Meet the Pilots

Scott Appelman

Scott Appelman is the founder and president of Rainbow Ryders, Inc.- the largest balloon ride business in the United States. Rainbow Ryders operates 26 balloons year round doing over 2200 flights per year. Flying over 22,000 passengers annually. Rainbow Ryder's pilots have flown in 45 states and managed events in Colorado Springs, Phoenix, Chihuahua and Guadalajara, Mexico.

After graduating from University of New Mexico's Anderson School of Management, Scott wanted to make his hobby of hot air ballooning into a career. In September of 1984, Scott received his Commercial Pilot's License, Lighter than Air rating.

In 1983, Scott established Rainbow Ryders, Inc. a commercial hot air balloon company offering rides, tethers, promotions, instruction and all sales aspects of hot air ballooning. Rainbow Ryders, Inc. has operated the Official Hot Air Balloon Ride Concession for the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta since 1999. Scott has logged more than 5100+ pilot in command flight hours, 700 tether hours, and is also a special shape balloon pilot.

Scott flies ride balloons and operates corporate and promotional balloons for Rainbow Ryder's commercial clients, which include Dos Equis Beer, Intel, Phillips 66 Fidelity Investments, NM Pinon Coffee, KOB TV-4 to name a few

Scott has held positions on the Board of Directors of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta ® (AIBF) 1986-1991, Chairman of the Board for the Albuquerque Convention and Visitors Bureau 2001-2002, Board of Directors of the Albuquerque Convention and Visitors Bureau 1993 to current. He was the originator and organizer of AIBF's BALLOON GLOW 1987 through 1992, co-originator of AIBF's SPECIAL SHAPE RODEO 1989 and 1990, and AIBF's ALBUQUERQUE ALOFT 1991. Scott was honored with the Heritage Award from the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in 2013, and he currently serves as the President the Anderson Abruzzo International Balloon Museum Foundation board of directors.

Kris Braden

Kris Braden began ballooning in 1984 when he was 7 years old; that's when his dad bought his first balloon. He went on to get his private license in 1994 when he was 16, and then his commercial license only one year later in 1995 at 18 years old. All this experience has cumulated in over 3,300 hours of flight time.

His most interesting flight took place in Battlecreek Michigan. He was flying the Red Baron frozen pizza balloon and landed in a nudist colony. They were all very friendly and even helped him pack up the balloon! However, his favorite place to fly so far would have to be Gallup, NM in the Red Rock Park (if you haven't seen the photos, we highly recommend Googling the event, it's beautiful). Throughout his career, Kris has flown for different TV shows, movies, and commercials. The most recent was a Ram truck commercial called Ram: Way of Life (Outdoor), check it out here!

Troy Bradley

Troy received his private pilot certificate at age 16 and commercial pilot license at 18. He has flown over 5,800 hours and more than 20,000 passengers. Troy has flown in 45 states and 13 countries. He has flown commercial contracts for Century 21, Labatt's Beer, Sears, Swatch Watch, Maxwell House, PSA Airlines, United New Mexico Bank, Breyer's Ice Cream, Comet Cleaners, Fox Photo, Disney/Pixar, and RE/MAX. Troy also enjoys flying gas balloons; he has built 2. Troy's accomplishments include 14 New Mexico State Championships, 2 North American Championships, 2 US Hot Air Team Nationals, the 1992 Chrysler Transatlantic Challenge flight with Richard Abruzzo, giving Walter Cronkite a lesson at Chateau de Balleroy in 1993, dropping a skydiver (Bob Martin) from 32,000 feet, then ascending to 34,000 feet, the 1996 America's Challenge, landing in the Canadian wilderness and being rescued by helicopter, the 2001 Gordon Bennett, crossing the Alps from Germany to Italy with Earl Miller, Cluster flight for Disney/Pixar's movie UP, flying over 4,000 feet sitting on a carbon fiber La-Z-Boy chair with 70 helium balloons, and flying over the unique rock formations, stunning valleys, and ancient cliff dwellings of Cappadocia, Turkey.

Morghan Chando

After being born into ballooning and taking his first balloon ride at 18 months old, Morghan followed in his father's footsteps to become a pilot. He is from Albuquerque, NM and has now been a pilot for 7 years. Morgan's favorite place to fly is the first day of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, he gets chills of excitement taking off with hundreds of balloons as this is a feeling only few experience. Morghan flies with Rainbow Ryders in both Phoenix, AZ and Albuquerque, NM!

In Remembrance of Dean Donley

The hearts of the Rainbow Ryders Team, and the ballooning community as a whole, are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of an invaluable member of our community, pilot Dean Donley. Though words seem inadequate to express the sorrow felt, we extend our deepest condolences and support to his wife Debbie and their family, now and always. He lived his life to the fullest, taking advantage of the latest and greatest technology out there. If it went fast or offroad, you can bet he owned it. Coupled with his signature sweet tea and Texan twang, he gave passengers the bucket list adventure they deserved with every flight he took.

