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A Legacy in the Yakima Valley Sky

“Sometimes, flying feels too godlike to be attained by man. Sometimes, the world from above seems too beautiful, too wonderful, too distant for human eyes to see…” — Charles Lindbergh

Our Roots

Our Eastern Washington story began in 1989 amidst the open spaces and golden light of Eastern Washington. Vic and Mandy Johnson first fell in love with this region at the Walla Walla Balloon Stampede, drawn to the warmer, dryer climate and the vast farm country that would eventually become Washington’s premier wine region.

For decades, Vic and Mandy became fixtures of the Eastern Washington skies, flying every May and/or October in Walla Walla and every September in Prosser. As the landscape evolved from traditional farmland into a world-class agricultural and viticultural hub, our commitment to the area deepened. We didn’t just want to fly over this land; we wanted to become a part of its fabric.

Hot Air Acres

In the mid-90s, a chance landing led to a lifelong friendship with local landowner Charlie Card. What started as a flight ended in an annual tradition of potlucks and stories, bridging the gap between visiting aeronauts and the local community. This connection was so profound that the Johnsons eventually established “Hot Air Acres” in Prosser—a home base dedicated to the sport, the culture, and the history of ballooning in the Yakima Valley.

A Masterful Milestone: The Mt. Rainier Flight

Our technical expertise and passion for the sport are perhaps best illustrated by a historic achievement: the first and only hot air balloon flight directly “over the top” of Washington’s majestic Mt. Rainier in 2002. Vic Johnson piloted the balloon “Wyakis” over the mountain while Mandy managed operations and the 40+ crew volunteers who helped make this dream flight happen. This accomplishment serves as a constant reminder of what is possible with meticulous planning and masterful skill. It is this same level of precision that we bring to our repair services, our flight instruction, and our equipment sales today.

Our Vision Today

What began as a dream to share the beauty of the Yakima Valley has grown into a full-service ballooning hub. We believe this region—rich in scenery, culture, and world-class wine—deserves a ballooning partner that honors the sport’s 200-year history.

Whether we are maintaining your equipment to the highest safety standards, training the next generation of pilots, or coordinating your next major event, we are driven by the same awe we felt in 1989. We invite you to experience the beauty, charm, and technical mastery of ballooning with a team that knows these skies better than anyone else.

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