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May 5, 2025

ClovisFest Hot Air Balloon Fun Fly just joined up. A dozen balloons in Clovis, California the last weekend of September. Welcome! 

April 23, 2025

WooHoo! We just entered our 300th pilot in the Data Port. Our balloon count has climbed to more than 400, and the events using or committed to using the Data Port have climbed to 15. Thanks to everyone for supporting the Balloon Pilot Data Port!

New Data Port brochure published. March 20, 2025.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Balloon Pilot Data Port Launches Nationwide: Revolutionizing Document Management for LTA Pilots and Event Organizers

Albuquerque, NM – January 29, 2025 – Ken Tuley, a seasoned hot air balloon pilot with more than 35 years of experience, proudly announces the nationwide expansion of the Balloon Pilot Data Port, a groundbreaking clearinghouse designed to streamline document management for lighter-than-air (LTA) pilots and balloon event organizers.

Originally established to support Albuquerque-area balloonists, the Balloon Pilot Data Port now invites pilots and event organizers from across the country to simplify their document management processes. The user-friendly service allows pilots to upload and manage their pilot and balloon documentation efficiently. Pilots can choose which events they wish to share their information with, eliminating the need to submit documents to each event.

Data Port staff (Ken) meticulously cleans, validates, and verifies each uploaded document, determining its status and expiration date. Pilots receive a monthly email update on their document status, helping them ensure their documents remain current and available in one convenient location.

Ken Tuley explains the inspiration behind this innovative project: "This project stems from having to submit the same documents to the same events year after year. I thought, there has to be a better way."

For event organizers, the Balloon Pilot Data Port offers a significant time-saving advantage. Organizers receive a comprehensive list of their event participants along with the status of their documents, eliminating the headaches associated with managing expired, missing, mislabeled, or unreadable documentation. 

Options available to event organizers include obtaining the cleaned-up documents and getting support in setting up and managing their online pilot application. This allows the organizer to focus on event details and not the pilot application and documentation.

The Balloon Pilot Data Port is proud to offer this service free of charge to pilots, with a minimal negotiable fee for event organizers. This initiative streamlines the document management process for both pilots and organizers, making it easier than ever to ensure compliance and readiness for ballooning events.

To explore the Balloon Pilot Data Port and learn more about how it can benefit your upcoming ballooning events, visit balloonpilotdocs.com. Pilots can start immediately by uploading their documents at BPDocs.org/Data.

About Ken Tuley

Ken Tuley has been a passionate hot air balloon pilot since 1989. Having provided reliable document management services to the Albuquerque ballooning community for years, Ken is now excited to extend his expertise and services to a broader audience, helping to elevate the efficiency of organizing and participating in ballooning events nationwide.

For more information contact: 

Ken Tuley at  ken@balloonpilotdocs.com or visit the website: BalloonPilotDocs.com

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