08/28/2019
Another great year with Atlantic Balloon Fiesta
Derald Young
Derald started his career in the 1960’s while attending the University of Maine. He received his private fixed wing pilot’s license in 1970. In 1971 he saw his first balloon and he was hooked! Derald served as a naval flight officer for the U.S. Navy and then returned to his family home in the Bangor, Maine area.
He learned to fly Hot Air Balloons and started Damn Yankee Balloons Inc., which offered passenger flights and student instruction.
In 1985 Derald set a record as the very first pilot to cross Northumberland Straight in a Hot Air Balloon, which lies between New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island, Canada. He flew 13 miles over ocean and landed on Prince Edward Island’s towering cliffs.
Since that time he has flown over 3,000 hours in 10 U.S. states and 6 Canadian providences. His biggest thrill still is sharing the wonderment of the first flight with new passengers.
This will be Derald’s 34th year attending Atlantic Balloon Fiesta since the start up with Doug Shippee and Art Goold.
