About Us
Fantasy Flights Hot Air Balloon Tours operates two balloons in Kalispell, Montana, both of which are manufactured by Aerostar International, located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. One is an RX-8 (90,000 cubic feet) capable of flying two to three passengers and the other is an RX-9 (126,500 cubic feet) which can handle up to five. We believe the only way we can give you the personal service that you deserve is by limiting our balloon flying operations to smaller groups. We don't want to fly a "cattle car" with 10 or 12 people whose names we cannot remember. Instead, we prefer the intimacy of a flight with a few good friends. Since its inception in 1996, Fantasy Flights has had the privilege of flying passengers from all over the U.S. and from as far away as Bombay, India and Ethiopia.
Any aerial adventure has a certain amount of risk involved, but balloons have proven to be one of the safest forms of transportation available. Our hot air balloons are maintained to the same high standards as other commercially flown aircraft and are required to have annual or 100 hour inspections by an FAA certified repair station. In addition, your pilot has periodic flight reviews and attends annual safety seminars to keep abreast of the latest in safety concerns. We also will not fly under marginal conditions (when most balloon accidents occur). Your safety is our #1 concern. We want you to enjoy your experience!
Fantasy Flights is proud to be a member of both the Balloon Federation Of America and the Flathead Convention and Visitors Bureau.
About the Crew
Paul Fifield, Pilot
From the first time he spotted a hot air balloon in the early '70's,
Paul Fifield knew that he wanted to fly. Knowing his desire, his wife,
Marlene, surprised him for his 40th birthday by purchasing a ride for the
two of them and their children. "It was the most magical thing I think
I have ever done", says Paul. They both got hooked on it immediately
and the direction of their future was changed.
Paul began training the following Spring as a student pilot. In June of 1994 he bought the very balloon that they had taken their first flight in. By 1995, Paul completed his FAA certification for a commercial pilot rating for hot air balloons and in April of 1996, Fantasy Flights was born.
"I have worked in several industries in my lifetime but have never found one to be as satisfying as ballooning", says Paul. "We never have an unhappy customer. Everyone leaves with a smile on their face and memories that will last a lifetime. It is such a joy to be able to share this experience with our passengers and to see their reactions to the ever-changing views. We love what we do."
Paul has also flown in Spokane, Washington and has participated in competition flights at the Ocean Spray Big Skyfest in Billings, Montana. In his spare time Paul enjoys riding his motorcycle with his wife of 33 years and, while relaxing at home, he likes listening to good music.
Marlene, Crew Chief
Marlene
has been with us since the very beginning as our trusted CREW CHIEF. She
has been involved in ballooning for over 14 years and loves sharing the
sport with others. For someone who is admittedly not a "morning
person" she accepts her duties with a smile and manages to "humor" the
pilot from time to time and make him think that HE is the boss!
Kevin
Kevin
recently joined our team and is a valuable addition to the sport. His enthusiasm
and infectious good nature make him a joy to be around. In his real life
he operates a repair service for hot tubs/spas but loves to come out and
be a part of our mornings. Kevin was the Aerospace Education Officer with
the Civil Air Patrol for 7 years and currently holds a student license
for fixed wing single engine aircraft.
In the rare moments when he has time to relax he enjoys building RC aircraft.
Rebecca
Rebecca
was an important part of our crew from about age 8 up until she left for
college. She and her sister Allison, by default, were a part of our "built
in" crew that comes from being born into the family. She was also on the
first flight with us that started this whole crazy journey into the world
of ballooning. We only get to see her occasionally now but when we do,
if it is flying season, we try to put her to work.
In Loving Memory
of
Allison Marie Fifield
March 16, 1989 - June 23rd, 2005
Allison was also on our crew from the beginning and spent her early years eating doughnuts in the back seat of the chase vehicle while her Dad flew solo to build up his hours towards his commercial license. At age 5 that was her main job. When she got older she became a more integral part of our operation and, as a bonus, we no longer had to clean up crumbs from the carpeting (or at least not as many). She was an avid figure skater/ice dancer and an excellent student. Allison was taken from us at the age of 16 in a tragic automobile accident on June 23, 2005. There is now a huge hole in our hearts where she used to live and our lives have been forever changed. Today an angel skates in Heaven! We love you, Alli!