BALLOON CAMP©
A YEAR'S TRAINING IN TWO WEEKS

Earn your Hot Air Balloon
Private Pilot Certificate in just
a two week vacation for flight training.


Our 14 day program of intensive flight training combines:

  • the best training location,
  • the best training weather,
  • the best training equipment, with
  • superior individual instruction.

Simply put, Balloon Camp works.

The Best Training Area:

Back to
Learn to Fly.

Balloon Camp is based in the Carson Valley, 45 miles south of Reno Nevada. The training area is fairly wide open with many hayfields and open desert for landings. Calm mountain drainage winds in the mornings make this area one of the best balloon training areas in the country. Specific skill training is done at Reno-Stead Airport where the "Stead swirl" makes it possible to practice over 20 approaches and landings in a single flight.

The Best Flying Weather:
Since 1997, with over 110 scheduled flight days, Balloon Camp has weathered out only 16 days. This remarkably consistent flying weather is due to the Carson Valley's proximity to the Sierra Nevada mountains which shield the valley from Pacific storm systems and provide calm winds most mornings.

Train on the Best Equipment
Balloon Camp uses only Aerostar Hot Air Balloons. Noted for engineering excellence and innovative design, Aerostar is the balloon of choice of most professional balloon companies. Our training balloons feature the most modern advances in balloon technology. Balloon Camp provides package deals for students that purchase their balloons through LTA Aviation. Call for details.


What Balloon Camp Graduates say about Balloon Camp

"I looked for an instructor for two years before I found one that was as interested in training me as I was in being trained. Bill Cloninger's professional training methods were what I wanted. Balloon Camp is the only way to go for the serious student balloon pilot. Flight instruction doesn't get any better than this." Capt. Randy Reinaman, Continental Airlines, Com'l Pilot add-on to ATP Certificate.

"I did my training in just two weeks, demo flight to checkride. It was hard work, but I achieved my goal - becoming a hot air balloon pilot. Balloon Camp really worked for me." Debby Young, Private Pilot - Hot Air Balloon

"Balloon Camp was a great way to finish off my training. One week of intensive flight training and checkride preparation had me more than ready for my Private Pilot Practical Test. After working hard to measure up to Balloon Camp standards, the checkride was easy." Kent Rothermel, Private Pilot - Hot Air Balloon.

Our Instructor:
Bill Cloninger, the founder of Balloon Camp, is our Chief Instructor and the guiding hand behind Balloon Camp's success. His professional teaching methods ensure that you are not only ready for your checkride, but are truly ready to fly on your own when you go back home. A Hot Air Balloon Commercial Pilot since 1990, Bill is a two-term President of the Northeast Ohio Balloon Pilot's Association and has served as the National Membership Chairman for the Balloon Federation of America. He is a frequent speaker at safety seminars across the country. By combining his professional experience in training and development with his love for ballooning, Bill has become one of the top balloon flight instructors in the US.

2000 SCHEDULE AND PRICE LIST

S
PRING SESSIONS:
        T
WO WEEK SESSIONS
                 Arrive April 14, Fly April 15 thru April 29
Arrive April 29, Fly April 30 thru May 14

F
ALL SESSIONS:
        T
WO WEEK SESSIONS
                 Arrive November 3, Fly November 4 thru 19
Arrive November 20, Fly November 21 thru December 4
One week sessions scheduled if space is available.

PRICES:

TWO WEEK SESSIONS: $2,750*
O
NE WEEK SESSIONS: $1,375*
If you have not passed the FAA Written Exam prior to coming to Balloon Camp add $200 for Test Preparation Ground School. Price includes instruction and balloon rental and ground transportation in the Reno area. Air transportation to and from Reno, lodging, meals and checkride and testing fees are not included.

* Discounts available for qualified purchasers of new Aerostar Hot Air Balloons through LTA Aviation.

Two Week Session Payment Schedule:
        $250 Deposit Due: 2/15(S), 8/30(F)
        $1,250 Due: 4/1(S), 10/15(F)
        $1,250 Due: At Balloon Camp

One Week Session Payment Schedule:
        $250 Deposit Due: 2/15(S), 8/30(F)
        $1,125 Due: 4/1(S), 10/15(F)

Cancellation Policy: If canceled 45 days or more prior to scheduled start day all fees paid will be fully refunded. If canceled less than 45 days from the scheduled start date, the $250 deposit is forfeit. If canceled within 15 days of the scheduled start date, all fees paid will be forfeit unless the training slot is resold.


Fly Lighter Than Air

Click here for map and directions
7780 Bainbridge Road
Chagrin Falls, OH 44023
E-mail: Info@LTAAviation.com
Phone: (440) 543-7139
Toll Free: (888) 2 FLY LTA
Fax: (440) 543-7339