Chief Pilot
Clayton L Thomas, MD, M.P.H.
Clayton Thomas, with the considerable assistance of his wife Peggy and their children, has been involved in aerostation since incorporating the Balloon School of MA. in 1969. That operation has included taking more than 7,000 passengers for rides in a hot air balloon, instructing 120 students in the gentle art of aerostation; and logging about 1,800 hours as pilot in command of hot air balloons.
Clayton is licensed to fly and to instruct in both hot air balloons and those in which lift is provided by helium, so-called 'gas balloons'. He has been designated by the Federal Aviation Administration as a Pilot Examiner for individuals seeking certification as either a private or commercial balloon pilot.
One reason for his interest in aviation, including ballooning, is his medical specialty in Aerospace Medicine, a subdivision of the American Board of Preventive Medicine. Clayton is a Board Certified specialist in that field. He is also qualified as a commercail pilot of helicopters, as well as a private pilot of fixed wing aircraft. Clayton has had wonderful experiences in ballooning, but he is continually aware that the principal goal is not only to enjoy a flight, but to be as certain as possible that each fllight will not be hazardous.
Clayton will tell you none of the activities would be possible without the support and cooperation of his family and his wife Peggy, who is a World-class breeder, exhibitor and judge of Pembroke Welsh Corgi dogs.
For the full story, please see his Biography page.
Next time, we might land in your yard!!