The United States Hot Air Balloon Team
A World Class, Full Service Hot Air Ballooning Company
For nearly three decades, Stan Hess and The United States Hot Air Balloon Team have been committed to offering passengers the most memorable, safe and entertaining hot air ballooning experiences in America.
Our goal is to provide a world-class leisure activity, safely and consistently. The success of this 30-year dream has been enjoyed by tens of thousands of friends, family members and travelers from every corner of the world.
Our pilots, all FAA Commercially approved, drug tested, and with more than 10,000 hours of combined experience, are dedicated to their profession, setting the standard in safety and passenger service. Meet our team!
Locally, in Pennsylvania, The United States Hot Air Balloon Team is the area’s genuine hot air ballooning service, fully staffed with our own experienced pilots who take you up in our own balloons. We manage, guide, and direct your entire experience from booking through the champagne toast at the end of your flight.
Beware of resellers who will sell you a ticket, only to broker your business out to other outfits, some of which could be disreputable. Our staff includes courteous support people, professional crew members and highly skilled pilots, so your happiness and satisfaction is not left to chance.
Our team’s federally registered, state of the art balloons and equipment back up our commitment to your comfort and safety.
As a world-class flight company, The United States Hot Air Balloon Team has been featured in many high-profile travel and adventure magazines and we are proud members of several reputable ballooning and tourism organizations, including:
- Balloon Federation of America
- Chester County Conference & Visitors Bureau
- Pennsylvania Dutch Convention & Visitors Bureau
- Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce
Our Pilots
Stan Hess, US Hot Air Balloon Team Pilot
Stan Hess Veteran Balloonist and Tour Director of The United States Hot Air Balloon Team have provided a first class balloon experience for countless thousands of ballooning enthusiasts. For more than 30 years Stan’s dedication to the sport has earned him a place of distinction among his peers.
Jake Frame, US Hot Air Balloon Team Pilot
Jake has the distinction of being born into ballooning. From his earliest memories, he has always wanted to be around balloons and be a part of anything ballooning. Jake took his first balloon ride at 3 years of age. He progressed from instruction, experience, and classroom from student pilot at 14 years of age, to Private Pilot at 16 years of age, and Commercial Pilot at 19 years of age.
Lucas Hess, US Hot Air Balloon Team Pilot
Pilot, Lucas Hess developed a love of the outdoors early in life. Growing up in the heart of Amish farm country, Lucas felt an appreciation for the open land, and the generosity and pleasant characteristics of its people. Lucas considers himself truly fortunate to be able to follow his passion, and continue to build a very rewarding career.
Kyle Laxton, US Hot Air Balloon Team Pilot
Kyle includes Ballooning, along with all aspects of the experience as some of his favorite things in Life. Born in Camden, New Jersey, moving to Southeastern Pennsylvania early in life gave him an appreciation for the beautiful countryside found here.