The Wicked Balloons Journal
Ballooning stories, history & how-tos
Everything about hot air ballooning — from the very first flight in 1783 to planning your own sunrise ride over New England.
The Highest Hot Air Balloon Flight Ever Recorded
The story behind the highest hot air balloon flight ever recorded, reaching nearly 69,000 feet, and what it takes to fly that…
The Best Hot Air Balloon Festivals in the USA
A pilot's guide to the best hot air balloon festivals in the USA, from Albuquerque's Balloon Fiesta to New England's own sunrise…
Around the World in 80 Days and the Balloon Myth
The around the world in 80 days balloon scene everyone remembers isn't in the book at all. Here's where it really came…
The Most Famous Special-Shape Balloons Ever Flown
From Darth Vader to Smokey Bear, discover the famous special shape balloons that turned hot air ballooning into flying art.
What License Do Balloon Pilots Need? FAA Rules Explained
What does it take to earn a hot air balloon pilot license? Here's how FAA certification actually works, from student pilot to…
Is a Hot Air Balloon Ride Scary? First-Timer Nerves
Is a hot air balloon ride scary? Here's what first-timers really feel at launch, why the nerves fade fast, and how to…
What Is a Hot Air Balloon Made Of?
Curious what are hot air balloons made of? Discover the fabric, ropes, wicker baskets, and burners behind every safe, colorful flight.
A Sheep, a Duck and a Rooster: The First Balloon Passengers
Meet the first hot air balloon passengers: a sheep, a duck, and a rooster who flew over Versailles in 1783 before any…
Why Hot Air Rises: Buoyancy Explained for Beginners
Curious why do hot air balloons float? A clear, friendly breakdown of buoyancy, density, and the burner science behind every sunrise flight.
Who Invented the Hot Air Balloon? The Montgolfier Brothers
Who invented the hot air balloon? Meet Joseph-Michel and Jacques-Étienne Montgolfier, the French brothers behind the first flight in 1783.