Hot air balloon taking off, Napa Valley, Calif.

Don Surplus loves hot air ballooning so much that he gave up his career as manager of a Napa Valley lodge to fly full-time. Now he gets to experience the thrill of ballooning for the first time with every new group of passengers he takes to the sky.

Hot Air Ballooning Facts:

• The cost of a hot air balloon ranges from $20,000 on up.

• The typical balloon can hold three to four people, or 500 to 600 pounds.

• Balloon pilots are licensed by the FAA.

Contact information:

Napa Valley Balloons
6795 Washington, Yountville, CA 94599
800-253-2224
www.napavalleyballoons.com

Resources:

Hot Air Balloons
by Christine Kalakuka, Brent Stockwell

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