Becoming a hot air balloon pilot had always been a dream of mine. The idea of soaring through the sky, feeling the wind on my face while floating above the earth, was a concept I couldn’t shake.
My Ballooning journey started with the ever so iconic Dr. Bill Bussey of Longview Texas. While my primary training started close to home with this amazing pilot (thats a story in, and of its own, for another day), I formally finalized my training and certificate completion with Balloon the Rockies—a renowned Part 141 hot air balloon flight school in Utah. What followed was a transformative experience, and one that was guided by two exceptional mentors, Mike Bauwens and Scott Gneiting.
The Beginning of My Ballooning Journey in Utah
From the moment I walked into Balloon the Rockies, I knew I was in the right place. Nestled in the beautiful landscapes of St. George Utah, this flight school is more than just a training ground; it’s a community of passionate balloonists dedicated to the art and safety of hot air ballooning. I was lucky to have two highly experienced pilots by my side throughout my journey: Mike Bauwens, the founder and DPE of Balloon the Rockies, and Scott Gneiting the owner, chief pilot, and experienced balloon instructor with a calm and encouraging demeanor.
The school’s Part 141 certification is a crucial factor in my decision to train there. It’s one of the highest levels of accreditation a flight school can receive from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and it meant that the training I was about to undergo would meet the highest standards in the industry. With this in mind, I felt confident that I was in good hands with Mike and Scott, who both came highly recommended by Dr. Bill Bussey for their expertise and teaching abilities.
The Hands-On Training Experience
Training with Mike and Scott was a blend of theory and hands-on experience that kept me fully engaged. Ballooning is a delicate dance of understanding both the art of flight and the science behind it, and I quickly realized that the skills needed go far beyond just knowing how to control the balloon. Here’s what my experience looked like:
1. Ground School with Mike Bauwens
Mike’s approach to teaching was methodical yet personable. His knowledge of ballooning was vast, and his ability to break down complex concepts into digestible chunks made me feel at ease. We started with the fundamentals of ballooning—such as the principles of flight, weather conditions, and airspace regulations—before moving into more technical topics like balloon handling, fire safety, and emergency procedures.
One of the most important things I learned during this phase was the importance of safety. Mike instilled in me the value of pre-flight checks, proper balloon maintenance, and how to assess weather conditions before taking off. It wasn’t just about flying the balloon; it was about ensuring the safety of everyone involved, including passengers and crew.
2. Hands-On Flight Training with Scott Gneiting
Scott was the perfect complement to Mike’s classroom instruction. His calm and patient teaching style made every flight session enjoyable, even when the winds didn’t cooperate. Ballooning isn’t like traditional flight training where the pilot has full control of the aircraft’s movement. With a hot air balloon, you’re largely at the mercy of the wind, and Scott taught me how to interpret wind patterns, adjust altitude, and use the burners to navigate.
During my first few flights, Scott would carefully guide me through the process, explaining how to control the balloon’s altitude. Gradually, I became more confident with controlling the balloon’s direction by changing my climb and descent gradients—using the winds at different altitudes to steer, and trusting in my ability to make the right adjustments. It was like learning to dance with the wind, and Scott’s advice always kept me calm, focused, and ready to take on the next challenge.
3. Solo Flight While i completed my solo flights on my home turf in Longview Texas, The feeling of taking control of the balloon by myself was exhilarating. I remember feeling a bit nervous as I ascended into the sky, but Bills’s calm demeanor and words of encouragement stuck with me. The view from above was breathtaking—soaring over the city, watching the landscape change below me, and feeling a deep sense of freedom and accomplishment.
My instructor remained close by in the chase vehicle, keeping an eye on my progress, but I felt prepared. All the hard work in ground school and practice flights had prepared me to navigate safely and confidently. That moment, hovering in the sky on my own, solidified my love for ballooning and my appreciation for the exceptional training I received.
Lessons Learned and Takeaways
Training with Bill Bussey (in Longview Texas) and Mike and Scott (in St. George Utah) was about more than just becoming a pilot—it was about developing a deep respect for the craft, the weather, and the responsibility of carrying passengers. Here are the key lessons I learned during my training:
Safety First: Always prioritize safety, from pre-flight checks to knowing when to delay or cancel a flight due to weather conditions.
Patience and Focus: Ballooning requires a level of patience and focus that you don’t often find in other forms of aviation. You must be prepared to adjust to the unexpected.
Trust Your Instincts: There were times when I had to trust my instincts and listen to the wind. Ballooning isn’t always about following strict procedures—it’s about adapting to the situation at hand.
Community and Support: The ballooning community is incredibly supportive. Mike, Scott, and the other pilots at Balloon the Rockies shared their wisdom and experience, making me feel like I was part of something special.
Paying it Forward
My personal experience at this school, with these amazing instructors was so grand, I have sent two of my own personal students from Texas to Balloon the Rockies to fine-tune their training and complete the entire Part 141 training requirements. This also allowed them the opportunity to learn mountain flying techniques as well as complete their checkrides.
Why Choose Balloon the Rockies?
If you’re thinking about becoming a hot air balloon pilot, I highly recommend Balloon the Rockies. Not only does the school offer FAA-certified Part 141 training, but it also provides an environment where you can grow as a pilot while learning from some of the best in the business. Mike and Scott’s mentorship gave me the foundation I needed to pursue this dream, and I know they’ll do the same for anyone who walks through their doors.
Becoming a hot air balloon pilot isn’t just about learning to fly—it’s about embracing the freedom of flight, learning from experienced instructors all around you, and committing to a lifelong journey of growth and exploration. If you’re ready to take to the skies, Balloon the Rockies and the amazing team of pilots like Mike Bauwens and Scott Gneiting will be there to guide you every step of the way.
Special Note: Homage to the Powerhouse Girlies of the Skies
Meet Amy Joy!
Scott and Amy are the ultimate aviation power couple, bringing adventure and energy to every flight! Amy is the heart and soul of Balloon the Rockies—sorry, gentlemen, she definitely steals the show! Whether she's crewing, instructing, captaining commercial flights, or managing the balancing act of family life with Scott and their amazing kids, Amy does it all with a smile and a contagious enthusiasm. If you’re lucky enough to train at Balloon the Rockies, be sure to give Amy Joy a massive hug from me! Trust me, she’s the kind of person who makes every moment in the sky unforgettable.
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