Hot Air Balloon Safety
At Black Hills Balloons, safety isn’t just part of what we do – it’s at the heart of everything we do.
Every flight we take is the result of careful planning, expert training, and a deep respect for the power of flight. From weather checks to equipment inspections, we never cut corners. Our pilots are FAA-certified and bring decades of experience to the sky, and our ground crew is trained to support every step of the journey with precision and care.
We care about safety because every flight carries something priceless: our passengers, our crew, and our reputation. Ballooning is a beautiful adventure, but it also demands deep respect for the elements and equipment. Prioritizing safety means we’re honoring the trust people place in us – whether they’re stepping into the basket for the first time or flying with us for the tenth. It’s how we protect the joy of flight and ensure that every landing is as smooth and memorable as the takeoff.
Our Balloons:
Hot air balloon safety is our highest priority. We proudly fly equipment built by top industry manufacturers, Aerostar International, Lindstrand USA and Ultra Magic Balloons.
Our sturdy, well-maintained equipment has your safety and comfort in mind. Larger balloons like ours, have compartments with high sides; providing a sturdy wall to lean on when taking photos and enjoying the view. Passengers feel safe and secure when onboard our partitioned and padded baskets. Each compartment carries 2-3 passengers, giving freedom to move and the opportunity to share conversation and photos with other compartment guests. The baskets are designed to create the safest, most convenient, and most comfortable experience for all.
In-House Repair Station – Prairie Sky:
For over a decade, we’ve proudly maintained and repaired our own equipment as FAA Certified Repairmen. In fact, we’re trained and certified on balloons manufactured by Ultramagic, Lindstrand USA, Aerostar, Head, and Kubicek – so we know exactly what goes into every basket and burner. Having personally visited these manufacturers in Spain, Illinois, South Dakota, and Georgia, we can personally attest we have done our homework learning about, and understanding each of these manufacturers specific requirements and guidelines when it comes to maintenance and repair.
We know our equipment inside and out, and we’re proud to be the go-to repair station for hot air balloon pilots across South Dakota and the surrounding states, regularly maintaining more than 35 balloons each year. This hands-on approach gives us complete confidence in our gear – and peace of mind for our passengers.
Our Pilots:
Our pilots are FAA licensed commercial balloon pilots and flight instructors. Pilots attend safety seminars annually, ensuring they are at the top of their game and involved in the ballooning community. All flights are at the discretion of the pilot, with special consideration to wind and weather. Find out more about each of our pilots – click here
Insurance:
From start to finish, you can be safe in knowing you are fully insured. Our vehicles and balloons are commercially insured for passenger-carrying operations.
Black Hills Balloons is one of the most established, safety-focused balloon companies in the United States. We have been making memories for 40+ years and hope to continue the tradition for 40 more!
Annual Hot Air Balloon Safety Seminar:
Each year, we proudly host a Hot Air Balloon Safety Seminar right here in the Black Hills, bringing together pilots and crew from across the country. It’s a full day dedicated to continuing education, hands-on training, and open discussion – designed to keep our community sharp, informed, and always focused on safety. Interested in attending? Pilots and Crew can contact Damien@blackhillsballoons.com for details.