Your Pilot

In order to carry passengers for hire, balloonists must have a commercial balloon pilot's license issued by the Federal Aviation Administration.

Ground school, a written test, a flight test and an oral test all must be successfully completed, along with dozens of hours of training, solo flights and a flight to at least 5000 feet.

Captain Jim Thibodeau, chief pilot for The Wings Group, began his ballooning career in the Spring of 1995 and received his Commercial Pilot's Certificate in the Spring of 1997. He has participated in ballooning events throughout New England, New York and Canada. Jim is an active member of the Granite State Balloon Association and the Balloon Federation of America, as well as other civic organizations in his community.