UP IN THE AIR WITH BALLOON LITTLE ROCK

Balloon Little Rock is a locally-owned company that specializes in scenic hot air balloon rides.

The company is owned and operated by Donna and David Hoover of Little Rock, who met at a hot air balloon event. David has made more than 500 flights, taking riders of all ages up in the air. The rides have included a variety of occasions from anniversary celebrations to marriage proposals.

Balloon Little Rock provides aerial tours of Central Arkansas with breathtaking views from aloft flying over Pinnacle Mountain, Chenal Mountain, the Arkansas River and Lake Maumelle.

Morning or afternoon hot air balloon launches are offered daily.

The experience includes some background on the history of hot air ballooning. Champagne or fruit juice toasts and other traditions are a part of this 200-year-old adventure.

David describes ballooning as a “must do experience” that is often described as “the coolest thing I’ve ever done.”

For more information on hot air ballooning please call 501.837.6438 or visit www.balloonlr.com.

David Hoover

Native of: Jackson, Tenn.

Where did you grow up: I’m not sure that I have yet.

What do you enjoy most about ballooning: The pilot in me enjoys the challenge of flying a 90,000-cubic-foot bag of hot air (of which the air inside it is the heaviest part) that has no rudder or parking brake. Flying the balloon challenges me to navigate by choosing different wind currents to control my speed and direction, and to time it just right to land in a small field or neighborhood without missing it. But most of all I enjoy seeing the beauty God created for us in his world.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in professional studies in commercial aviation, Memphis State.

Job: Pilot, first officer MD11 for FedEx Express Inc., a world-wide cargo airline.

Parents: Susi Yanessa of Jackson and Roger Hoover of Winter Haven, Fla.

Community activities: Grande Maumelle Sailing Club, American Sailing Association instructor – Jolly Roger Marina, Riverfest Balloon Race organizer, American Red Cross, Arkansas Police Association, Rescue Mission and the American Heart Association.

Church activities: St. James Family Ministry, and Christian Foundation for Children and Aging.

Hobbies/special interests: Sailing, ballooning, flying, bicycling and riding motorcycles.

How would you describe yourself: Fun-loving and passionate.

Favorite restaurant in the 501: US Pizza and Leo’s.
 
Most enjoyed weekend activity: Climbing Pinnacle Mountain or riding the trail.
 
What do you love about living in the 501: I love all of the beauty outside in the Natural State. I love the water, the forest, the hills and the beautiful sight of Downtown Little Rock lit against the river at night.

Donna Noesser Hoover
 

Where did you grow up: Blevins (Hempstead County)

What do you enjoy most about ballooning: I enjoy sharing the excitement with someone when they take their first balloon ride. I share the joy that it brings them and find it exhilarating. We have flown all ages and many types of people. My favorite are the children and especially one mother who was celebrating her 90th birthday. I also very much enjoy the friendships with our passengers and fellow balloonists.

Education: Bachelor of science in radiology technology, University of Central Arkansas.

Job: Radiology imaging manager/Arkansas Children’s Hospital.

Parents: Paul and Joan Noesser, originally from Laneburg (Nevada County).

Community activities: Grande Maumelle Sailing Club, Big Dam Bridge Cycling, American Red Cross, Arkansas Police Association, Rescue Mission and the American Heart Association.

Church activities: St. James United Methodist Church and the Christian Foundation for Children and Aging.

Hobbies/special interests: Basically anything outdoors – gardening, walking our dog Sam, bicycling, hiking, sailing, snow skiing, traveling, scuba diving and, of course, ballooning.
 
How would you describe
yourself: Busy.

Favorite restaurant in the 501: Brave New Restaurant.

FAVORITE weekend activity: We are on the go so much we really make an effort to reserve Sundays as a day of rest – something I learned from my parents. Our Sunday ritual of church and then finally having some time to go out to lunch with friends or have a quiet afternoon at home sitting on the deck or by the fire is what I look forward to each week. It gives me time to relax before starting it all over again on Monday.
 
Favorite quote:  “Procrastination is opportunity’s natural assassin.” - Victor Kiam.

What do you love about living in the 501: The weather. We are lucky enough to have four seasons that are the perfect length. Central Arkansas has everything for the outdoor enthusiasts and a bit of urban living including arts and entertainment. I also love that I have some of the best friends and neighbors here that anyone could hope for anywhere in the world.