About Us

Fred has dreamed of flying since he was a young boy when his Dad would take him to Custer Airport to watch airplanes take-off and land. He started fixed wing lessons but didn't enjoy it, but something fascinated him about the Hot Air Balloons he would see in the distance. He finally caught up with a balloon when it was landing and he started chasing balloons the next day. Fred earned his commercial "Lighter Than Air" rating on his Birthday the next year and he has been flying ever since.

Fred has mainly flown in the Tampa area and at Balloon Festivals on the East Coast of the US. He flew at Albuquerque in 2000, taking 14th place out of 1,080 balloons. He has flown on the island of Puerto Rico, and in Loraine, France while on his honeymoon at a Balloon Festival. She first said no to a Balloon Festival honeymoon, but later agreed when told it would include 3 weeks in Europe!

Fred enjoys sharing the wonder of flight with first time passengers, he especially enjoys Sweetheart flights and engagement flights. He has witnessed well over 100 engagements as a pilot, each one has been unique and memorable.

Greg helps us set up and inflate the Balloon, he follows along in the Chase Vehicle, and he helps us pack the Balloon away after the flight. We truly appreciate Greg, we could not fly without him!

Greg and Fred met when their oldest kids were both in Kindergarten, they later solidified their friendship as Scout Leaders. They have traveled many miles with many scouts, summer camp was always an adventure. Greg loves Halloween and sets up an elaborate Haunted Trail in his front yard every year; that is quickly followed by an elaborate Christmas Decoration display. Greg is also known as "Greg, The Fish Fry Guy", he has been the Easter Season Fish Fry Critic for a local radio station. Greg and Fred's youngest son's are affectionately known as "Michael Jordan!"

Marissa has been around Balloons her entire life, she flies both Hot Air Balloons and Airplanes! She loves the thrill and excitement of Flight! She earned her Commercial Hot Air Balloon rating on October 9, 2024, her Private Pilot Fixed Wing rating in April 2024, and her Fixed Wing Instrument rating in November 2024. Her accomplishments include flying the Huson River Corridor 3 times, and flying a 2-seater sport plane from Virginia to Florida via New York at just 19 years old! Marissa is also enrolled in a College Aerospace Program where she is working on her Fixed Wing Commercial rating. She currently teaches Hot Air Balloon Flight and eventually wants to fly passenger jets! One day she hopes to learn to fly Blimps too!