About CLAS

The Connecticut Lighter Than Air Society (CLAS) is a club for anyone interested in learning about, participating in and improving the sport of ballooning. Pilots, crew and enthusiasts alike are welcome, and ALL can contribute to the safety, enjoyment and education of the sport. We've published a recent essay about the founding of CLAS, by charter member Robert Zirpolo, here.

Meetings are held on the third Thursday of the month in Plainville, CT (2024 location is presently in flux) at 7:30 pm. During the COVID-19 pandemic; virtual meetings were held on Zoom. Check your email or our Facebook Page for a link.

New! Join the CLAS Email Reflector / Listserv, hosted on Gaggle.email, here - https://gaggle.email/join/clas@gaggle.email

Membership Levels

  • Subscriber ($0) - register on our website for additional content and to be added to our public email list
  • Individual ($20) - access to member content on our website, our private Facebook group, discounted club events, a vote on all club matters, and entrance into our annual calendar photo contest
  • Family ($25) - member access for two individuals
  • Emeritus ($0) - no cost member access for government entities and "members-for-life" who have supported us throughout the years

Contact Us:

Connecticut Lighter Than Air Society
P.O. Box 633
Plainville, CT 06062
(203) 397-0521

Email: info@ctlighterthanair.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ctlighterthanair/
Listserv: https://gaggle.email/join/clas@gaggle.email

Current CLAS Officers

President Mark Sand (860) 389-6778 Email
Vice-President Garry Guertin   Email
Secretary Penny Christy (860) 857-8757 Email
Treasurer Robert Zirpolo (860) 620-3754 Email
Editor - "The Scoop" Jamie Whitman (860) 917-7634
Historian (for Life) Mick Murphy (203) 910-4955