Mark MacSkimming has been flying balloons since 1991. Mark has flown many contract corporate balloons and special shape balloons in balloon rallies throughout the US, Canada, Mexico, New Zealand, Taiwan and Dubai UAE. He was the program coordinator and chief pilot for the 84 Lumber balloon program. He is a past Great Eastern Balloon Assoc. competition champion. Having logged over 2,000 hours of LTA flight, Mark has successfully instructed 11 students to their private LTA license and 4 students to their commercial LTA license. Mark also has achieved level eighteen of the Federal Aviation Administration’s Wings continuing education program. He serves as an appointed FAA Safety Team Representative. Mark was safety officer for The Hershey Balloon Classic for nine years and served as safety officer for the Carolinas Balloon Fest and the Ohio Challange. Mark was the balloon meister for the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix Balloon Rally. He also holds level eight of the Balloon Federation of America’s Pilot Achievement Award Program. Mark has flown several long jump flights of over 100 miles and completed a high altitude flight to 22,000 ft. He also operates a small balloon ride operation in Hershey, PA, as well as serving all aerial promotions for a Harrisburg, PA radio station, which includes flying over outdoor concerts at Hershey Park. Mark is a member of the gas balloon club, Aero Club of America North Carolina Chapter.  He holds a Bachelors Degree in business administration from Rider University. His real job is Vice President of sales and marketing for Trafcon Industries, Inc. of Mechanicsburg, PA. Mark has served on the Board of Directors of the Balloon Federation of America, Tri-County Easter Seal Society and the disaster services committee of the Harrisburg chapter of the American Red Cross. He is past President of the West Shore area Jaycees. He is a former Registered Emergency Medical Technician and Certified Paramedic.  Mark is a life member of the Balloon Federation of America, National Association of Search and Rescue , Harley Owners Group and the Disney Mickey Mouse Club.