Balloon Biz

How to Open Your Own Hot Air Balloon Business

If you're a hot air balloon enthusiast, then why not make your hobby into a business? Thousands of people around the world make a very good living providing hot air balloon rides. The first thing you need to do is educate yourself about the things you need to do before opening a business.

You'll need land, for sure. And the land must be zoned for giving hot air balloon rides. By visiting your local municipal building, you can find out all the requirements as far as land is concerned. You'll also need to be certified by the FAA to fly a hot air balloon. This is achieved by taking an exam and logging a particular number of flight time hours with a qualified instructor.

Many people start off by giving hot air balloon rides for a company before starting their own business. The money you make working for someone else can be used as capital for your own business. A hot air balloon costs about as much as a new boat or car -- anywhere from $10,000 to $30,000. You'll need accessories such as extra tanks, repair kits, and other components to make your flights safe as possible. These extras will run a few thousand dollars on their own.

Let's not forget insurance. You'll need hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of insurance coverage to make sure you don't get sued by an unhappy customer. It rarely happens, but if it did and you weren't insured, you'd be in big trouble. Most customers won't even consider a hot air balloon provider that's not insured.

And...last but not least, you'll need a crew! Not only does your crew help set up and take down the balloon, they also will need to follow the balloon on the ground to meet it when it lands and collect passengers and equipment. This is called a chase crew, and their wages will vary depending on your local area and personal preferences. Pay your crew fairly to ensure you'll get the best workers your money can buy. A happy crew is a successful crew...and a pilot is nowhere without one!

So how much do you charge for a hot air balloon ride? That's up to you! There are many creative ways you can make money, including special package deals for groups, families, and couples. Hot air balloon rides range in price from $100 up to $500 or more per person, depending on the company and amenities offered. Most companies offer post-flight brunches complete with champagne to celebrate a successful flight, and some offer commemorative photographs as well.

With the right education, some serious creativity and a little hard work, you can own and operate a thriving hot air balloon rides business that will keep customers coming back for more!

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Hot Air Balloon News:

In the movies: A balloon ride with the stars - ReporterNews.com

In the movies: A balloon ride with the stars
ReporterNews.com
Lewis has flown a balloon in documentaries for NBC and National Geographic. Johnny Lewis has flown his hot air balloon over the sand-scraped pyramids of The .

Hot air balloon to take King's message to new heights - Saudi Gazette

Hot air balloon to take King's message to new heights
Saudi Gazette
RIYADH EUR A hot air balloon carrying the statement: EURœKing of HumanityEUR imprinted with King Abdullah's picture will .

and more »

Found: An early sci-fi script by James Cameron - Toronto Star

Found: An early sci-fi script by James Cameron
Toronto Star
Meanwhile, he and some other boys built a hot-air balloon out of dry-cleaning bags. The local newspaper headline identified the prank as a possible UFO. .

and more »

James Cameron's teen chum prizes an early script - Toronto Star

James Cameron's teen chum prizes an early script
Toronto Star
Meanwhile, he and some other boys built a hot-air balloon out of dry-cleaning bags. The local newspaper headline identified the prank as a possible UFO. .

and more »

How Ian Fleming's book on gems was neglected - MI6

How Ian Fleming's book on gems was neglected
MI6
So, in April 1957, Fleming took an Air France Caravelle to Tangier to meet Collard. The two men quickly established a rapport, and Fleming started work. .

World's balloons might fly BC skies - Battle Creek Enquirer

World's balloons might fly BC skies
Battle Creek Enquirer
The competitive world of hot air ballooning may return to Battle Creek in two years. On Saturday, representatives from Battle Creek and the Balloon .

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Route 28 parade goes green - Cape Cod Times

Route 28 parade goes green
Cape Cod Times
A huge flatbed contained balloons that formed a hot air balloon all in the colors of the Irish flag. Real evergreen and dry ice, which caused a smoky look, .

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