Unlike airplanes or helicopters, hot air balloons use the winds at varied altitudes to steer, rarely allowing us to return to an airport. We travel where the air currents lead us and land where the journey naturally ends. Because of that, we often touch down in open areas and yards across the foothills of the Carolinas.

We rely on the kindness and understanding of our community to make each flight possible. The generosity of local landowners allows us to share the magic of flight safely and responsibly. When our pilot selects a landing site, we do so with the greatest care for your property, livestock, and crops. We make every effort to avoid fences, planted areas, and other obstacles. Plus, our volunteer crew will always seek permission before driving onto private lands.

Our goal is to leave every site better than we found it — checking for gates, tire tracks, or debris before we leave, and personally thanking landowners for their hospitality. Many of our friendships began with a simple wave from a neighbor watching a balloon drift in for a gentle landing.

We’re deeply grateful to the landowners and residents who make this possible. Your generosity keeps the spirit of ballooning alive with peaceful flights over the Carolinas.

Seeing a hot air balloon in a yard or along the roadside can be an unusual sight, but rest assured that alone isn't an emergency. Landings in these areas are a perfectly normal and essential part of each hot air balloon flight. Our pilots and crew are trained to manage each flight safely and professionally. In fact, if you’re curious, we love taking time to explain what’s happening, show off the equipment, and answer questions. Ballooning is built on community, and we welcome every chance to share the experience and wonder of ballooning with others.

Hot air ballooning thrives because of the generosity of people like you. Each open field and friendly wave makes it possible for us to continue lifting off, exploring the Carolina sky, and landing gently among neighbors who share our sense of wonder.

From everyone at NC Hot Air — thank you for welcoming us.