Also called: Balloon Ride Pilot, Balloonist
Flies hot-air balloons, often giving sunrise rides to tourists.
Balloon pilots wake up before dawn to check winds, inflate the giant envelope with the crew, and drift over landscapes like Albuquerque or Napa, steering only by changing altitude to catch different winds. A chase crew follows on the ground.
Ride operators who own their balloons can earn more; many pilots are part-time.
Certificate, about 3 years after high school. FAA commercial pilot certificate in lighter-than-air balloons; many start as crew.
Ways in: Certification, On-the-job training, Self-taught. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Growing slowly. Small field.
Low risk for 10 years. Sunrise rides are an in-person experience; reading winds and handling inflation with a crew stays human.
Classes: Earth Science (weather), Physics, Public speaking, Business.
Official data: O*NET occupation 53-2012.
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