An 8-year-old was recently recognized for piloting a hot air balloon by himself. At this year's Helen to the Atlantic Hot Air Balloon Race, held this past weekend, John Tarpley (J.T.) Head, III was recognized for his accomplishment.
He received a certificate from the Balloon Federation of America (BFA) that congratulated him "for his pilot training, aviation skill, and knowledge and recognizes the achievement of his first solo flight at age eight years old." Head was the solo pilot of a hot air balloon last year.
Head was present at this year's event to give a demonstration.
The award was presented by the past BFA president, Don Edwards.
The Helen to the Atlantic Hot Air Balloon Race is an annual, 3-day event and the only long-distance endurance race of its kind, according to the Facebook page dedicated to the competition.
This year's winner was Jonathan Wright.
