Airborne Heat Ballooning
Elizabeth Wright-Smith
Airborne Heat Ballooning is one of the best Flight & Ground Schools in the country for balloon pilot training. Airborne Heat also sells Cameron Balloons and offers Corporate Balloon Promotions for commercial accounts nationally, regionally and locally.
To be a competent and safe pilot, you need to start with exceptional pilot training. You get that at Airborne Heat. Private, Commercial and Add-on instruction is available, as well as Biennial Flight Reviews or just brushing up on your piloting skills. Through our FAA-approved Part 141 School, you can be confident of leaving with the background and skills you need. Learn more about our Pilot Training Program »
A hot air balloon floating across the sky is an event that provides greater impact and a longer lasting impression than any other form of advertising. That is only true, however, if you start with the right company to handle the promotions. Airborne Heat’s 25+ years of experience provides that expertise. Whether you are looking at a one-time event or a nation-wide program, we have the knowledge to put together a custom promotion or program that fits your company's needs. Learn more about Corporate Balloon Promotions »
Airborne Heat sells only Cameron Balloons, with good reason. Cameron is the best-selling brand of hot air balloons in the world. Whether you are interested in recreational ballooning, competition, advertising/promotional balloons, passenger ride balloons, or special shapes, Cameron knows more about building them than anyone in the industry. Airborne Heat’s pilots have flown many other makes of balloons, but have stayed with Cameron's for over 20 years. Learn more about Cameron Balloon Sales »
~ Student Pilot Testimonials ~
“When I decided to get my license to fly hot air
balloons, I had made calls to various instructors. When I mentioned Beth’s name as
a possible instructor I was told that she was the best. That’s
all I needed to hear. While in training, it was clear to see why everyone
highly recommended her. She is a very knowledgeable and experienced
pilot and instructor. I had a great time learning to fly. Beth was
with me every step of the way to answer any questions I had and provide
feedback on how to improve after each training flight. When I take
my family and friends up for a ride, there is no question in my mind
that we are going to have a safe and fun flight, and it is all because
of the training I received from Beth.”
Paul Tavella
Albuquerque, NM
I completed my 141 ground school with Beth Wright-Smith for my
hot air balloon private pilot license this past spring and received
a 93% test score on my FAA written exam. The class was very comprehensive,
and also prepared me for flying under many circumstances. I would
recommend Beth to anyone who wants to achieve flying expertise that
is both safe and confident with their knowledge.
Beth is one of ballooning's most knowledgeable and experienced pilots
in the field. She is definitely an asset to the community.
Dave Albin
Rio Rancho, NM
After being a Commercial Pilot (Fixed Wing) for 20 years, having a CFII
and MEI, being a FAR 121 major airline pilot instructor/check airman,
and most recently acquiring my own Commercial Lighter-Than-Air Free
Balloon Rating, it is safe to say I’ve experienced a wide variety of training
styles, from extremely conservative to questionably radical.
I had the opportunity to witness excellent hot air balloon instruction while crewing for my wife, Traci, who was working on her Private Lighter-Than-Air Rating from Beth Wright-Smith. (No, I was not about to instruct my wife – I’d rather stay married!)
As Beth concisely described many different details of ballooning, I became acutely aware of how deficient my own training was. “That seems like an incredibly basic building block, I wonder why I never heard it before?” became an all too common thought for me as I watched Traci transform from a novice to a confident balloon pilot.
Upon further evaluation of the situation, it didn’t take long to figure out the dynamics of the different training scenarios – you won’t find a more experienced, or better teacher than Beth anywhere. The lady lives balloons! With an education in education and the vast amount of balloon experience, Beth makes for the ultimate professional combination in balloon flight training.
When it comes to flight training, it’s not worth saving a few bucks with an instructor who sells cars for a living. You’ll appreciate the experience, with your own self-confidence, after the positively professional presentation of Beth Wright-Smith. Trust me!
Captain Tom Morrey
Frontier Airlines
Denver, Colorado
303-807-0540
On
September 30th 2006 I fulfilled a lifelong dream by obtaining my private
pilot Hot Air Balloon license. This could not have been possible if not
for Beth Wright-Smith. I had known Beth for many years prior to her training
me and on several occasions contacted her to begin my training. But, as
with life I had kids, was busy at work so on and so on. Through that entire
time Beth was patient and never once pressured me to move forward. When
I had the time to finally get started I can tell you that the one-on-one
training was invaluable! Most people would be very intimidated by just the
rules and regs to learn, but Beth made it fun enjoyable and VERY personable!
I cannot thank her enough for helping me achieve one of my life long dreams!
I would recommend her ground school and pilot training to anyone who wants
to safely learn how to fly balloons! Thanks again Beth!
Ted R. Maes
RSD R1 Dist 1 Div3
GNC
NM/CO/TX
R1 Southwest Superstars!
