This last week, Phoenix, AZ was filled with hot air balloon students looking to take their private and commercial check rides. Although there are hundreds of FAA examiners licensed to provide check rides for airplane pilots, very few are certified to be a flight examiner for hot air balloon pilots. In the western half of the United States, there are only two-- one in California and one in Utah. Brian Trapp, a dedicated examiner from Ohio, traveled to Phoenix to give check rides for five students. Brian has over 4,500 hours in balloons, and has been flying since 1983.  Read More

Before we fly our majestic, floating giants, we always check on the weather. And we mean ALWAYS. The weather is THE most important factor when it comes to flying a hot air balloon because the safety of our riders and pilots come first!  Read More

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