Today we’d like to introduce you to Jason Jones.
Jason, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I grew up in Indianola Iowa with parents who got involved with hot air ballooning helping run an event in my hometown. Once my mother got a ride, someone has been flying balloons ever since. I received my license in 1992 and have been flying for fun and for hire ever since. I now have two of my three children that are pilots so our sport of hot air balloon is a true family sport.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Yes, I would say it’s been a fairly smooth time for us running our business. Partially because of the great love for the sport and just for aviation in general. The biggest cost for us is anytime we have to upgrade equipment but new balloons vehicles that kind of thing.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
We fly hot air balloon rides. That is the primary focus of our business. We do also occasionally train pilots and sell balloons to new balloon owners.
Our flights are approximately an hour long and we have several options. You can fly with a group of up to six passengers or you can fly ans a couple in what we call a sweetheart ride. After the flights, we do the traditional champagne, toast, and light snacks. It’s truly a unique experience.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Safety is our primary concern. Flying balloons in Kansas and Missouri is challenging because of the weather that we have here. So some flights do get canceled and are rescheduled. As long as customers are patient we will get them flown and they’ll have a wonderful time. But flying them safely is our number one priority.
Pricing:
- Shared ride up to 6 people in the basket $275
- Sweetheart ride. A couple and the pilot only in the basket $900
