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Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Sponsor

Honored by:
Mr. Rob Schantz

Jetta Schantz discovered aviation with her first flight (a birthday present) in a hot air balloon in 1983. Her journey into ballooning started as volunteer ground crew ami evulvcd into her completion of a commercial pilot license in 1991.A Previously working in radio and television in Oklahoma, Jetta moved to Jacksonville Beach, Florida after being hired to work for the National Balloon Racing Association- She married her coworker Rob, and together they now sell hot air balloons, balloon insurance, train students, operate corporate hot air balloon programs for Pfizer, Johnson Controls, Voice Express.com and Crown Royal, and organize balloon races nationwide through their company Balloon Tour America.
She first flew into the record books in 1993 setting nine National and nine World records for Distance (202 miles), again in 1994 setting nine National and nine World records for Altitude (32,657 feet), and in 1996 setting nine National and nine World records for Duration (15 hours, 11 minutes). To date Jetta has broken 27 National and 27 World aviation records.
Jetta's altitude flight was recognized by the National Aeronautic Association as one of aviation's "Ten Most Memorable Flights" of 1994. For her altitude flight, she also was honored to receive "The Montgolfiere Diplome," the highest International award in ballooning, presented by the Federation Aeronautique Internationale and the International Ballooning Commission, plus the "Shields-Trauger Memorial Award", the top national award presented by the Balloon Federation of America. Jetta's balloon from her altitude flight, was featured as a part of the NASA Houston Space Center exhibit "Ballooning To Space And Beyond - Pushing The Edge Of The Envelope".
Her duration flight was also recognized by the National Aeronautic Association as one of aviation's "Ten Most Memorable Flights" of 1996.
She lists her favorite hot air ballooning adventures as flying in Puerto Rico, participating in the Forbes balloon event at the Chateau de Balleroy in France, being a part of the first balloon event ever to be held in Malaysia, and the first Big Apple Balloonfest flown from Central Park in New York City (which she won). But personally most rewarding, was training her husband's son Adam for his balloon license.
Featured in USA Today, Sports Illustrated, Sotrthwest Airlines Spirit Magazine, a A School Book, and on Entertainment Tonight, the Today Show (NY), ESPN, To Tell The Truth and The 700 Club, Jetta is a member of the Explorers Club and is also a recognized motivational public speaker.