; a $250 cleaning fee will be charged to violators.

To reserve an additional room for crew, family, etc. you must reserve the room(s) in advance through the Courtyard Marriott. Book your reservation by calling the Courtyard Marriott at (330) 494-6494 and specify that you need to book a Balloon Crew room for the Balloon Classic. The room rate for the additional room is $133 plus tax and a non-refundable deposit will be due 7 days prior to the arrival. Any changes with the additional room must be communicated to the Courtyard Marriott.

Pilot Biography & Balloon Photo
In an effort to update old and outdated biographical information contained in our event program, we are asking every participant to SUBMIT A NEW PERSONAL BIOGRAPHY and COLOR photo of their balloon. Registrations will not be considered complete without photo and bio. Thank you!

List any top five finishes in any US or International Championship races:

Any “unique” competitive experiences:

Countries flown in other than United States:

List any ballooning (hot air or gas) records currently or previously held:

List any other aircraft ratings that you hold:

Most memorable flight: *

Have you attended every HOFEF Balloon Classic since 1986? *

Describe your most memorable Balloon Classic moment:

Other hobbies: *

Any other “claims to fame”?

Please upload a color photo of your balloon.

A photo is required. If you are unable to upload it, please email it to Tiffini Simon. Photo is due no later than May 1, 2025 or your application will not be processed.

20MB max

Please upload the following files:

Copy of Balloon Registration (REQUIRED) *

20MB max

Front of Pilot Certificate (REQUIRED) *

20MB max

Back of Pilot Certificate (REQUIRED) *

20MB max

Copy of Annual Inspection (REQUIRED) *

20MB max

Pilot Entry Agreement

Including Acknowledgement of Responsibility and Release of Liability *

I hereby declare that I am participating in the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce, Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival Balloon Classic (Balloon Classic) on July 25-27, 2025 of my own free volition. I agree that the organizers and sponsors of this event (including the Pro Football Hall of Fame Museum, the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce, Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival, Pro Football Hall of Fame, Jackson Township, Kent State University, Stark State College, event race officials, my sponsor or any employees, officers, trustees, agents and/or members of the above mentioned entities) are providing me with the facilities and means for my participation in this event and in no way do they supersede the responsibility of the pilot in command, as shown in CFR § 91.3(a) and elsewhere in the Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR’s).

I hereby certify that I am aware of and agree with the responsibility legally transferred to me under the Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR’s) as regards my personal decision to fly my balloon, and any bodily injury or property damage resulting therefrom is solely my liability, and that my decision as pilot in command may affect my placement in this event if I choose not to fly. I understand that the pilot of each balloon has full and complete authority over the balloon and is responsible for all decisions to be made associated with the balloon on the ground and in the air.

I certify that I am of sound mind and body and I have no medical, mental, or physical limitations or conditions that would limit or impair my ability to safely fly my aircraft. I am not taking prescription or over the counter drugs/medications that may impair my ability to safely fly my aircraft.

Officials of the Balloon Classic may supply information, guidance, or data and will use reasonable care to ensure the information is accurate and complete. However, the Balloon Classic assumes no responsibility for the completeness or accuracy of such information. It is my decision whether to rely on that information or acquire additional information. I agree that none of the flights are mandatory and that I will make all flights at my option.

I hereby agree to have in full force during the Balloon Classic a balloon insurance policy with minimum liability limits of $1,000,000 each occurrence combined bodily injury and property damage, including passengers, but not less than $100,000 each passenger.

I hereby give permission, without any restriction, to the Balloon Classic or its assigns, to use still and motion pictures and sound recordings of me, my balloon, equipment, chase crewmembers, employees and agents for news, advertising, promotional media and commercial uses.

It is my understanding that the organizers may inspect all balloons entered in the event; but that such inspection is only for the purpose of determining whether the aircraft complies with all rules of eligibility of said event. The approval of the balloon by said officials does not constitute a representation or warranty of any kind or character whatsoever concerning the mechanical condition of the aircraft, or whether or not it is airworthy.

It is my understanding that I must take one (1) person for a balloon ride on Friday evening as coordinated by the Balloon Classic & Fireworks Committee. I understand that sponsor rides lost due to cancellation of the flight by the Event Director due to unsuitable weather conditions or failure to show on the sponsor’s behalf will end my responsibility to provide said ride. I also understand that I am not able to sell rides during the event, nor carry passengers for hire on any of the flights during the event.

I acknowledge that the Balloon Classic will use GPS loggers for purposes of scoring and monitoring participant’s flights for adherence to event regulations regarding landowner relations and Prohibited Zone infractions. I agree to carry this GPS logger on all flights and conform to all rules related to its use. I also acknowledge financial responsibility for the device while under my control.

I agree that this Agreement is an Ohio contract and it is to be governed by the laws of the State of Ohio, and that I hereby submit myself to the jurisdiction of the Ohio courts concerning any claims arising out of the Balloon Classic or this Agreement. This Agreement, including the Conditions of Entry, General Information, Insurance and Hotel Reservation form, contains all the terms and conditions agreed to by the parties hereto, and no other agreements or discussions, oral or written, regarding the subject matter of the Agreement shall be deemed to exist or bind any of the parties hereto.

I, the pilot in command, hereby declare that I will fly in accordance with the event rules and regulations, abide by the FAR’s, and fly entirely at my own risk and waive any right of action against the Balloon Classic, the owner of the launch site, event race officials, my sponsor or any employees, officers, trustees, agents, and their respective members for any loss or damage sustained by me in consequence of any action or omission on their part, my part or the part of other participants.

Additionally, I acknowledge an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 and other diseases exists in any public place where people are present. COVID-19 is communicable disease that can lead to severe illness and death. By attending the Balloon Classic, I voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID and other communicable diseases and will comply with all health and safety requirements in effect.

Thus, I release the organizers and sponsors of this event (including the Pro Football Hall of Fame Museum, the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce, Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival, Pro Football Hall of Fame, Jackson Township, Kent State University, Stark State College, event race officials, my sponsor or any employees, officers, directors, trustees, employees, volunteers, agents and sponsors and/or members of the afore-mentioned entities) from liability for their actions or inactions relating to the Balloon Classic which may arise out of or result from or in any manner be connected with the balloon flight or activity in which I participate as a pilot in command.

BY CHOOSING ACCEPT BELOW, I CERTIFY THAT ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THE REGISTRATION IS ACCURATE AND I ACCEPT THE TERMS OF THIS ENTRY AGREEMENT.

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