Business Details
29 Years
experience
Private Hot Air Balloon Flights Over Phoenix Area
Roping The Wind Hot Air Blln has been providing private, scenic hot air balloon flights in Arizona since 1994. As the only full-time ballooning company in the state specializing exclusively in private two-person flights, we prioritize personalized experiences over mass tourism. Our FAA-certified pilot, Scott Nicol, brings over 30 years of experience and 3,500 flight hours to ensure safety and expertise. We operate meticulously maintained Firefly and Ultramagic balloons, emphasizing interactive passenger involvement and breathtaking views of the Sonoran Desert, Superstition Mountains, and Lake Pleasant. Our commitment to quality includes pre-flight ground tarps to keep balloons clean, regular FAA inspections, and national competition participation to refine piloting skills.We exclusively offer sunrise flights year-round and limited sunset flights in winter, focusing on romantic getaways, proposals, and anniversaries. Unlike large-group operators, our two-passenger model recreates the intimate, family-oriented origins of recreational ballooning. We maintain direct customer communication by avoiding third-party booking platforms and prioritize local knowledge of Arizona's terrain and weather patterns. Our safety record spans 27 years with no accidents or violations, and we maintain transparent cancellation policies with full refunds for weather-related cancellations.
Services
Private Hot Air Balloon Flights
Adventure Flights
Skydiving Support
Aerial Photography
Tethered Balloon Events
Details
- Year established: 1997
Highlights and features
- We're Arizona's only full-time ballooning company specializing in private two-person flights
- Our FAA-certified pilot has 30+ years of experience and 3,500 flight hours
- We maintain a perfect safety record with no accidents in 27 years
- Passengers become part of our flight team with hands-on participation opportunities
- We operate modern Ultramagic balloons with the latest safety features
Associations and certifications
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
What people say
Breathtaking scenery
Personalized experience
Professional service
Worth the price
Unique experience
Services
Private Hot Air Balloon Flights
Our exclusive two-person flights offer intimate aerial views of Arizona's landscapes. Passengers enjoy sunrise flights over Sonoran Desert terrain or limited sunset flights in winter months. Each 1-1.5 hour journey includes a champagne toast and personalized pilot interaction, focusing on romantic occasions and special celebrations.
Adventure Flights
Unique flights over remote Arizona locations like mountain peaks and desert wilderness areas. Designed for experienced balloonists seeking unconventional routes, these one-time-only journeys require advance booking and offer customized flight paths based on weather conditions and terrain accessibility.
Skydiving Support
Balloon transportation for skydivers with capacity for 3-9 jumpers per session. We coordinate drop zone logistics and provide efficient shuttle services between jumps. Available for individual skydivers or organized groups during seasonal flight windows.
Aerial Photography
Stable balloon-based photography solutions for commercial and artistic projects. Our aircraft provide optimal vantage points for landscape photography, film production, and advertising campaigns requiring unique aerial perspectives with minimal equipment vibration.
Tethered Balloon Events
Controlled balloon displays for marketing and special events. Includes tethered rides and static inflations for brand visibility at festivals, grand openings, and charity fundraisers. Requires 200x200 ft clear space and wind conditions under 5 mph for safe operation.
People
Scott Nicol
Owner/Pilot
With over 30 years of ballooning experience and 3,500 flight hours, Captain Scott Nicol is Arizona's most experienced private balloon pilot. A national competition competitor, he maintains an impeccable safety record since 1997 and personally handles all customer inquiries.
Questions
What locations do you fly from?
We offer flights from Gold Canyon (Superstition Mountains), Peoria (Lake Pleasant), and Maricopa (Sonoran Desert National Monument) with sunrise options year-round and limited sunset flights November-March.
How do I book a flight?
Book online through our secure PayPal system after confirming availability by phone at (480) 807-0001. Full payment is required at booking with 48-hour cancellation policy for full refunds.
What's included in the flight price?
Private two-person flights include 1-1.5 hours airborne time, pilot interaction, and champagne toast. Gift certificates available with one-year validity for standard flights.
What's your safety record?
We maintain a perfect safety record since 1997 with no accidents, FAA violations, or insurance claims. Our pilot holds current FAA commercial certification with 3,500+ flight hours.
Can you accommodate special requests?
Yes, we offer customized adventure flights to remote locations and special event services including skydiving support, aerial photography, and tethered balloon promotions.
What happens if weather cancels our flight?
We monitor conditions closely and make final decisions early morning of scheduled flights. Full refunds provided for weather-related cancellations with no rescheduling options.
