Starting a business

I am an instrument rated private pilot. I am considering starting a business of hot air balloon rides. Any advice on training, where to purchase a balloon, resourses for starting and running such a business? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Bruce Langlois

The most common advice offered is 'if you want to become a millionaire in the balloon rides business .... start with 2 million'.

My instructor gave up trying to make any money flying commercially. First, you booking the business is hard. Then, finding a weekend with good weather when the client, a chase crew and the operator can make it is nearly impossible. Finally, consider the impact on your personal life

Dear Bruce,

Shame on the others for trying to discourage your ballooning endeavor. While it is true that most everyone who takes up ballooning has visions of the sport paying for itself, in reality most of the time it does not. That is not to say that it can not be done. Some pilots seem to make a good living just that. As with anything, is all depends on your continued marketing and enthusiasm for what you do.

Of course location plays a vital role also. If you live in a very small town, I doubt that you will do very well with the local population. On the other hand, if you live in a more populated area or an area with tourists you may just do well.

As to lessons and certificating requirements, you only need 35 hours flight time, 20 of which must be in balloons for a commercial certificate. So, the time you have as an airplane pilot will knock off 15 hours of required ballooning time. You must 1st get your private certificate

My personal experience is that in running a ride business the flying is the easy bit - the hard part is selling flights, organising your passengers, then reorganising them when you cancel because of weather. As for costs - the balloon and the costs of running it are only one part of the cost of running your business.

The best way to avoid expensive mistakes is to learn to fly, get a commercial licence, then spend some time flying for an established commercial operator. Don't spend lots of money until you know what you are letting yourself in for!

Steve

The following is excellent advice. The commercial operator may also be able to provide training. Depending on the size of the balloon, you typically need at least 75 hours before you can be insured to carry paying passengers. Some larger balloons require 250 or 300 hours in that size before you can be insured. Some pilots build time in Africa flying the big 'packer' balloons that may require 2 pilots.