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About Us
Passion for Flight, Commitment to Safety
Our Partner
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Utah Balloon Flights
Salt Lake Soaring, in partnership with Nemesis Balloon Team, brings together decades of aviation expertise and an unwavering passion for sharing the magic of balloon flight. Together we power Utah Balloon Flights we ensure 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, in partnership with the Nemesis Balloon Team, 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.
250+
Flight hours
7 States, 2 Countries
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 Veteran
Utah
Based In
Perfect
Safety Record
250+
Passengers Flown
18+
Balloon Festivals
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
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
4+ Years
Crew Chief
Tiffany Harrison
Crew Chief
Tiffany Harrison is the backbone of our hot air balloon team and the best crew chief we could ask for. She came into ballooning with no prior experience, but the moment I shared my dream of becoming a pilot, she jumped in headfirst. Tiffany learned the ropes from the ground up, mastering every detail with dedication, grit, and heart. Since day one, she’s been my rock—keeping our operations smooth, our team grounded, and our flights possible. Her commitment, leadership, and unwavering support are what truly keep us flying.
Certifications & Experience
Been doing this for 4+ Years
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”
Soarbet
2006 FireFly FireFly 7B
The original balloon that started it all. Soarbet 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
65,000 Cu ft
Capacity
2 passengers
Registration
N21046
Year
2006
Historic training balloonNight glow demonstrationsEducational walk-throughs
Soarenity
2022 Kubicek BB30D
Hand-crafted at the legendary Kubicek Castle in the small village named Radešín, Soarenity represents the pinnacle of modern balloon design. Hand-designed by Stephen and his wife Tiffany (Crew Chief), Soarenity brings joy to all those who view her beauty.
Volume
105,000 Cu ft
Capacity
3 passengers
Registration
N61414
Year
2022
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
Constant
Weather Monitoring
Ready to Fly With Us?
Join the hundreds of adventurers who have trusted us with their balloon experience.
•Free rescheduling due to inclement weather• 100% satisfaction guarantee