Hello there! I’m Amy, a commercial hot air balloon pilot with a passion for adventure and exploration. Flying has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, and I am thrilled to share my journey and love for hot air ballooning with you.
As a commercial pilot, I’m always on the lookout for the next great adventure. There’s something magical about soaring through the sky, feeling the gentle breeze, and taking in the breathtaking views from above. Over the years, my flying adventures have taken me to some incredible places around the world. When I’m not flying in front of the majestic Mt. Rainier, you can find me floating over the ancient Teotihuacan pyramids in Mexico, gliding above the stunning red rocks and mountains of Utah, or drifting over the lush green fields of the Czech Republic.
One of the highlights of my career has been flying in the Czech Republic, where I underwent extensive training at the renowned Kubicek balloon factory. This experience not only honed my skills as a pilot but also gave me the expertise to maintain the aircrafts I own, fly, and instruct in. It was an unforgettable experience that deepened my appreciation for the craftsmanship and precision that goes into every hot air balloon.
My husband, who is also a commercial pilot, and I are the proud owners of the only 141 hot air balloon flight school in the United States. We are passionate about sharing our love for ballooning with others and helping aspiring pilots achieve their dreams. As the school’s check instructor, I have the privilege of working with students from all over the world. It’s incredibly rewarding to see their excitement and growth as they progress through their training and earn their certifications. Our flight school instructs a significant percentage of the newly certified LTA (Lighter Than Air) pilots in the United States, and we take great pride in the quality of our training program.
In addition to teaching and flying, I love competing! I will be competing in the Women’s Nationals, where I’ll be flying among the top women pilots in the country. The thrill of competition is exhilarating, and it’s a fantastic opportunity to push myself and my skills to new heights. I’m always striving to improve and learn, and competing allows me to do just that while connecting with other passionate pilots.
When I’m not up in the air, I cherish spending time with my family in the beautiful Southern Utah desert. We enjoy hiking, paddle boarding, and a variety of outdoor activities that keep us connected to nature and each other. The warm winters and stunning landscapes of Southern Utah provide the perfect backdrop for our adventures. My pride and joy, however, are our five beautiful children. They are the heart of everything I do, and I love sharing my passion for ballooning and the outdoors with them.
Every flight is a new adventure, and I love seeing the joy and wonder on people’s faces as they experience the magic of ballooning for the first time. Whether I’m flying solo, instructing students, or taking passengers on their first balloon ride, I am constantly reminded of how lucky I am to do what I love. Ballooning has brought so much joy and fulfillment into my life, and I am dedicated to sharing that with others.
Thank you for taking the time to learn a bit about me and my journey as a hot air balloon pilot. If you’re ever in the area and looking for a unique and unforgettable experience, I would love to take you up in the air and share the magic of ballooning with you. Whether you’re interested in learning to fly, looking for a scenic ride, or just want to chat about all things ballooning, I’m always excited to connect with fellow enthusiasts.
Here’s to many more adventures in the skies and the joy of sharing this incredible journey with others. Happy flying!