About Us
Our Mission : To bring the launch field to students across the U.S.A.
We achieve this mission by Educate. Train. Develop.
Educate. Our online, self-paced, ground school allows students access to quality ground/knowledge training. Our online courses make learning easy and fun and also allow students to take courses on the go. We bring what the FAA wants you to know to you in a simple format. Our courses not only prepare students to pass the FAA Knowledge Exam, but more importantly they prepare students for flight training and continuous learning after receiving their pilot certificate.
Train. We provide training tools to flight instructors and students such as our one of a kind training syllabus, flight instructor refresher courses, posts on our Facebook page, etc. As we continue to grow, our goal is to bring the launch field to students across the U.S.A. by developing a balloon training program. We have created a network of highly qualified balloon flight instructors who are willing to volunteer their time to help us train students. Our goal is to have equipment available to these instructors, and connect the instructors with students. We will bring the launch field to students and in return, the number of hot air balloon pilots in the U.S.A. will increase.
Develop. Obtaining a pilot certificate is a “license to learn.” We want balloon pilots to develop through lifelong learning and continuing education. We have developed and will continue to develop continuing education courses for current pilot to take to develop additional knowledge.
If we can Educate. Train. Develop., we can reach our mission to bring the launch field to students across the USA and thereby improve safety and increase the number of pilots in the USA.
Volunteer Board of Directors – Officers
We let our success do the talking!
We are proud of our co-founders, Adam & Kim Magee, for their significant contributions to hot air ballooning. Recognized by industry and the Federal Aviation Administration as experts, we are proud to be the Gold Standard for hot air balloon education, training, and safety!
Adam Magee: Safety Advocate & Educator
- FAA Recognition: He was honored as the 2024 National FAA Flight Instructor of the Year and the 2021 National FAA Safety Team Representative of the Year.
- Elite Instructor Status: He holds the prestigious NAFI Elite Balloon Instructor accreditation.
- Aviation Leader: Adam serves as President of BTA and actively contributes to the National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI) Board of Directors, bringing his analytical and problem-solving skills to aviation leadership.
- World-Class Pilot: Kim is a six-time FAI World Hot Air Balloon record holder for distance and duration, showcasing her deep understanding of flight planning, meteorology, and precision piloting.
- Elite Instructor Status: She is also an accredited NAFI Elite Balloon Instructor, highly regarded for her practical instruction and ability to master the “fine details” of flying.
- Pioneering Educator: Kim has directly helped many students successfully pass the FAA Knowledge Exam, and is a key figure in developing essential training tools.
- Safety Contributor: She supports the Federal Aviation Administration as an FAA Safety Team Representative.
Their Shared Vision
Together, Adam and Kim founded The Balloon Training Academy to ensure that aspiring pilots and seasoned veterans alike have access to high-quality, standardized, and up-to-date education. By leveraging their extensive experience—from competition and record-breaking flights to FAA advocacy and instruction—they are fulfilling their mission to Educate, Train, and Develop the next generation of safe and skilled hot air balloon pilots.
