Brian Boland

Loosing Brian is a tremendous loss for us all.

His life was inspirational and he has had an impact on so many people around the world, in so many different ways that it is impossible to list them all here.

I have crewed and flown with Brian in New Zealand and in Vermont. I have seen his flying skills first hand and as a paraglider pilot, I saw Brian as a truly an inspirational pilot. The places we could navigate to and land took balloon flying to a whole new level. Many of you fly hot air balloons that he either sold to you or that you made with him in your homes in New Zealand or at his house in Post Mills. His involvement with all of his pilots and passengers is closer than in any other field of aviation I can think of.

In this time of covid, as boarders closed, I chose to leave New Zealand and I made my way to the USA. Last year I crewed for him twice. My last stop in Vermont was at Post Mills before heading south on a new chapter in my life. A story that he was also keenly following. I am now married and living in Salt Lake City. I would love to go to the EBAA in September where everyone who has been inspired by Brian will be meeting. The story of Brians life is one that I have been had the privilege of being a small part of. I would like to create a short film of Brians life using photos and footage that I already have and plan to capture at the EBAA meeting in his honor.

I would like to represent everyone from New Zealand who has known Brian, as there are many of you, and I know his loss has been great for us all. I am reaching out as my bank balance has gone

negative while I wait for US immigration to grant legal status here in the USA. The possibility to cover flights from Salt Lake City to Boston, which start from US$389 each way and a rental car to get to Post Mills, will be a significant help to fulfilling this story of Brian's Life. I will of course be traveling with my stills camera, drone and a 4K cinema video camera. I will then put a short film, incorporating photos and interviews together. The photos and video will be available to you all to download and keep.

If the fund raiser exceeds expectations, I would like to use that money to complete book on the Hot Air Ballooning community. I have already self published one book and would use a similar format to share the story and images.