Principles
Allan McDonald
Allan McDonald is the founding member of Up In The Air Enterprises Inc. A graduate in Computer Science from the University of Western Ontario in London, Ontario, Allan began his career working for Canadian Pacific Computers and Communications in Toronto, Ontario.
After a number of years working for private and public companies initially in quality control and later as a developer and project manager, Allan created Unicorn Computing, which later became Up In The Air Enterprises Inc. Since founding the company in 1990, Allan has worked tirelessly to promote the company within the Ottawa high tech market.
In August 2005, Allan attained his Project Management Professional (PMP) designation through PMI. In April of 2007 he completed his ITIL Foundations designation.
While continuing to promote the company, Allan took a teaching position as a Professor in the Computer Science Department at CEGEP Heritage College in Gatineau, Quebec. Allan taught a number of second and third year Computer Science Courses focusing on Project Management, Systems Engineering, Quality Assurance/Control and Development. These courses include:
- Project Management and Testing
- System Analysis and Design using the Unified Modeling Language
- Quality Control and Quality Assurance
- System Maintenance
- Object Oriented Analysis and Design
- Visual Basic .NET
- Career Planning and Employment
Allan's complete curriculum vitae is available on request.
In 1990 Allan took his first flight in a hot air balloon. With that flight he became addicted to the sport. He got involved in the local ballooning community by crewing for local and visiting pilots to learn everything he could about balloon operations. In November 1995, Allan completed a dream and received his balloon pilot license. He purchased his first balloon the following summer and his second balloon two years later. Since then Allan and Up In The Air have arranged flights in and around the Ottawa area. If you are interested in arranging a flight for yourself or a group please contact us for more information.
Allan is very involved in the local and national community. His extra-curricular interests include: hot air ballooning, minor hockey and geocaching. These interests led him to offer his web design services to a number of local and national organizations.
Sandra McDonald
Sandra McDonald is a principle member of Up In The Air Enterprises Inc. A graduate in English and Psychology from Queens University in Kingston, Ontario, Sandra began her career working for Canadian Pacific Computers and Communications in Toronto, Ontario.
After moving to Ottawa, Sandra worked as a Technical Writer for a number of years before devoting her efforts to being a stay-at-home mom. Once her children were all in school full time, Sandra went back to school and, after an intensive 11 month course, received her Certified General Accountant (CGA) Level III designation.
After working full-time in a public accounting firm for a year, Sandra accepted the position as assistant treasurer of a Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate Lacombe Province Ontario Local Community. This position allows her more time to further pursue who full CGA designation.
During this time Sandra was approached to become the bookkeeper for a number of companies. She does this on a part-time basis as time permits.
Sandra is also very involved in ballooning and can often be seen "driving chase" as Allan flies their balloon. Her extra-curricular activities also include geoaching, cross-stitching and Sudoku puzzles.