I have booked a hot air balloon ride and really want to go but am feeling a bit uneasy.

I have been afraid of heights since I was about 12. For the last 10+ years I've been working on getting over it. Ive come a long way - I am now very comfortable flying in an airplane (I used to have pretty bad anxiety before and especially during but no attacks), been ziplining 3x (with jello legs!) and last year I went parasailing. Im able to enjoy these activities even with the fear still there and want to enjoy the balloon ride, even if I'm afraid.

I booked a very reputable company with high safety standards. Hoping for some advice/reassurance. I don't want to chicken out!!! I don't know anyone who has done it before, or I'd ask them for advice.

TIA!

I got my ASEL recently and would really like to get my LTA. I have reached out to some of the scenic flight companies in my area, but none of them are interested in doing training. (Southern Wisconsin)

Does anyone have any ideas of a person/company that might be interested? I don’t own a hot air balloon, I’ve been told renting isn’t really a thing.

Should I suck it up and go to one of the schools in Southern California or Arizona?

I just think it would be better training to learn from someone in the area who has flown in the Fall/Winter in Wisconsin so I can know what to expect.

Thanks for any advice :3

In Melbourne we fly over the city. It’s incredible to see it from this perspective.

First time ever seeing ballooning in person. What a marvel!

The pilot of a blue balloon with a yellow crescent moon, similar to the one in this photo, took out a radio tower in Albuquerque today.

My family is at the festival and reported they saw it.

It is believe the pilot and passengers are safe.

Hello!

I was curious if there may be any Balloon Pilots lurking...How did you get your start in ballooning? Is it primarily a hobby or do you work commercially? If so, what was it like getting to that stage?

I have been trying hard to find a teacher in order to pursue this dream, but I only get up to the contact stage, and I am unable to get further. I have worked ground crew once, but would love to start getting a bit more experience!

If you were at the start of your career again, where would you begin?

Thank you so much for your time, whether it just be reading or responding!