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
pilots@planoballoonfest.org for registration guidelines and requirements.
Pat Cannon will serve as Balloonmeister this year.
PILOT QUALIFICATIONS
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 total LTA to fly, or a minimum of 40 hours LTA in balloons to participate in the tether/glow events. All hours will need to be noted on the application as requested. Pilots must attend all pilot briefings. Pilot in Command must be approved by the Event. The Event retains the right to review and not accept a potential Pilot in Command.
The Festival Kicks-Off Thursday Evening with a Glow. All Pilots are expected to participate in all balloon events. If you aren't able to make it in time to attend the Thursday Glow, please note that in the Comments section of registration.
- Fly Out Competition - Saturday and Sunday Mornings
- Glow - Thursday, Friday and Saturday Evenings
DOCUMENTATION
The following items MUST be presented to us at pilot registration:
- Copy of Pilot Certificate (front and back)
- Copy of Photo ID
- Copy of Balloon Registration
- Copy of Airworthiness Certificate
- Copy of Logbook Page showing Current Inspection
- Copy of Logbook Page showing last Flight Review
- Copy of Medical Certificate as required by the FAA (i.e. Class 2 Medical) if applicable
Documentation for all pilots will be reviewed and any information that may have changed between your registration submission and pilot check in will be updated.
All balloons must be properly equipped (with inflation harness) and ready for potential inspection prior to each event. Proof of insurance will be verified by the festival.
You will be contacted prior to the festival if there is an issue or concern.
ROOMS
This year we will be utilizing the Home2 Suites located at 401 Wynhurst Dr, Plano, Texas 75074. Unfortunately, the Hampton Inn & Suites is unavailable this year due to renovations. Rooms will be available on a 'first come, first served' basis. Every effort will be made to honor your accommodation request.
Pilots registering as primary pilot will receive a room, and if needed we will also provide one additional room to be used for crew Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings.
Room Selection and Reservations will be part of the online application.
Please do not contact the hotel directly for your pilot and crew room the Festival is providing (up to two rooms provided per balloon). If more than two rooms are needed, please see below.
ADDITIONAL CREW ROOM NEEDED
Volunteer Chase Crew will only be provided for Special Shape Balloons this year. All other pilots are responsible for providing their own crew.
If you require an additional room (in addition to the one pilot and one crew the Festival is providing), a special room rate is available. These reservations must be made by you directly. To book additional rooms please use the link below.
The $107 rate is available until August 28th.
SPORT PILOTS
Sport Pilots will receive $300.
COMMERCIAL BALLOONS
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
SUMMARY
Additional information will be emailed to you in September. We look forward to seeing you at the 46th Annual H-E-B | Central Market Plano Balloon Festival on September 18, 19, 20, & 21, 2025.
The Festival will open on Thursday afternoon September 18th at 5pm hosting a collaboration with the Plano Symphony Orchestra Big Band. A Glow will take place in conjunction with the concert and we ask that all balloons participate. Dinner will be provided as well as propane, hotel rooms, and volunteer chase crew (if needed). If you are unable to arrive in time to participate in the Thursday night Glow, please note that in the Comments Section of registration.
The Festival will close at 11AM on Sunday, September 21st with no evening activities.