During Hot Air Balloon gatherings such as ours, the balloonmeister plays a key role during each flight. Before liftoff, he briefs the pilots on the current meteorological conditions. By checking the flight conditions, the balloonmeister has the ultimate decision on whether the balloons take off. It is his responsibility to ensure that the pilots are informed of security measures, topography of the area and other subjects related to the flight.

Lucien Desbiens

Lucien is balloonmeister for the International Balloon Festival of St-Jean-sur-Richelieu since 1996. He is an airplane pilot and flies balloons since 1988. Currently, he pilots the red and yellow International balloon, as well as Piko. He’s also a flight instructor for the École de pilotage de montgolfières du Québec. He has participated in many international events and has flown several types of commercial balloons. Lucien is also balloonmeister in many other events such as the Canadian Balloon Championships.

Daniel Turcotte

Daniel is balloonmeister for the International Balloon Festival of St-Jean-sur-Richelieu since 1996. He is a balloon pilot since 1987 as well as being a flight instructor and trainer for the École de pilotage de montgolfières du Québec. He’s been flying balloons for the International since the arrival of Piko in 1998, and has since moved on to the famous flamboyantly coloured balloon of the International, which arrived in 2004. He has participated in many events in Canada, the United States and Europe, as well as having flown an array commercial balloons. Daniel is also balloonmeister in many other events such as the Canadian Balloon Championships, a private pilot and a member of Les pilotes de brousse du Québec and a member of Canadian Owners And Pilots assocation.