Here are some common questions that people have about ballooning.  If you need to know more, feel free to submit a question to us and we'll do our best at answering it.

What kind of weather do balloons fly in?
Ideally, we look for high pressure, with no chance for thunderstorms and no frontal activity.  Balloons fly just after sunrise and just before sunset, when winds are the lightest.  Ideal wind speeds are between 3 and 8 MPH.  Balloons can fly in higher winds, but, inflating and landing become more challenging.  It's also important that there is no threat of convective activity within the area. Indiana pilots get most of their flights in during the summer and fall, when weather patterns are more stable. However, it's possible to get some beautiful flights in during winter months as well!


Club members spotted over Morse Reservoir

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What do crew members do?
Simply said, hot air balloon crew members assist with the setup, inflation, chase, and pack up for every flight.  Typically, the hot air balloon pilot uses 3 additional crew members on the ground, although in light winds, or with a small balloon, it can be done with 2.  There is an art to the crewing for a hot air balloon.  A good crew member can arrive at a landing site before the balloon, and will gain permission to land as well as assist with the landing.  This requires good map reading and navigation skills, and an understanding of how the balloon travels through the air. (Balloons can't be "steered" but rather ride various wind currents to reach the desired landing site.) The Ca-Zoo hot air balloon team in Danville, Illinois has an excellent Guide to Crewing 101 that we recommend you read to find out more about what is involved in being on a balloon flight crew.


A balloon crew in action - it's all about teamwork!

How do I become a member of a hot air balloon crew?
Nearly all hot air balloon pilots in Indiana gladly accept volunteer crew. It's a great way to learn about hot air balloons, and many of the pilots in Indiana crewed for several years before buying their first balloon. If you're interested in crewing for a hot air balloon pilot in your area, review our list of Pilots in Indiana looking for Crew and contact a local pilot to see if you can become a member of their team!

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How do I become a pilot?
Balloon pilots are certified by the FAA, just like fixed wing pilots. The first step to becoming a pilot is finding a commercially rated hot air balloon pilot in your area to instruct  you. Instruction prices vary depending on whether you train in the instructor's  balloon or your own. Contact us and we'll give you a list of instructors  in your area. To get your private pilot certificate, you will have to train with a commercial balloon pilot for a minimum of 10 hours. That includes at least six training flights, and at least one solo flight. You will also have to pass an FAA written exam, and a flight test with an FAA examiner.

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How much does a hot air balloon cost?
Prices vary depending on the size of the balloon and the options (just like a car).   New prices are between $25,000 and $50,000 and up.   Common sizes range from 54,000 cubic feet to 140,000 cubic feet and larger.  The average balloon is around 77,000 cubic feet in size. There are balloon dealers in Indiana for almost every make of balloon. You can find pricing on used balloon systems at:

Also, check with us.  It's possible that a local Indiana pilot may be selling a balloon and you may not have to travel far to get started! If you buy a used system, be sure to get it inspected by a certified repair station and seek advice from a licensed pilot before making a purchase.

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