Safety & Security

Hot air ballooning is one of the safest, and simplest, forms of flight known to man!

🎈 Ballooning Safety Information

Hot air ballooning is widely considered one of the safest and most serene forms of aviation. At Phoenix Balloon Adventures, your safety is our top priority  every single flight is carefully assessed to ensure ideal conditions before takeoff.

✅ Our Safety Commitment

We only fly in favorable weather. If wind or weather poses a risk, we reschedule — no exceptions. With over a decade of flight experience and a team of certified commercial pilots, your journey is guided by seasoned professionals who make safety and guest satisfaction their mission.

✈️ Two Types of Ballooning Experiences

Free Flight
This is the classic hot air balloon ride — launching from one point and drifting gracefully with the wind. Our pilots read wind patterns to plan launch points, flight paths, and safe landing zones. Every free-flight experience is unique, peaceful, and awe-inspiring.

Tethered Flights
Perfect for events or festivals, tethered balloons rise and descend while anchored to the ground. These are ideal for guests who want to enjoy the sensation of lift without full flight travel.

👨‍✈️ Meet the Team: Certified, Multilingual & Globally Recognized

Our pilots are highly trained and certified by international flight schools, with thousands of hours of flight time in hot air balloons and fixed-wing aircraft. Our ground and crew teams are:

  • Fluent in English, Spanish, and French

  • Trained in emergency protocols and first aid

  • Experienced in national and international balloon competitions

  • Led by a current competitive champion with accolades including Top 5 World Championship ranking

From launch prep to landing, you’re in expert hands.

🛠️ Equipment & Maintenance

Our balloons are officially registered aircraft and undergo rigorous maintenance under FAA (or local authority) standards and manufacturer guidelines. Prior to every flight, we perform comprehensive checks to ensure everything  from burners to baskets  meets top safety standards.

🧭 Safety Tips for Your Phoenix Balloon Ride

Before the Flight
  • Dress smart: Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes and layered clothing. No heels or flip-flops.

  • Health matters: Open to guests age 6 and older. Not suitable for pregnant women or individuals with fragile bones or serious mobility restrictions.

  • Weather first: Flights are weather-dependent. We’ll always reschedule if conditions are not 100% safe.

During the Flight
  • Safety briefing: Your pilot will walk you through everything. Ask questions  we love engaged guests!

  • No vertigo: Since there’s no physical connection to the ground, most guests report zero fear of heights  just pure awe.

  • Photos & fun encouraged! Just follow instructions and enjoy the magic of the skies.

Faq

We operate with FAA-registered equipment, licensed and highly experienced pilots, and a strict weather policy  we only fly when conditions are ideal. Every flight is designed to be as secure as it is unforgettable, so you can relax and enjoy the beauty of Arizona from above.

Our balloons typically fly between 300 and 1,000 meters (approximately 1,000 to 3,300 feet), providing breathtaking panoramic views while maintaining a safe, smooth, and comfortable altitude  perfect for both scenic beauty and peace of mind.

Safety is always assured with Phoenix Balloon Adventures. Our balloons are engineered to glide smoothly even without active burners, and our experienced pilots are equipped with backup ignition systems to relight burners if needed. Every flight is prepared for reliability, comfort, and peace of mind.

Such incidents are extremely rare. Hot air balloons travel slowly and silently, and birds naturally steer clear of them. In the unlikely event of contact, our balloons are constructed from durable, aviation-grade materials engineered to withstand minor impacts without compromising your safety or the integrity of the flight.

At Phoenix Balloon Adventures, inflating the balloon takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes, giving guests a chance to witness the fascinating setup process. After landing, deflation and pack-up take about 15 to 20 minutes, ensuring a smooth, efficient, and well-organized experience from start to finish.