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Volunteer Chase Crew Registration

Each year volunteers sign up to volunteer as crew for Special Shape Hot Air Balloon Pilots. This enables those balloons to have the necessary support during inflation, launch, static display, and glow.
VOLUNTEER MUST BY OVER 18 YEARS OLD

Please click on the link below and it will take you to the Volunteer Chase Crew Registration Form.

Click here to register as volunteer chase crew

Pilot Registration

Each year hot air balloons from across the United States arrive in Plano, Texas to participate in the H-E-B | Central Market Plano Balloon Festival. Throughout the history of this annual event, local, regional, national and international hot air balloons have participated in this family friendly festival.

Registration for this year’s festival is now open

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 both the Home2 Suites and Hampton Inn & Suites, which are located near each other. Both hotels will provide King & Double Queen accommodations.

The Home2 Suites is located at 401 Wynhurst Dr, Plano, Texas 75074
The Hampton Inn & Suites is located at 2813 E. President George Bush Highway, Plano, Texas 75074.

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 links below.

Home2 Suites - Home2 Suites Additional Crew Room Booking Link

The $107 rate is available until August 28th.

Hampton Inn & Suites - Hampton Inn & Suites Additional Crew Room Booking Link
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

Please email pilots@planoballoonfest.org if you are interested in bringing your special shape to this year’s festival.

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.

Pilot Registration

Click on the link below to register for the 2025 Festival.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

If you have any questions, do not wish to remain on the invitation list, or are no longer ballooning, please send an email to pilots@planoballoonfest.org and indicate 'Remove From Invitation List' so you won't receive future correspondence about the festival.