Today we’d like to introduce you to Darren Kling.
darren, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started flying hot air balloons in 1994 in NW Montana. Since that time I’ve accumulated over 3,000 hrs of commercial flight time, flown balloons around the country as well as internationally, taken up tens of thousands of passengers, established a corporate balloon program in the PNW, and have made several first ascent flights.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Definitely not a smooth road. There were many lean years in the beginning. Weather plays a big factor in the ability to operate a balloon. Some seasons were difficult due to a late summer season. More recently, smoke from wildfires has been having an impact on operations.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
In addition to being a hot air balloon pilot I’m also an artist. I like to bring a creative side to flying balloons. I once painted a giant landscape mural on a balloon that I flew for several years. The tag line for the balloon rides I offer is “The Art of Flight”.
There is an art to flying balloons, to be good at it you need an intuitive sense for the conditions around you. Knowing how to best utilize them and work with the conditions you have on a given day.
I make art in much the same way, letting intuition guide the process rather than having a preconceived image in mind.
What were you like growing up?
Rather shy and quiet as a small kid. I enjoyed spending time on my own and exploring whatever was around me, never hesitant to venture off on my own. Enjoyed being creative, art was always my favorite subject in school.
Was always active and involved in sports growing up. Swimming, soccer, baseball were a few of my primary sports. Was a competitive swimmer through college.
Also grew up with outdoor interests like skiing, biking, hiking and backpacking.
Pricing:
- $300/person for a balloon flight
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bigskyballoonco.com
- Instagram: @bigskyballoonco
- Facebook: Big Sky Balloon Company
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenkling/
- Youtube: @bigskyballoonco
- Other: https://www.aeronautexperiment.com/
