About Michael Gianetti Expertise I am a FAA licensed commercial hot air balloon pilot and hot air balloon pilot instructor. I'm also a certified hot air balloon inspector and repairman, a hot air balloon dealer for new and used balloon systems, and own Colorados oldest and most experienced hot air balloon company. There are many kinds of questions I can answer: what can I expect, how do I dress, how long, how high, how many people, how much, where, etc., etc., etc.? What does it take to get a balloon pilots license? How much does a balloon cost? Is ballooning regulated? How did ballooning get started? What are balloons made of, what kind of fuel do they use, are there different types of balloons, etc., etc., etc.? What kind of weather can balloons fly in? When do balloons fly and why? What about the around the world balloon flights that have been in the news lately? What is a balloon rally? How do balloons race? How do I schedule a balloon ride, get pilot flight instruction, purchase a balloon, get a balloon repaired, etc., etc., etc.?
Expert: Michael Gianetti Date: 4/19/2008 Subject: hot air balloon
Question dear sir,
well i am student seeking a career in balloon, i need your help and knowledge, where can i find the best and affordable hot air balloon pvt and cpl pilot training course in united states?
what is the best quality of hot air balloon make ?
what are the average prices for buying used and new hot air balloons in market ?
how much is the annual cost for commercial balloon insurance ?
can i pay the balloon insurance if i am operating my own balloon outside (u.s.a) ?
how do i get (air operator certificate), and standard airworthiness certificate when i want to buy hot air balloon from (u.s.a) ?
can i register the balloon in (u.s.a) if i opertate my own balloon outside (u.s.a) ?
Answer Fadel,
Thanks for your inquiry. There are several training schools around the US. The least expensive and largest selection of schools are located in Albuquerque, NM.
My personal recommendation for make of balloon is FireFly Balloons.
A new balloon system large enough for commercial rides, start around $45,000 and go up from there, depending on size and options. Used systems can be found starting around $20,000 and go up depending on condition and size of the system.
Commercial balloon insurance varies on the number of the passengers you plan to carry each fligh and your experience. You will need to contact the insurance underwriter for information on cost and types of insurance offered and if they insure for operations outside the US.
I don't understand your question... "can i pay the balloon insurance if i am operating my own balloon outside (u.s.a) ?"
You will need to check with the air carrier regulations of your country pertaining to pilot licensing, airworthiness, registration, and insuring aircraft.
Good luck,
Michael Gianetti
