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We are a family owned and operated business located in the shadows of the Blue Ridge Mountains.We have over 20 years of experience in hot air ballooning, and in 1999 we decided to follow a family tradition by going into ballooning full time. Blue Ridge Balloon Company became our way of sharing the beauty of God's Creation with others, and we love getting people up in the air where they can see the countryside with a bird's eye view!
Our roots were originally forged with Liberty Balloon Company of Western New York. LBC is owned and operated by Carroll Teitsworth, one of the balloon world's most well respected and established pilots. It is this experience and attention to flight safety that we bring to the Blue Ridge Balloon Company.
Meet The Pilots
Pilot Requirements:
A Hot Air Balloon is an aircraft, and therefore falls under the control of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). In order to fly a balloon, one must be licensed by the FAA. Obtaining a Private Pilots License requires completion of a minimum number of flight hours along with the mandatory flight requirements. The individual must pass a written exam, then finally must demonstrate competence on a practical flight test administered by a certified FAA Flight Examiner.
The Process must be repeated in order to obtain a Commercial Pilots License (which is required to carry paying passangers). By the time an individual receives the commercial license, he/she has sucessfully completed four separate exams and passed two flight tests! The entire certification process is regulated by the FAA, as is the registration and maintainence of all Hot Air Balloons.
So when you fly with us, you can count on our education, experience, and perfect safety record to provide you with a wonderful flight!
Flight Crew Requirements
The job of Balloon Flight Crew is vital to the operation of any balloon flight. Experienced crew tend to be great multi-taskers. They need to have a working knowledge of the balloon system, changing weather, the local road system, map reading, radio usage, digital cameras and a number of other things. Most pilots have a number of hours crewing under their belts which undoubtely makes them even better pilots. The pilot and crew work together to create a safe and pleasurable flight.
Our Goal
We have designed our flight packages with the passenger in mind. Our goal is to help you create one of life's most magnificent experiences as you soar above the tree tops. When you fly with us you will meet Jim and Liana Haseltine, the owners and pilots of Blue Ridge Balloon Company. We take great pride in providing premiere hot air balloon rides over scenic Virginia.
Blue Ridge Balloon Co. Charlottesville, VA
434.589.6213
