Extreme Performance Hot Air Ballooning

The hot air balloon is a much higher performance aircraft than is widely ackknowledged.  Although the airspeed is normally zero, the heavy lift, high altitude and fast ascent capabilities are eclipsed only by turbo prop airplanes and the highest performance piston engined airplanes.  Global Western is capable of conducting extreme performance manned hot air balloon flights with payloads exceeding 1000 pounds to altitudes over 30,000 feet MSL for your scientific investigation, applied engineering test flight, or adventure flight.   We also specialize in 'top riding' payloads, which allow an unparalleled view to the zenith.  Daytime or nighttime VFR condition fllights are possible.  There are many factors that will influence the selected balloon and flight plan, so please call or email for a free initial consultation for your flight.



This is the view from almost 18,000 feet of San Juan Peak, Colorado.   San Juan Peak is one of the most remote of the Colorado 14ers.  This fly by was conducted in February, with about 10 feet of snow on the ground.   Launch was from Lake City, CO, and landing was near Hooper, CO in the San Luis Valley.   This flight lasted over three hours and the balloon landed with additional fuel remaining.

      
Pilot self portrait, about 17,000 feet MSL, over the San Juan wilderness.


A night time 'glow' conducted with a Global Western-produced hot air balloon.   Night time flights are possible, normally conducted very early in the morning to allow for a landing at or shortly after sunrise.