Hot air balloon pilots come from every background imaginable. If you've ever dreamed of commanding your own flight, that dream is more achievable than you think. Whether you're looking to fly recreationally or considering a career in ballooning, we're here to guide you from your first crew experience to earning your FAA pilot certificate.
Pre-flight planning and weather assessment
Balloon setup and inflation procedures
In-flight maneuvering and navigation
Safe landing techniques
Post-flight procedures and balloon care
FAA regulations and airspace requirements
Planning to buy your own balloon? We can apply part or all of your training costs toward your purchase.
Offset training costs by dedicating time with our ground crew team—learn while you earn.
Join us for an observation flight before committing—see if ballooning matches your expectations.
Our Training Philosophy: We believe in thorough preparation. Most students train with us for approximately one year, spending considerable time with our ground crew. This hands-on experience teaches you what your team goes through on every flight and helps you understand the critical “go” and “no go” decisions every pilot must make.
Begin your training journey by obtaining your FAA student pilot certificate. The good news? As a balloon pilot candidate, no medical exam is required—just a self-certification of fitness to fly.
Requirements:
How to Apply:
Start logging your training hours in an official pilot logbook. Every flight brings you closer to your certificate.
What You’ll Log:
Order Your Logbook: We recommend the ASA Standard Pilot Log—the industry standard for aviation professionals.
Prepare for your FAA Private Pilot Knowledge Exam with proven study materials.
ASA Private Hot Air Balloon Pilot Test Prep
Become part of the larger ballooning family by joining the Balloon Federation of America (BFA).
No previous experience required. We start with the fundamentals and build from there. Many of our most successful pilots had never been in any aircraft before starting their training.
Weather dependent, but typically 1-2 flights per week during optimal seasons (spring and fall). We schedule training around favorable weather conditions to maximize your learning experience.
Training is most consistent during spring and fall when weather conditions are optimal. Winter and summer present more weather challenges, but opportunistic flights happen year-round. Ground training and classroom work continue regardless of season.
Life happens, and we understand. Your student certificate doesn’t expire, and you can resume training whenever you’re ready. We’ll review your previous progress and continue from where you left off.
Many pilots do! We can discuss equipment options and help you make informed decisions about balloon ownership. We also offer custom balloon sales and can apply your training costs toward a balloon purchase.
While most fly recreationally, commercial opportunities exist in tourism, advertising, festivals, and corporate events. We can discuss career paths during training and help you explore professional opportunities in the ballooning industry.