THE STORY OF BLACK HILLS BALLOONS:
Black Hills Balloons is fortunate to have one of the most dedicated teams in the industry. Founded by Steve Bauer in 1984, Black Hills Balloons quickly became one of the most well-established attractions in the Hills. His commitment to the area and local tourism allowed Black Hills Balloons to thrive for many years. In 2015, Florida balloon pilots Keely & Damien jumped at the chance to take over the reins and move to the beautiful Black Hills. Building on the well-established business with a focus on marketing and customer service, Keely and Damien will make sure Black Hills Balloons is flying for years to come.
605-673-2520 / info@blackhillsballoons.com
PILOTS:
Damien Mahony
Damien started his career in the commercial balloon business in 1999 and hasn’t looked back. As Crew Chief for Orlando Florida’s Blue Water Balloons, he gained experience on the ground before becoming a pilot himself. Over the years, he’s flown thousands of hours and entertained countless passengers; making a name for himself flying the largest hot air balloon in the US while acting as GM and Chief Pilot for Orlando Balloon Rides. Damien has flown balloons all over the country, however, nothing compares to flying the Black Hills. Damien hails from County Kildare, Ireland.
Mike Comerford
After visiting years ago, Mike fell in love with the Black Hills and now joins us each summer to fly and enjoy the area’s natural beauty and weather. Mike’s ballooning experience includes thousands of flying hours in balloons of all shapes and sizes. An old friend and part of the family, we’re honored to have him join us each year, sharing the sky with all of you. Mike hails from England and will likely keep you laughing with his dry humor. Ever the storyteller, ask him about the day Michael Jackson joined him for a flight.
Don Edwards
With 3,100 flight hours and counting, Don’s experience flying 30 countries, 7 countries, and 4 continents, will keep you safe and entertained with stories from his years of flying. A balloon event expert, he’s flown in over 200 events worldwide; recently retiring as Event Director for the famous Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, but enjoys flying the Black Hills in the Summer. Don enjoys spending time in Alaska, Georgia, and everywhere in between. Ask him about all the amazing special shape balloons he’s had the privilege of flying over the years.
Steve Bauer
Steve is the founder and original owner of Black Hills Balloons. Although he no longer runs the business, he still loves to fly the area; flying the Custer area for over 30 years, he can tell you a thing or two about the Black Hills. Steve has flown all over the world, including Central America and Africa. Ask him about Victoria Falls in a balloon! Full of stories and life, he’s an icon in the Custer area.
CREW:
CREW CHIEF: Elijah Kitzman
When you meet Elijah, you can’t help but notice his obvious love for hot air balloons. Crewing for Black Hills Balloons since before he could drive and promoted to Crew Chief in 2016; he’s an important part of the team. Always joking with the crew or flashing a friendly smile to the passengers, his management style keeps the team working together and running safely and efficiently. Nicknamed “Walking Eagle” because he’s our man on the ground; we couldn’t do it without him!
CREW:
You’ll never meet A happier bunch at sunrise. A mixed group of outdoor-loving, laughing, reliable locals, friends, and family, that we couldn’t do without. Most of our crew have been around balloons for years – it’s in their blood. These jokesters will surprise you with their early morning energy, goofy antics, and passion for the sport. Don’t let them fool you, they’re a huge part of why flying with Black Hills Balloons will be something you’ll never forget.
If you’re local, fit, enjoy early mornings, and are looking to get into hot air ballooning, let us know! We can always use a new crew member or two, and love introducing the sport to new friends.
CHARLIE DELTA:
Our working dog has the life. Charlie Delta (from the Aviation Phonetic Alphabet: Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Delta..), is a charcoal labrador. Born into the sport, she’s rarely impressed by the balloons; preferring a good game of launch field fetch instead. She greets Black Hills Balloons passengers each morning and spends her days hiking, overseeing the FAA repair station, and sleeping on the job.
FAA CERTIFIED REPAIRMEN:
Owners Keely and Damien Mahony are both FAA certified repairmen; trained in maintenance, repair, and reconstruction. The on-site repair station, Prairie Sky Repair, maintains Black Hills Balloons equipment as well as 25+ hot air balloons from the surrounding area.
Keely and Damien are (and will forever be) mentored by Mark and Kay West; legends in the balloon manufacture, maintenance, and training industry.
Mark West
When it comes to maintaining Raven/Aerostar equipment, Mark is as good as it gets. As the former president and senior engineer for Aerostar International, he literally designed our equipment and knows the complete history of parts, fabric, and performance. Currently consulting, traveling to speak at Hot Air Safety Seminars, and acting on the Balloon Federation of America board, he is a strong activist for the sport. His knowledge is priceless to Black Hills Balloons.
Kay West
Kay first started flying balloons in the ’80s and quickly became one of the sport’s top female pilots. Currently, she’s one of 14 Designated Flight Examiners, actively traveling to examine new pilots and speak at Hot Air Safety Seminars. Her years of instructing new students, working hand and hand with the FAA, and advocating for the sport, has helped keep the sport of ballooning evolve and maintain its presence in the busy world of aviation. Her years of experience are a gift to the sport of ballooning and Black Hills Balloons.
OWNERS:
Keely & Damien Mahony:
Keely Mahony
Keely’s family is one of the largest in the sport (currently, there are 10 balloon pilots in the family). Her Mother, one of the most well-respected in the industry, started flying balloons when Keely was just 7. Spending weekends tagging along attending balloon festivals and playing in and around balloons, Keely started taking flying lessons at age 13; following along in her mother’s footsteps and becoming one of the youngest female pilots in the US. An advocate for women balloon pilots and introducing the sport to the next generation, she founded “Female Balloonists”, a forum for the minority group to truly embrace being a woman in what is typically a male-dominated sport. Keely grew up flying in Northern California and really found her stride flying over the Orlando Florida swamps.
Contact keely@blackhillsballoons.com for image or media inquiries.
Damien Mahony
Damien started his career in the commercial balloon business in 1999 and hasn’t looked back. As Crew Chief for Orlando Florida’s Blue Water Balloons, he gained experience on the ground before becoming a pilot himself. Over the years, he’s flown thousands of hours and entertained countless passengers; making a name for himself flying the largest hot air balloon in the US while acting as GM and Chief Pilot for Orlando Balloon Rides. Damien has flown balloons all over the country, however, nothing compares to flying the Black Hills. Damien hails from County Kildare, Ireland.
Contact damien@blackhillsballoons.com for group bookings or special appearances.
Read “Our Story” to hear how Keely and Damien ‘ran away with the circus’ and ended up the owners of Black Hills Balloons.