Bob started flying balloons in 1981 and has logged approximately 1200 hours in the air. He has flown in many states as well as Canada, Newfoundland, and France. He was the first pilot to win the Pennsylvania State Championship for two consecutive years in 1987-88 and also in 1993. He won the tri-state Championship (PA, DE, and NJ) in 1985 and a number of other competitions. He and his wife (Marie) are the last chartered members of the Greater Balloon Association. His wife is the club's newsletter editor and has been for 22 years. Bob holds a gas balloon rating and was one of the pilots that flew the replica basket of the celebration of flight in 1993, celebrating 200 years of ballooning. He was also the executive Director for FAVIA (First Air Voyage In America). His wife is the crew chief and his daughter is crew along with David and Evelyn Tryon.