Many companies hire several pilots. Their employee base may change from year to year leaving these companies with pilots unfamiliar with the area they are flying in. It may take a pilot several years to be completely competent in flying a particular area due to different wind conditions on different terrain.

Balloon accidents are relatively few. The main reason for these accidents are hitting powerlines or high unpredicted winds. The best choice you can make is to choose an experienced pilot, very familiar with the area you will be flying in and who has a good safety record.

• Will we be going with a safe pilot?
  • Our pilot, Mark Irving has been flying at high altitude since 1979. He began operating Big Horn Balloon Company in 1986 and has maintained an impeccable safety record. Being designated a commercial pilot as well as a flight instructor by the Federal Aviation Administration, Mark has designed his balloon system with high altitude flights in mind for safety and optimum passenger enjoyment. Our track record has given us a reputation of safety and customer satisfaction.