In 2018, Mark took his first balloon flight in a special shape balloon during Albuquerque Aloft, a day when pilots fly from local schools around Albuquerque the Friday before Fiesta starts. By the following Wednesday, Mark went on his second flight during Fiesta and he was hooked. Knowing he wanted to be around balloons and learn as much as he could, he began crewing for a nationally ranked balloon pilot and followed him to competitions around the country. Mark crewed with that pilot for three years before buying his own balloon. Mark loves flying at balloon events and being an ambassador of the sport. Having family in the Gila Valley, Mark was excited to come visit last spring when he first flew the area with local pilot Greg Lindsey. He is excited to be returning to fly in the Extravaganza!

Air Rocky Top is a 2004 Cameron Z-105. It was named by the previous owner who owned Rocky Top Press out of New York. The logo is stylized in the same logo as Rocky Top Press. The balloon has dual turning vents and a Rapid Deflation System.