Why Choose Rainbow Ryders
Safety
Rainbow Ryders has maintained an impeccable safety record while being in business for over four decades. We take pride in meeting and exceeding all FAA regulations and pioneering new safety standards. Some safety requirements held by our team are:
- All of our pilots hold FAA-certified commercial ratings with a minimum of 500 flight hours and complete annual flight reviews exceeding the FAA 2-year requirement.
- Our pilots maintain a 2nd Class Medical Certificate and undergo regular drug and alcohol testing.
- Our pilots must attend multiple safety seminars throughout the year to stay current on all aviation-related topics involving our industry.
- We carry insurance secured at the highest limits available in the industry. To request a copy of our insurance certificate, please call us.
Experience
The sport of hot air ballooning is one of the oldest and safest forms of aviation in the world. It is over a 240-year-old tradition enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of passengers and millions of spectators each year.
Rainbow Ryders, Inc. started offering hot air balloon flights in the scenic Rio Grande Valley back in 1983. Since then, we have grown to become the premier and largest hot air balloon ride company serving the Southwest, with flights offered in Albuquerque, Phoenix, Colorado Springs, and Park City.
Equipment
We lead the industry in brand-new aircraft purchases, providing our customers with one of the most elite fleets in the business, all manufactured in the U.S.A. We regularly add new balloons to our fleet to support our growth; we currently have more than 45 balloons across our four locations. Our fleet varies in size to accommodate any type of requests and party size.
No "Hops"
Flying a “hop” involves two groups taking turns in one hot air balloon. The first group will fly for roughly 30-45 minutes while the second group follows along in the chase crew van. When the balloon lands, the groups will swap places, and the balloon will launch again for another 30 minutes. Some hot air balloon ride companies still use this approach to book as many people as possible, but it severely diminishes the experience by leading to shorter flights and a greater chance for weather-related cancellations.
At Rainbow Ryders, safety and quality control are two of our top priorities. Accordingly, we stopped including hops in our regular flight operations over a decade ago, giving each passenger the dedicated flight time they deserve.
Learn About Our Commitment to Balloon Safety
Rainbow Ryders’ commitment to safety is unmatched. We exceed all FAA regulations and regularly pioneer new ones, winning our team countless awards and rendering us the only official ride operator for several world-renowned events.
Our pilots have a minimum of 500 flight hours each; they must also carry a 2nd Class Airman Medical Certificate, pass routine drug and alcohol tests, and carry the highest insurance available in the industry.
All of Rainbow Ryder’s hot air balloons are FAA-certified aircraft that undergo regular inspections and maintenance by trained professionals to meet the same safety standards that regulate airplanes.
Key Takeaways
Impeccable Safety Record
No fatalities or major injuries
Federal Aviation Administration Compliant
FAA-certified commercial pilots conduct all flights
Thorough Passenger Preparation
Pre-flight safety briefing for every guest
Consistent, Experience-Based Results
Flown more than 750,000 passengers total
Share the Gift of Flight With Someone!
Ballooning gift certificates are redeemable for up to 1 year after the purchase date, giving your special person the flexibility to choose the best date and time for their hot air balloon adventure in Phoenix, Albuquerque, and Colorado Springs.
Learn More About Our Locations
Albuquerque
- Get an aerial view of New Mexico's scenic Rio Grande Valley and the Sandia Mountains.
Phoenix
- Drift above saguaro cacti and see the rugged mountain ranges of Arizona's Sonoran Desert.
Colorado Springs
- See Colorado's dramatic Rocky Mountains and the iconic Garden of the Gods from the sky.
Park City
- Get sweeping views of Utah's Wasatch Mountains while gliding in a hot air balloon.