Having lived in Battle Creek, Michigan, home of what is currently know as the Field of Flight Air Show and Balloon Festival, my interest in hot air ballooning began. The annual July 4th festival has been known by many names as it has changed through the years. This festival has hosted the World Hot Air Balloon Championships twice. United States Team Championships from 1997 to 2002, and was known as the Battle Creek International Balloon Festival.

Battle Creek hosted the World Hot Air Balloon Championships again in 2012. While this was separate from the Field of Flight Air Show and Balloon Festival, it is an honor for Battle Creek to be the only US city to host the championships three times.

Having obtained a FAA Private Pilot Certificate for Hot Air Balloons, the adventures begin. Look for more on the Hot Air Ballooning page.