Hot air ballooning is a unique and exhilarating way to see the world from a new perspective. Have you ever gazed up at a colorful hot air balloon floating gracefully through the sky and wished you could experience the same feeling of freedom and adventure? We definitely have and it’s no wonder that hot air balloon rides and festivals have become increasingly popular activities for adventure seekers and travelers alike. But where are the best places to fly in a hot air balloon and can you learn how to fly a hot air balloon yourself?
Who invented the first hot air balloon?
Hot air ballooning history traces back to 1783 when the Montgolfier brothers launched a balloon from the gardens of Versailles, Paris. With King Louis XVI present, they sent a chicken, a duck, and a sheep floating over Paris for nearly eleven minutes before a tear in the balloon forced it to descend into the woods of Vaucresson. Two years later, the brothers successfully conducted the first manned hot air balloon flight, initiating decades of experimentation and innovation by scientists and adventurers.
Despite early success, the risky nature of hot air ballooning led to its decline for about 150 years, while zeppelins and airplanes took over. It wasn’t until the 1950s when inventor Paul Edward Yost developed balloons that carried their own heat source that hot air ballooning experienced a revival. This innovation led to longer and more daring flights, such as the 1987 crossing of the Atlantic Ocean and the 1991 Pacific crossing by Swedish pilot Per Lingstrad and British entrepreneur Richard Branson, respectively.
5 Incredible Hot Air Balloon Events around the World
The nice thing about hot air ballooning is that you don’t have to be a pilot to enjoy it. If you want to seek the thrill of riding a hot air balloon without the trouble of certifications, then there are plenty of festivals across the world just for you. Here are some of the coolest festivals in the best cities for hot air ballooning.
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
This annual October festival in Albuquerque, New Mexico, features over 500 balloons in a nine-day event. It’s the largest of its kind in the United States and includes incredible mass ascensions, nighttime balloon glows, and a special-shaped rodeo to highlight the most creative balloons.
The Adirondack Balloon Festival
This four-day festival in September is now in its 50th year, splitting events between Glen Falls and Queensbury. Spectators can watch hot air balloons rise up into the air against the backdrop of upstate New York’s scenic beauty. There are often about 120 different balloons participating in the event, which also features live music and food vendors.
The Walla Walla Balloon Stampede
This fall event allows residents of the Pacific Northwest to enjoy watching a few dozen balloons participate in different events like morning and evening takeoffs. Like the other festivals mentioned above, there are also food vendors, live music, and other fun events on the ground. One highlight of this particular festival is a kid’s day where young pilots can take a tethered ride.
The Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Festival
This is probably one of the most photographed events in the world if the Instagram travel hashtag tells us anything. The festival takes place in Turkey against a very scenic mountainous landscape of so-called Fairy Chimneys, above which around 160 balloons take flight. Outside of the July festival, Cappadocia is also a popular destination for taking hot air balloon rides.
The Grand Est Mondial Air Ballons
This ten-day summer festival is the largest of its kind in the world, attracting up to 3,000 pilots and as many as 400,000 visitors every two years. Much like the other festivals, one of the highlights is the mass ascension, as hundreds of balloons rise above the French countryside.
How can I become a hot air balloon pilot?
After attending one (or more!) of these amazing hot air balloon festivals or taking a ride in a balloon yourself, you might just want to fly one yourself! If you want to become a hot air balloon pilot, there are some requirements (which vary by age and if you plan to travel solo or with a buddy) you have to meet first.
Student Balloon Pilot Certification
For a Student Balloon Pilot Cert in the United States, you must be:
- At least 14 years old
- Fluent in English
- Healthy (have no existing medical conditions that interfere with piloting)
If you meet these requirements you must also complete the Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) with an FAA inspector. This allows you to fly a balloon under an instructor’s supervision.
Private Balloon Pilot Certification
The next level is the Private Balloon Pilot Certificate. Basic requirements include:
- At least 16 years of age
- Fluent in English
- Healthy (have no existing medical conditions that interfere with piloting)
- Completion of a Student Balloon Pilot Cert
To receive a Private Balloon Pilot Certification, you will need to get 10 hours of flying under your belt, including six flights under instructor supervision, one controlled ascent to 2,000 feet, two flights of least 60 minutes long, and one solo flight. You’ll also need to pass a written FAA Knowledge Test (if you don’t already hold a regular pilot’s license) and an oral Practical Knowledge Test given by an FAA Inspector.
Commercial Balloon Pilot Certification
To become a Commercial Balloon Pilot, you must be over 18 and fulfill the requirements outlined above. You must also complete 35 more hours of flying time. These 35 hours must include a controlled ascent to 3,000 feet, at least two flights of 60 minutes or longer, two flights as the commanding pilot, and one solo flight. You must also pass written and oral FAA tests and receive instruction on advanced commercial piloting operations. Once you have obtained this license, you can take other thrill-seekers on balloon rides!
How much does a hot air balloon cost?
After pilots get their certification, many want to buy their own hot air balloon. Surprisingly, hot air balloons cost around the same as the average car – between $18,000 and $55,000.
Because hot air balloons are so expensive, many hot air balloon enthusiasts resort to popular alternatives – riding or flying for companies. The cost of riding in a hot air balloon varies depending on the location. For example, taking a scenic flight over the Napa Valley vineyards costs approximately $275/person. Meanwhile, the price of flying over Cappadocia starts at around $140/person, depending on the season. As for hot air balloon pilots who don’t want to shell out the dough for their own ballon, many get their piloting thrills by flying for tourist companies around the world.
Ready to take off?
Before you get ready to take off, you may wonder if hot air ballooning is safe.
Believe it or not, it is arguably the safest form of air travel (even safer than commercial travel). Its safety, along with the thrill, makes it a unique and exhilarating experience, providing a bird’s-eye view of some of the most beautiful destinations in the world. So, next time you are considering a hot air balloon ride, don’t think too hard – just grab a cup of coffee and go on an adventure up into the clouds.