Two hot air balloons floating in an open blue sky

Skill · Leadership · Teamwork

Pilots & Balloons

Meet the pilots whose skill, judgment, and passion for ballooning help make every flight a memorable part of the Rally experience.

Pilots

A team sport

What crews make possible

Prepare

Transport and carefully lay out the balloon system.

Inflate

Manage the envelope, fan, basket, burners, and lines.

Chase

Follow the balloon by road without knowing the landing place in advance.

Recover

Help land, pack, and return the balloon safely.

Green and yellow balloon floating in a blue sky

Pilot in command

Weather judgment comes first

Balloon pilots continuously assess surface wind, winds aloft, visibility, obstacles, landing options, and changes across the valley. The decision not to fly is part of expert ballooning—not a failed event.