State DOTs take flight in Hot Air Balloons- Natchez, MS

AASHTO officials know a thing or two about surface transportation but hot air balloon travel? Not so much. In an effort to expand their transportation horizons AASHTO officials got some help from more than 30 hot air balloonist at their spring meeting in Natchez, Mississippi, this year A total of 36 hot air balloons lifted off near the ground, near the banks of the Mississippi river giving a few lucky passengers and spectators from miles around a colorful display of splendor in motion. In this video AASHTO President and Executive Director of the Mississippi Department of Transportation Larry L. “Butch” Brown explains his motivation for organizing the event. You’ll also hear from Robert E. Skinner, Jr. Executive Director, of the Transportation Research Board and his wife Dianne about what it was like glide over the great Mississippi River. The volunteer balloonist traveled to Natchez from across the country to participate in the special event. Many of these same balloons can be seen in Natchez, each year during the month of October for the annual “Balloon Race.” The contest is a test not of speed, but of a pilot’s ability to hit a target from the air, with a bean bag.