Has Given Over 2,750 Hours Of Instruction Over The Years

The Elite Balloon Instructor Committee is proud to announce Mr. Patrick A. Smith as an Elite Balloon Instructor.

Smith (pictured), from Frederick, MD, is the Program Manager for the Lighter Than Air Insurance Program offered by Aviation Insurance Resources (AIR). AIR offers hot air balloon insurance for individuals and commercial operators.

As an instructor and educator, Smith holds a commercial lighter than air, airplane single and multi-engine, instrument CFI and CFI-I ratings. Patrick has given over 2,750 hours of instruction and was previously an instructor pilot and regulatory information specialist for the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). Smith has developed training curricula and has helped numerous students achieve their dreams of becoming pilots.

Smith has provided great service to the aviation community and has kept his own professional education up to date. As a property casualty insurance agent, licensed in all 50 states, Patrick provides counseling to hot air balloon pilots and owners. Patrick is an advocate for safety and training pushing the industry forward.

Smith attends many hot air balloon safety seminars across the Country. He was first introduced to ballooning in the early 1990s by his mother at a balloon event in Maryland and has logged over 1,150 hours of time in hot air balloons. He also operates the largest balloon operation in Maryland, Tailwinds Over Frederick Hot Air Balloons.

(Image provided with The Balloon Training Academy news release)

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