Dean began his aviation career in the Air Force. He was stationed here in Albuquerque in 1989, which was when he decided to volunteer at the Balloon Fiesta to crew. Soon after he met a local pilot, and continued crewing for him even after the festival. In 1996, he joined the team at Rainbow Ryders as a crew member. It didn't take long for him to decide that flying is what he wanted to do. After serving in the USAF for 20 years, Dean retired and spent his retirement flying hot air balloons every day.

Dean will remain in our hearts forever, and will be in our thoughts with each and every lift off. He filled his life with adventure, leaving the world less exciting without him in it. Here's to you Dean Donley!

CJ Giordano

CJ's originally from Nashville, TN, and has been working in aviation professionally since 2012. In 2017, CJ decided to switch careers to transition from Hang Gliding to Ballooning. He moved to Albuquerque, NM and walked into Rainbow Ryders and asked for a job as a balloon crew member, he knew this was the place to start. He has now been a hot air balloon pilot since 2018, and flies with Rainbow Ryders in Phoenix, AZ. CJ's most memorable flight was flying amongst a swarm of powered paragliders at the Arizona Flying Circus while dropping a skydiver from the basket.

Sanjay Gupta

From Amsterdam, New Delhi, and Zurich, Sanjay has been flying since 1975—his first hot air balloon ride was at just 10 years old in New Delhi, India. His family pioneered ballooning in India in 1970 with their first balloon, The Udan Khatola ("The Flying Bed"), sparking what he lovingly calls a “family madness” for the skies.

Since then, Sanjay has flown across six continents—from the Masai Mara in Kenya (his favorite!) to 25,000 feet above Mount Kilimanjaro, and even over the Arctic Circle.

He’s flown in over 20 countries, participated in global festivals and competitions, and speaks six languages, making him a fantastic pilot for international travelers. With decades of experience and a true love for flight, Sanjay brings global expertise and a welcoming spirit to every journey.

Mike Heffron

Hailing from Emporia, Kansas, Mike Heffron took his first balloon ride in 1984 and has been flying for over 15 years.

Inspired by friends, he found a lifelong passion in ballooning and now pilots CoddiWoMPLe—a wheelchair-accessible balloon named after the whimsical phrase meaning "to travel in a purposeful manner toward a vague destination."

Mike’s favorite place to fly is Colorado Springs, and one of his most memorable flights was celebrating a passenger’s 100th birthday aboard CoddiWoMPLe.

Anthony Lard

Anthony took his first balloon ride before he could even walk. His family had balloons when he was young and although his family got out of flying, Anthony was always enamored with them and knew he wanted to fly. After his first trip to Balloon Fiesta at 9 years old, he was hooked. From then on, he spent years attending Balloon Fiesta as a spectator and then went onto begin crewing. In 2017, Anthony bought his first balloon and obtained his pilot license.

One of his most interesting flights, as well as his favorite was over the Grand Canyon. He describes the experience as humbling and breath-taking. You can find Anthony flying year round in his hometown of Albuquerque, NM.

Kyle Laxton

In West Philadelphia born and raised
In the Marine Corp was where he spent most of his days
Chillin' out, maxin', relaxin', all cool
And crewing some balloons outside of the school (the military)
When a couple of guys who were up to something good
Started taking flight in his neighborhood
He got in one little basket and RR got prepared
We said, You're movin' with your doggie and girl to hot air (in the desert)
And that's how Kyle has now been a balloon pilot for 11 years, 5 of which are with Rainbow Ryders

Jacob Little

Jacob Little, an Arizona native comes from a family of balloonists. He attended his first balloon event when he was just one month old. At the age of 5, he took his first ride with his father and from that point forward began to love the sport. Jacob stood his first balloon up when he was 12 years old, and began working on his dream of being pilot five years later.

Jacob has now been a pilot for 5 years. He has flown all over the country, but one of his most unique flights was in Puerto Penasco, Mexico where he ended up landing on the beach. Staying true to his roots, you can find him flying year round in our Phoenix location!

Jordan Long

Jordan Long has traveled all the way from Boston, MA to find his way over to Rainbow Ryders. He took his first balloon ride at only three years old, and has been a balloon pilot himself since 2015.

Jordan's parents are long-term members of the New England experimental ballooning community. He grew up crewing for and flying his dad's home-built hot air balloon "Spirit" along with the rest of his family. Jordan went on to build his very first hot air balloon in 2016.

If you find Jordan as your pilot, ask him about when he piloted a car suspended under a hot air balloon in flight. Or his experience as a commercial airplane pilot and instructor. He has many stories to keep you entertained long after the balloon lands!

