Meet the Chase Crew
Every hot air balloon flight takes a dedicated chase crew working alongside the pilot from launch to landing. Our crew typically consists of 3–5 hot air balloon crew members, depending on the flight and number of passengers.
Before takeoff, the crew helps prepare and inflate the balloon, secures the crown and manages the crown line to keep the balloon steady. Once airborne, the crew packs the launch equipment and begins the chase, staying in communication with the pilot and preparing for landing.
At landing, the chase crew helps identify a suitable landing location and obtains permission from the landowner. Once secured, the crew assists with landing, deflates and packs the balloon, and loads all equipment back into the trailer.
Being a hot air balloon crew member is about teamwork, communication and a passion for ballooning. For those wondering how to become hot air balloon crew, joining a chase crew is a great way to gain hands-on experience and learn the sport alongside experienced pilots and crew.
Tristan MacLean
Commercial Pilot - Phoenix, AZ
Born and raised in Albuquerque, NM, Tristan MacLean has been part of the Balloon Fiesta community since 2006. He began his flight training in 2016, earned his Private Pilot’s License in 2017, and received his Commercial Pilot Rating in 2019. Since 2021, Tristan served as the sponsored Commercial Primary Pilot for Exxon Mobil during the Exxon Mobil Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.
Known for his enthusiasm, charisma, and love of early mornings, Tristan brings energy to every flight and is dedicated to creating memorable experiences that passengers will carry with them long after they land.
Brad Rice
Commercial Pilot - Albuquerque, NM
Brad Rice has been flying hot air balloons for more than 30 years. He began flying at just 14 years old and has since logged more than 1,500 hours in the Albuquerque skies. An accomplished pilot with a wealth of experience, Brad brings knowledge, energy, and plenty of humor to every flight. His passion for ballooning is matched only by his love of sharing the experience with others.
Keith
Crew Chief
Keith joined the Always Time to Fly team in 2019 and quickly developed a passion for ballooning. As Crew Chief, he brings enthusiasm, humor, and a welcoming presence to every flight. He is always ready to lend a hand, share a laugh, or answer a question.
Outside of ballooning, Keith enjoys spending time at the lake and exploring the mountains with his wife and daughter.
Tanner
Crew Chief/Student Pilot
Tanner has been around hot air balloons his entire life, inspired by his father crewing during Balloon Fiesta. Today, he serves as a Crew Chief and continues to grow his passion for the sport. With the support of the Always Time to Fly team, he is pursuing his private pilot’s license, taking his lifelong connection to ballooning to new heights.
Outside of ballooning, Tanner enjoys boating, riding dirt bikes, and spending time with his wife.
Sammy
Crew Chief
Sammy joined the ballooning community as a chase crew member in 2018 and quickly fell in love with the sport and the people who make it special. Her talent for logistics, planning, and keeping all the moving pieces on track helps keep the heart of the Always Time to Fly team pumping.
Outside of ballooning, Sammy enjoys dancing, road trips, and spending time with friends and family.
Teague
Crew Chief/Student Pilot
Aaron “Teague” joined the Always Time to Fly team in 2021 and brings years of experience as a Firefighter/Paramedic. As Crew Chief, he provides safety and medical oversight while bringing a calm, professional presence to every flight.
Over the years, his passion for ballooning has inspired him to pursue his Private Pilot’s License. For Teague, ballooning is another opportunity to learn, grow, and be part of something extraordinary.
Sam
Crew Member & Marketing Team
Sam joined the Always Time to Fly crew after years of supporting the Balloon Fiesta community. She quickly developed a passion for ballooning and has become a valued part of the team. Based in Los Alamos, NM, Sam enjoys working out, spending time with family, and making the trek to Albuquerque and beyond whenever it’s time to fly.
Hannah
Crew Member & Marketing Team
Hannah joined the balloon team three years ago after reconnecting with her now husband, Tanner, at Balloon Fiesta. With a background as a registered nurse, she brings a calm and organized presence to every flight while helping capture the special moments that make ballooning so memorable.
She loves being part of the behind-the-scenes magic and helping create a fun, welcoming experience for every guest.
Adrianna
Crew Member
Born and raised in New Mexico, Adrianna joined the balloon team in 2023 and quickly fell in love with ballooning. She enjoys crewing alongside her husband, Keith, and their daughter, making each flight a special family experience.
Outside of ballooning, Adrianna loves spending time with her family at the lake and camping.
Brianna & Dominic
Crew Member & Marketing Team
Brianna and Dominic have been crewing since 2020. Dominic discovered a passion for ballooning and dreams of becoming a pilot one day, while Brianna supports the marketing efforts of the Always Time to Fly crew.
When they’re not chasing balloons, Dominic plays competitive baseball and Brianna can usually be found following him from one ballfield to the next. Together, they love the friendships, adventure, and community that ballooning has brought into their lives.
Robyn & Wesley
Crew Member
Albuquerque locals, Robyn has been part of the ballooning community since 2013 after being introduced to the sport by Tristan. Her son, Wesley, has been crewing alongside her since he was young, turning ballooning into a family tradition.
Together, they love the adventure, friendships, and community that come with chasing balloons. When they’re not at a launch, they enjoy exploring, traveling, and making the most of every adventure.
Abby
Crew Member
Abby has been part of the ballooning community for about seven years after being introduced to crewing at Balloon Fiesta by her husband, Austin. She quickly fell in love with the sport and the incredible community surrounding it.
A dedicated crew member and self-proclaimed cat and balloon lover, Abby especially enjoys spending time with her balloon family, a community that continues to grow both near and far.
Ethan
Crew Member
Ethan joined the Always Time to Fly team in 2020 and quickly became known for his humor, enthusiasm, and willingness to help wherever needed. He enjoys learning more about ballooning and traveling with the crew.
Outside of ballooning, Ethan works in HVAC and is pursuing his journeyman license. He is also a new dad and enjoys spending his time with his growing family.
Austin
Crew Member
Austin began crewing at Balloon Fiesta in 2016 after being invited by Tanner and quickly fell in love with the sport. He joined the Always Time to Fly team in 2019 and has become a dedicated member of the crew, often helping steady the crown line during launches.
He holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from New Mexico Tech and enjoys working on cars, golfing, and spending time outdoors.
Robby
Crew Member
Robby has been part of the hot air ballooning community for 23 years, taking his first ride at just eight years old. Over the years, he has crewed for commercial operations, corporate sponsor balloons, and large specialty shapes, bringing a wealth of experience and passion to the Always Time to Fly team. His favorite part of ballooning is still seeing the smiles it brings to people.
Become a chase crew volunteer.
Joining our team of volunteers can be a fun and addictive proposition. Crew members will occasionally travel to balloon festivals to crew at unique events where anywhere from a few dozen to a few hundred balloons may be launching off. It is truly a sight to behold.
There are lifting requirements of 50 lbs for all volunteers.