About Your Pilot

Tropical Ballooning Adventures is owned and operated by Tom Mackie. Tom has been a pilot for over 26 years and has accumulated a vast experience in aviation. He is an FAA Certified Commercial Balloon Pilot as well as an FAA Safety Councillor for the Miami Flight District Office.

When Tom is not giving balloon rides, he works as a Airbus A-320 First Officer for a major airline. Tom has been a Certified Flight Instructor in airplanes for over 20 years and is licensed to teach Instrument flying, multi engine and gliders. Tom is also licensed to fly helicopters.

"Flying has always been a part of my life". Tom started out flying in high school and went on to be a career Airline Pilot . After flying as a Flight Instructor through college, Tom flew freight for a cargo operator in Texas. Then, later as a commuter airline pilot, where he was a captain on various turboprop aircraft for over 7 years. In 1996, Tom became a pilot for a major airline and has been flying international routes since then.

Tom made his first balloon flight in Hammond Louisiana back in 1987, and has ever since been attracted to the adventure of ballooning. As well as a Hot Air balloon Pilot, Tom has become rated as a Gas Balloon Pilot after training in Germany with one of the world's most famous gas balloonists, Wilhiem Eimers.

Please feel free to call 305-582-3898 / (828) 667-9943 or e-Mail TMackie@aol.com for any questions or further information you may require. Also visit www.ashevillehotairballoons.com.