TEAM
Meet the NVAloft Balloon Rides Staff
YOUR SAFETY IS OUR PRIORITY
PIERRE “PETE” BRUNNER – CHIEF PILOT
Pierre started in the industry in 1983 as ground crew while attending class at San Diego State University. He earned his commercial pilot’s license in 1988 and began flying in San Diego while building a career in the Insurance industry. He has since flown 5300 hours and over 40,000 passengers. He has participated in the Albuquerque International Balloon event as one of the select ride concession pilots for 20 years, he has competed in the Great Reno Balloon Race, the Kentucky Derby Festival Great Balloon Race, as well as many local events. Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Pierre Joined Napa Valley Aloft in June 2014 to return home. Pierre loves flying and enjoys sharing his time in the air and his passion for the sport with his passengers.
JP GAGNON – PILOT
J.P. has been flying in Napa Valley since 1999, when he moved to Napa Valley to support his wife’s dream of running a Bed and Breakfast. He started his ballooning career in Napa Valley and trained with some of the most experienced pilots available. J.P. wears many hats here at the company, offering assistance in all areas of the business. In his off hours, J.P. can be found fishing anywhere he can. His smoked salmon is out of site!
BOB SWANSON – PILOT
Bob Swanson has been a commercial hot air balloon pilot for 39 years and has logged over 9,100 hours of flight time. He considers himself fortunate to have flown throughout the western United States, Austria, Italy, France, Turkey and the Swiss Alps.
CHRIS JONES – PILOT
Chris Jones has flown on three continents during his career, including participation in major balloon festivals at home and abroad. Chris has flown in China, Taiwan, Thailand, Switzerland and many of North America’s major destinations, but in his opinion, “nothing beats Napa Valley.”
