From 2010: Cheri's Achievements Are Exceeded Only By The Heights She Has Achieved As A World-Class Balloonist

You may all be a little sick, by now, in hearing about the amazing team ANN's Aero-TV crews has at the 2010 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta... the sites, the sounds, the colors, the staff, the crews, the PILOTS... they all made an extraordinary week even more so. And one of our favorite people was a balloon pilot, Cheri White, who launched herself (and partner Mark Sullivan) into the late night ether to take a chance in seeking the top spot in the America's Challenge Gas Balloon Race.

Well over 1500 miles later, there is no doubt that Cheri had an adventure she'll remember for a lifetime. Better than that, just get her talking about ballooning, Hot-Air or Gas, and you will soon find yourself impressed to be in the company of one of America's most accomplished and passionately supportive Lighter-Than-Air pilots.

Cheri, hails from Lakeway, TX, and is Chief Pilot and General Manager of the Touchstone Energy Balloon Team, and has been flying balloons for over 30 years. With over 1600 pilot hours, Cheri is a previous Challenge Gas Balloon Champion, 2009 BFA Female Top Pilot and a former Women's National Hot Air Balloon Champion -- all that, mind you, as well as being the mother of twins.

The 15th annual America's Challenge Gas Balloon Race was held October 4 through October 12, 2010 and launched from Albuquerque, New Mexico. A previous Champ in this August event, Cheri and Mark managed to pull off an impressive 3rd place finish with a 1507.13 mile flight that terminated close to Cedar Rapids, IA. They had been aloft for over 41 hours.

Join Aero-TV as we spend time with an uncommonly gifted flyer and a true Champion, Cheri White.

FMI: www.balloonfiesta.com/gas-balloons, www.cbaballoon.com, www.aero-tv.net, www.youtube.com/aerotvnetwork, http://twitter.com/AeroNews