The Cheers Over California Team

This page contains information about our pilots and crew. Without pilots we don't fly and without our crew the pilots can't fly.  This is the reason we call this a "Balloon Team,"  because without each other we'd never get off of the ground.

Maybe you have what it takes to join the team...Read on...

Being part of a Hot Air Balloon crew is sometimes a lot of work, but always a lot of fun. A good balloon crew must be able to work together as a team and follow instruction. The rewards include good fun, good friends and occasional free Hot Air Balloon rides. Crew members are sometimes invited to travel to and participate in the many balloon events we attend each year. If you would like to become involved in Hot Air Ballooning, feel free to contact Cheers Over California any time.

David Wakefield - President/Chief Pilot

David has always been fascinated with all things flying and dabbled in the usual things like rockets, radio controlled airplanes and cleaner bag balloons, but never seemed to be able to get the real stuff to happen.

David was first introduced to ballooning in the spring of 1999 when he was asked to crew for a local balloon pilot. He was so captivated that four months later he bought his first balloon, Cheers. For the next year, David worked toward his Private Pilot Certificate, receiving it in July of 2000 after his check ride at Stead Airport in Reno, Nevada. Knowing he'd only just begun, David continued on with his training, receiving his Commercial Pilot Certificate one year later, in July, 2001 with a flight at Prosser Reservoir near Truckee, California.

David has flown in balloon events in California, Oregon, Nevada, Colorado and Arizona. He has developed a knack for coordinating and conducting highly successful musical balloon night glows at California and Oregon events.

Shelly Wakefield - Secretary/Public Relations

Shelly came to the Cheers family in November of 2000. She was brought out for her first experience in ballooning by a crew member. Shelly went for her first balloon ride that day and was an immediate hit with the pilot. Dave and Shelly became best friends and were married in the basket of Cheers on August 4th, 2002.

Shelly is a natural "People Person" and loves getting out and meeting new people and giving them the chance to discover the joy of the "ballooning experience." At ballooning events, she can always be found mingling with spectators, showing them how everything works and offering them an opportunity to come over and get involved.

Shelly is constantly looking for new ways to promote "Cheers" and the team, through business introductions and creation of media opportunities. She is also frequently seen with a camera and is responsible for about 99% of the pictures taken for the team.

If you spot Shelly on the field, make sure to stop and say hello.