Richard Hager (USA)

Mr. Richard Hager is an experienced commercial pilot having been affiliated with hot air ballooning for over twenty years.  He has been a gas balloon pilot for four years and has competed in two America's Challenge Gas Balloon Races as well as the RE/MAX Cup Race.  He is a FAA Designated Pilot Examiner and Aviation Safety Counselor.  Richard was presented the BFA Director's Award in 1994 and again in 1995 for his outstanding service to the BFA and the sport of ballooning.

His balloon experience includes commercial, promotional flights and tethers as well as being a BFA Certified Flight Instructor.  Mr. Hager has served as balloonmeister and safety officer of numerous balloon meets.  Mr. Hager is President and chief pilot for Up and Away Adventures which works with corporations to fly banner promotions with his special shape balloon "Hagar the Horrible".

Mr. Hager has BS and MS degrees in Biology and Terrestrial Ecology. He is currently the State Information Technology Manager for the 121 USDA/NRCS offices in Kansas, and is responsible for all automation, telecommunications, and data for the agency.