Balloons

Balloon flights and displays are weather dependent, taking place only at dusk and dawn when conditions permit.

Pilots

We welcome you to the 2019 festival!

The South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to host its 15th Annual Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival, presented by Tanger Outlets. We are even more excited to have such a great lineup of pilots!

If you have any questions regarding your schedule or accommodations, please do not hesitate to call Rachel Spear, event director, at 251-943-5550 or Tommy Rachel, balloonmeister, at 251-747-0252.

Things to Remember

  • Pilots need to ensure they are current (three takeoffs and landings in the past 90 days) and have a current flight review.
  • If using an electronic logbook, pilots MUST have a statement SIGNED by the person administering the flight review. Simply having the individual's name in the electronic logbook is not verifiable.
  • If an individual is an airline pilot or military pilot and relying on flight checks from either of those two entities for flight review validation, they must show documentation of such.
  • Pilot aircraft registration must be valid.

For any issues or changes regarding your schedule, please do not hesitate to let Rachel or Tommy know.

PASSES

You will receive one pilot parking pass (for you), AND three additional pilot parking passes for your crew, at check-in. If you need additional parking passes, they will be available upon request at check-in. If you will not be at check-in on Thursday, May 2, your parking pass will be available to you at the gate of the parking lot.

BADGES

You will receive one pilot badge that will allow you access to the VIP area AND three additional badges for your crew. Additional badges may be purchased. (For the VIP WEEKEND PASS, use the promo code PILOT19 for 75% off.) The badge will include access to the VIP tent, which includes food and four alcoholic drinks (food will be available from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. each night). A beautiful bar and seating will be found in the VIP tent.

SHIRTS

You will receive two festival shirts (note sizes on pilot application). You may purchase additional shirts online. [LINK] (Use the promo code PILOT for 75% off.) Your free shirts and purchased shirts will be available at check-in.​

LODGING

Pilot lodging details are below. If you have any questions or concerns about your accommodations, let us know!

ALL ROOMS are available from Thursday, May 2 – Sunday, May 5.