Pilot Registration

Registration for this year’s festival will begin April 1st. Pilots that received an invitation to register can access their application by logging in with their username and password. Pilots that are interested in participating in our event for the first time and meet the festival qualifications listed below, please send an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for registration guidelines and requirements.

Pat Cannon will serve as Balloonmeister this year.

Qualifications - Flying Events

To participate in this year’s Festival all persons acting as pilot-in-command must hold at least a Private Pilot Certificate with Lighter than Air Free Balloon Rating and a minimum of 75 hours of PIC in balloons. All hours will need to be noted on the application as requested or the application will be rejected. At check-in, you will also be required to sign a certificate acknowledging you meet Festival and FAA requirements. Each pilot must attend all pilot briefings. Each pilot must agree to fly at least one sponsor / media person during the festival.

Qualifications - Tether and Glow Events Only

Pilots with less than 75 hours PIC in balloons, holding a Private Pilot Certificate with Lighter than Air Free Balloon Rating, are encouraged to participate in this year's festival.  These Pilots will be included in tether and balloon glow events only.  All hours will need to be noted on the application as requested.  At check-in, you will also be required to sign a certificate acknowledging you meet Festival and FAA requirements.  Each pilot must attend all pilot briefings.

Balloons

All Pilots that participate in the Festival must bring to registration their Flight Log Book, with Currency Endorsement, and Pilot Certificate. You will also need to have the following available for inspection at registration: Balloon Registration Certificate, Standard Airworthiness Certificate, and Balloon Log Book, with current inspection for the balloon you intend to fly during the Festival. All balloons must be properly equipped (with inflation harness) and ready for potential FAA inspection prior to each event. Proof of insurance must be received no later than September 1st.

Rooms

The hotel this year will again be the Southfork Hotel in Plano (1600 North Central Expressway, Plano, TX 75074). Pilots registering as primary pilot will receive free room accommodations for Friday and Saturday evening, Pilots from outside a 60 mile radius of the launch field who fly in the Friday Morning Media Flight will be provided a room for Thursday night. Pilots from outside a 60 mile radius of the launch field that fly Sunday Evening will be provided a room for Sunday night.

Room reservations will be part of the online application.

Please do not contact the hotel directly for your room reservation.

Crew Rooms

Special rates have been arranged for crew and alternate pilots. These reservations must be made directly with the Southfork Hotel (972-578-8555 or toll free 866-665-2680). Mention that it is a crew room for the Plano Balloon Festival to receive the special rate.

Sport Balloons 

The entry fee for sport balloon pilots is $50. Pilots will be refunded the $50 entry fee upon check-in at the festival. Please mail a check payable to the Plano Balloon Festival to:

Plano Balloon Festival
P.O. Box 867706
Plano, Texas 75086-7706

Pilots will receive $200 in show up money at festival registration.

Your reservation date will be based on the date you submit your application. However, your entry fee must be received by June 30th to secure your reservation for this year’s Festival. If your registration is not accepted for any reason and you have paid your entry fee, it will be refunded.

Commercial Balloons - No registration fee is required for Commercial Pilots

You will need to complete Pilot Registration as well as contact the Festival at 972-867-7566 to ensure your company has completed the corporate sponsorship paperwork.

Special Shapes

Please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you are interested in bringing your special shape to this year’s festival.

Acceptance

Acceptance emails will be sent out in June. Additional information will be provided at that time. We look forward to your participation in the 34th Annual InTouch Credit Union Plano Balloon Festival.

Summary

We look forward to seeing you in Plano, September 20, 21, & 22, 2013.

If you have any questions, do not wish to remain on the invitation list, or are no longer ballooning, please send an email to   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  and indicate 'Remove From Invitation List' so you won't receive future correspondence about the festival.