I started in ballooning as a kid, growing up around crewing for my dad since I was about 4 years old. I started training at 14, got my private at 20, commercial at 21, and started doing rides with my own business at 22. I started flying competition at 23. Since then I have crewed for John Petrehn at the 2024 Worlds in Hungary and the 2025 Pre-worlds in Poland. I am currently 26 years old and this will be my first World Championship.

Accomplishments

• 2024 Young Guns - Winner

• 2025 Frankenmuth - Winner

• 2025 Nationals - Rookie of the Year, 2nd Place

• 2026 Howell - Winner

• 2026 Nationals - Winner

I am the primary author on this site. As a travel and Hot Air Balloon Competition enthusiast, I look forward to sharing this experience with those who couldn't be present. My experience in competition ballooning is listed below:

• 22 years of crewing (10 where I consider myself useful)

• Chief of Measuring Teams -> 2024-2026 U.S. Women's National Championship

• Measuring Team Lead -> 2023 U.S. Women's National Championship

• Measuring Team -> 2022 U.S. Open National Championship

• Assistant Competition Director -> 2025 Balloons Over Wadsworth

• Scoring Officer -> 2026 Balloons Over Wadsworth, 2025 Canton HOF Balloonfest

• WatchMeFly Certified Scorer

I was born into ballooning. My Father, Jeff Pestun, was an avid competition balloon pilot and staff member at a variety of events. He taught me everything I know.

Outside of ballooning, I am an avid traveler, downhill skier, and hockey player. I am located in Southeast Michigan, where I am a full-time engineer at Brazeway, an aluminum extrusion and HVACR components supplier. 

Sam's dad! He will be with Sam in the chase truck driving and helping launch. He has crewed for Landon at National Balloon Classic for two years, and the 2026 Nationals.