Steven Mezzancello

Steven aka Mezz, grew up in a ballooning family with both of his parents being hot air balloon pilots and he always dreamt of flying professionally since he was a child. As soon as he was big enough to climb into the basket, that's where you would find him. Mezz is originally from Warwick, Rhode Island but currently resides in Albuquerque, New Mexico where he has been a pilot for 10 years. He also participates in competition flying, and enjoys the excitement and thrill of the sport.

Greg Morrison

Greg was a fixed wing pilot for 26 years. He flew F/A-18's for the US Marine Corps and retired as a Lt. Col. after a 24 year career. Post his honorable military career, Greg chose Hot Air Ballooning as his next endeavor. Greg flies in our Albuquerque location, his favorite flight is flying 5 over the misty Rio Grande River as the sun rises over the Sandia Mountains and the Sandhill Cranes are calling from the far beach. Rainbow Ryders thanks Greg for his service and is lucky to have him as part of the team and continue his love of all things aviation.

Jesse Newcomer

Jesse Newcomer hails from Lancaster City, Pennsylvania. He got into ballooning by learning the sport from the ground up (literally!). He began his career in hot air ballooning as ground crew on the East Coast and quickly moved to piloting the balloons instead. His most interesting flight was actually in the city of Philidelphia where he flew through the downtown area and ultimately went across the Delaware River for landing. He moved to Phoenix, Arizona to work for Rainbow Ryders and is learning to love the desert life.

Brad Rice

Brad Rice has been flying for over 20 years and bought his first balloon right after college. He grew up with a balloon in his family, taking his first balloon ride at 6 years old.

His extensive resume boasts everything from flying the Smoky the Bear balloon to flying through flooded rice patties in Thailand and landing in the only dry field which had a bull tied with a rope to a stake in the ground repeatedly trying to charge during packing up the balloon.

Jesse Roholt

Jesse began crewing balloons as a part-time summer job before his sophomore year of high school. Crewing became a hobby on the weekends through the remainder of high school and during aviation training. Jesse attended flight school in Phoenix where he received his CFII, commercial multi, and single-engine aircraft ratings. In February 2014 Jesse began working at Rainbow Ryders and took part in a pilot apprenticeship program. in May 2014 he earned his commercial balloon certificate and has been flying passengers and corporate balloons since. It™s all about balloons with Jesse, when he is not behind the burners he still loves crewing. His energetic personality, enthusiasm for ballooning and extensive knowledge of aviation make him a great member of the Rainbow Ryders team.

Alfred Salazar

Alfred Salazar began his involvement in ballooning in 1997 when he started crewing for award-winning balloonist Richard Abruzzo. Alfred obtained his private rating in 2006 and in 2007 he began flying in the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta every year since. He has owned four balloons and with always wanting to be involved in every aspect of ballooning, he was the crew chief for the Corporate Dos Equis Balloon. He has been a part of the Rainbow Ryders team since 2005 and in his spare time, enjoys flying fixed winged planes. Alfred's 3 year old son loves seeing his dad fly and with Alfred's guidance, will be flying balloons when he grows up. He has been in the business for over a decade and still enjoys every day he gets to fly!

Patrick Stevens

My grandmother always took me to the local balloon race as early as I remember. My first flight as a passenger was with my mother and grandmother in 1984. In 1988 I started crewing for a recreational balloonist and just two years later our family purchased our own hot air balloon and started flying recreationally. Just one short year after that purchase, in 1991 I got my commercial rating and was flying passengers and training others to fly. I've flown in numerous balloon events around the country including Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta for various years (7-8 years if I remember correctly) as far back as 1991. I have approximately 9,000 hours logged in hot air balloons and have been flying on average, 400 hours of flight time per year. Most of that time has been flying passengers for hire in the Phoenix area. Having flown an estimated 80,000 passengers since 1991, hot air ballooning has and will never get old to me. I love to travel and I try to fly in a balloon any place I vacation. Even in my spare time you can still find me out at the launch site flying recreationally.

Jon Thompson

Jon is originally from Kissimmee, Florida and he's been in ballooning as long as Rainbow Ryders has been a company - for nearly four decades. However, his very first balloon ride was back in 1974.

He attended the National Balloon Championships with his family in Indianola, Iowa as a spectator. During that time, they met a pilot and helped him pack away the balloon. At that point, his brother Jeff was hooked and talked their parents into letting him take lessons. Hot air ballooning quickly began a family sport, with Jon becoming the 3rd pilot in his family (just behind his brother and dad).

Jon has flown all over the world, including Canada, Ecuador, Japan, and Mexico. He loves flying in the mountains the most though, no matter the country. He's even flown over the continental divide in Breckenridge, Colorado! Nowadays, you can catch him flying in any one of our three cities.