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About Us
Passion for Flight,
Commitment to Safety
Salt Lake Soaring brings together decades of aviation expertise and an unwavering passion for sharing the magic of balloon flight. Our partnership with Nemesis Balloon Team ensures every flight is safe, memorable, and truly extraordinary.
Our Story
Born from a Love of the Sky
Hot air ballooning isn't just what we do—it's who we are. Our team has been captivated by the art of flight since childhood, with combined experience spanning over three decades.
What started as a personal passion has grown into a mission: sharing the indescribable feeling of floating peacefully above Utah's stunning landscapes with others. There's something magical about watching the world wake up from a hot air balloon, and we believe everyone deserves to experience it.
Today, as part of the Nemesis Balloon Team family, we operate with the highest standards of safety, professionalism, and genuine care for every passenger who trusts us with their adventure.
Your Pilots
Meet the Team
Our FAA-certified pilots bring military precision, decades of experience, and genuine passion to every flight.
350+
Flight Hours
30+
Years in Aviation
Derek White
Chief Pilot & Certified Flight Instructor
With over three decades of aviation experience and a distinguished 20-year career in the U.S. Air Force, Derek brings unparalleled expertise and professionalism to every flight. His passion for ballooning began in 1995, and he has since dedicated himself to sharing the magic of flight with others. Derek's calm demeanor and extensive knowledge ensure every passenger feels safe and inspired during their journey through Utah's skies.
Certifications & Experience
FAA Commercial Balloon PilotCertified Flight InstructorClass 2 Medical Certificate20-Year Air Force VeteranFormer Director of Logistics (F-35 Program)
436+
Passengers Flown
61
Balloon Festivals
9 States, 2 Countries
States & Countries
Perfect
Safety Record
Birth
Ballooning Since
4+ States
Festival Experience
Stephen Harrison
Commercial Pilot & Certified Flight Instructor
Stephen's connection to ballooning is truly lifelong—he took his first flight at just three weeks old in Albuquerque, the ballooning capital of the world. Growing up surrounded by the sport, he developed an innate understanding of the art and science of balloon flight. His extensive festival experience across four states and international venues brings a unique perspective to every flight, combining technical excellence with a deep appreciation for the wonder of floating through the air.
Certifications & Experience
FAA Commercial Balloon PilotCertified Flight InstructorLifelong Ballooning ExperienceMulti-State Festival VeteranInternational Flight Experience
Utah
Based In
Perfect
Safety Record
30 ft
RC Balloon Height
4 Banners
Banner Capacity
Michelle White
Marketing Manager - Radio-Controlled Operations
Michelle leads our cutting-edge RC (Radio-Controlled) division. A certified RC pilot, Michelle flies 30-foot tall remote-controlled hot air balloons that carry up to four massive banners (5' x 15' each). With a talent for both flight and strategy, she has delivered high-impact campaigns for companies like Thanksgiving Point and Curiosity Farms. Michelle has successfully showcased these towering RC balloons at major balloon festivals across the region and continues to push the limits of visibility and engagement. We're thrilled to have Michelle leading NBT's RC innovation.
Certifications & Experience
Certified RC Balloon PilotMarketing Strategy ExpertFestival Event Coordinator
5' x 15'
Banner Size
Thanksgiving Point, Curiosity Farms
Notable Clients
Our Fleet
Meet the Balloons
Each balloon in our fleet has its own personality and story. Get to know the aircraft that will carry you through Utah's skies.
“The OG”
Nemesis
1980 Firefly Firefly 77
The original balloon that started it all. Nemesis is the patron saint of our team, continuing to inspire wonder at select rallies while serving as a walk-through for photos, educational demonstrations, and pilot training. This classic Firefly represents the heart and soul of our ballooning heritage.
Volume
77,000 Cu ft
Capacity
2 passengers
Registration
N-1511D
Year
1980
Historic training balloonNight glow demonstrationsEducational walk-throughs
“Earth, Air & Fire”
Alchemy
2021 Kubicek BB26ED
Hand-crafted at the legendary Kubicek Castle in Brno, Czech Republic, Alchemy represents the pinnacle of modern balloon design. Its striking envelope features bold greens, gentle blues, and signature flame colors—symbolizing the three elements essential for balloon flight: Earth, Air, and Fire. This is the balloon that will carry you on your unforgettable journey.
Volume
90,000 Cu ft
Capacity
3 passengers
Registration
N-708DM
Year
2021
Primary passenger balloonCzech craftsmanshipModern safety features
Safety is Non-Negotiable
With 100% safety records and FAA certification, our pilots never compromise on safety. We only fly in optimal conditions, maintain our equipment meticulously, and follow rigorous pre-flight procedures for every single flight.
100%
Safety Record
FAA
Certified Pilots
24/7
Weather Monitoring
Ready to Fly With Us?
Join the hundreds of adventurers who have trusted us with their balloon experience.
No booking fees • Free rescheduling for weather • 100% satisfaction guarantee