Meteorological Forecasting/Flight Consultant – Lou Billones, Windsong Services, Inc.

Transportation/Logistics/FAA Liaison - Sean Kelly

Flight Operations/Crew Chief - Orv Olivier

Envelope Design and Technical Consultant – Bruce Comstock

Media and Public Relations – Brook Matthews, American Heart Association

Photography - Gloria and Luckie Lawrence

Omaha Support Team – Pat Ragle, Steve Lacroix, Cathy Luenenborg, Matthew Grote,
    Rob Skiba, Jeff Reid, Nebraska Balloon Club

Web Design - Tom Peterson

Web Hosting - HunTel Systems

Rich Jaworski has a PhD in Nuclear Engineering and is a registered nuclear engineer.  He retired in 2004 after 35 years of service at OPPD.  He is a Distinguished Aeronaut with the Balloon Federation of America and has been state champion with the Nebraska Balloon Club multiple times.  Jaworski has served as president of the Nebraska Balloon Club in 2003-2004 and is on the records review committee for Fédération Aéronautique Internationale.  This international balloon organization will also be reviewing and certifying his record-breaking attempt.  Jaworski earned his bachelor’s, masters and doctoral degrees at Iowa State University and settled in Blair in 1970.  He has been a judge for the Fort Calhoun science fair for over 30 years.

Rich has a long history of using his balloon talents to benefit charitable organizations, raising over $120,000 in his 35 years of experience. His science and engineering background, along with a family history of heart disease, have led him to take a strong interest in raising funds for heart disease research in Nebraska and Iowa.

Lou Billones and the professional meteorological team at Windsong Services, Inc. have a combined total of over 100 years experience in world-wide weather forecasting, research, and specialized operations.  They have provided forecasting support to over 50 record setting flights.  Lou is a pilot of 30 years.

Orvin Olivier has served as NAA (National Aeronautic Association) Observer for numerous record flights. A balloon pilot for over 30 years, Orv currently represents the North Central District on the Board of Directors of the Balloon Federation of America.

Bruce Comstock has been deeply involved in ballooning for more than 35 years as (among other things) a designer, manufacturer, balloon organization leader, and instructor.  He has set world balloon records for duration, distance and altitude, including the first hot air balloon flight of more than a full day.  In recognition of Bruce’s remarkable ballooning career, the International Aeronautic Federation (FAI) in 2001 named him to the world Ballooning Hall of Fame.  Comstock designed and built the electronic balloon autopilots that make very long distance solo balloon flights possible, including Steve Fossett’s solo round the world balloon flight.

Sean Kelly is a colorful figure in the Omaha fixed-wing community, interested in and supporting making things fly.  He has several aircraft ratings, including Commercial Instrument.  Sean recently helped the Omaha Boy Scouts set a world record as they launched 399 model rockets in 1.5 seconds!  His special talents for the Adventure project are transportation, aviation technology, and good advice.  Sean comes from a diverse background of business experiences including communications, railroading, security, and freight transportation.

Pilot - Rich Jaworski

Flight Director & FAI Observer - Orv Olivier

Observer - Pam James

Crew Chief/NE Driver #1 - Pat Ragle

Logistics Coordinator - Sean Kelly

NE Driver #2/Navigator - Jane Jaworski

Weather Officer – Lou Billones, Scott Risch (alternate)

Flight Consultant – Bruce Comstock

Media Relations - Brook Matthews

Communications Center Coordinators - Joanne Ragle, Tom Peterson

Webmaster- Tom Peterson

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Last updated 6:07 PM 12/10/2007.     Copyright © 2005, 2006.   Send email to: Richard L. Jaworski
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