The TEAM

OUR Pilots

Our pilots are FAA licensed commercial balloon pilots and flight instructors. Pilots attend safety seminars annually, ensuring they are at the top of their game and involved in the ballooning community. All flights are at the discretion of the pilot, with special consideration to wind and weather.

Find out more about each of our pilots.

Damien Mahony Owner and Chief Pilot

Damien started his career in the commercial balloon business in 1999 and hasn’t looked back. As Crew Chief for Orlando Florida’s Blue Water Balloons, he gained experience on the ground before becoming a pilot himself. Over the years, he’s flown thousands of hours and entertained countless passengers; making a name for himself flying the largest hot air balloon in the US while acting as GM and Chief Pilot for Orlando Balloon Rides. Damien has flown balloons all over the country, however, nothing compares to flying the Black Hills. Damien hails from County Kildare, Ireland

Pat Schmidt Pilot

Originally from the picturesque Finger Lakes Region of upstate New York, Pat brings a remarkable level of expertise to our team with over 3,000 hours of hot air ballooning experience. His extensive aviation background spans the entire United States, where he has piloted everything from unique special shape balloons to massive 425,000-cubic-foot passenger balloons. In addition to his impressive ballooning resume, Pat also holds a helicopter rating. Pat’s journey to the Black Hills began several years ago when Damien invited him to fly in the Custer area. He immediately fell in love with the region’s breathtaking landscapes, abundant wildlife, and welcoming local community.

Kay West Pilot

Kay began flying balloons in 1988 attaining both a private and commercial pilot license that year. Her introduction to ballooning started as crew and photographer. Over the years, she has accumulated over 2000 hours, trained many students – both private and commercial, and holds the distinction of Balloon Federation of America Master Flight Instructor. In addition to flying and training, Kay is the FAA Designated Examiner in the State of South Dakota, and has been since 1999.

Co-founder and promoter of The Stratobowl historic balloon event since 2010. The focus of the event is to bring awareness to the high altitude balloon flights in the 1930s that contributed to the exploration of space.

Ballooning has been a part of her family for over thirty years currently with ten pilots in her family with the odds of women versus men at fifty-fifty. She continues to support ballooning side-by-side with her husband Mark West, former President, Aerostar International, Inc, flying with Black Hills Balloons when needed throughout the year.

Don Edwards Pilot

With 3,100 flight hours and counting, Don’s experience flying 30 states, 7 countries, and 4 continents, will keep you safe and entertained with stories from his years of flying. A balloon event expert, he’s flown in over 200 events worldwide; recently retiring as Event Director for the famous Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, but enjoys flying the Black Hills in the Summer. Don enjoys spending time in Alaska, Georgia, and everywhere in between. Ask him about all the amazing special shape balloons he’s had the privilege of flying over the years.

OUR Crew

Crew Crew Chief, Chris (with dog, Caulker), Hunter, Mark, Blaze, Elijah (former Crew Chief), and Dan

You’ll never meet A happier bunch at sunrise. A mixed group of outdoor-loving, laughing, reliable locals, friends, and family, that we couldn’t do without. Most of our crew have been around balloons for years – it’s in their blood. These jokesters will surprise you with their early morning energy, goofy antics, and passion for the sport. Don’t let them fool you, they’re a huge part of why flying with Black Hills Balloons will be something you’ll never forget.

If you’re local, fit, enjoy early mornings, and are looking to get into hot air ballooning, let us know! We can always use a new crew member or two, and love introducing the sport to new friends.

Chris Myers Crew Chief

Chris is our man on the ground! Always joking with the crew or taking photo’s for passengers, his management style keeps the team working together, running safely and efficiently. Recently diving in head-first, he’s currently a student pilot; scheduling flight lessons whenever possible, all while studying weather and the written knowledge needed to become a pilot. He’s also an apprentice to Keely and Damien, working on his certification with the FAA to become a Repairman under Black Hills Balloons in-house hot air balloon repair station, Prairie Sky. He’s super handy, meticulous, and always sprucing up the vans, or working on the trailers and fans to keep the us in the air. It’s a tough job, and we’re lucky to have him!

Charlie Delta Our Official Greeter

Our working dog has the life. Charlie Delta (from the Aviation Phonetic Alphabet: Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Delta..), is a charcoal labrador. Born into the sport, she’s rarely impressed by the balloons; preferring a good game of launch field fetch instead. She greets Black Hills Balloons passengers each morning and spends her days hiking, overseeing the FAA repair station, and sleeping on the job.

our Balloons

Hot air balloon safety is our highest priority. We proudly fly equipment built by top industry manufacturers, Aerostar International, Lindstrand USA and Ultramagic Balloons.

Our sturdy, well-maintained equipment has your safety and comfort in mind. Larger balloons like ours, have compartments with high sides; providing a sturdy wall to lean on when taking photos and enjoying the view. Passengers feel safe and secure when onboard our partitioned and padded baskets. Each compartment carries 2-3 passengers, giving freedom to move and the opportunity to share conversation and photos with other compartment guests. The baskets are designed to create the safest, most convenient, and most comfortable experience for all.

Typically piloted by Damien, the Chief Pilot and Owner, 'Drifter' is the largest in the fleet - at 275,000 cubic feet of volume / airspace. The balloon was built in Spain by UltraMagic Balloons and is the largest balloon in South Dakota.

Ozzy was built in Illinois by Lindstrand USA. At 260,000 cubic feet of volume, it is the second largest balloon in the fleet.

Meet Puff, the "baby" of our fleet. At 120,000 cubic feet, it’s our go-to balloon for intimate private flights or whenever we need just a little extra room on the schedule. And speaking of babies, here’s a fun fact: Puff was built by Head Balloons in Helen, Georgia, by seamstresses who used to sew Cabbage Patch Kids. Hello, '80s/90s kids!? (Adoption papers not included).

fun fact

Each of the balloons was named via a social media competition where hundreds of names were submitted, narrowed down, and voted for by friends of the business and social media followers.

Puff – the smallest of the fleet – was named in 2019.

Drifter and Ozzy were built and named in 2022.

The three look very similar but vary slightly. Besides being built by three different manufacturers, Ozzy features two blues, Drifter features two shades of green, and Puff features a lighter purple. Making them easily identifiable by crew from the ground.

HALL OF FAME

The Hall of Fame at Black Hills Balloons celebrates the people who shaped our skies and preserved our ballooning heritage. Mike and Steve exemplify that legacy. After visiting years ago, Mike fell in love with the Black Hills and now returns each summer to fly, bringing thousands of hours of ballooning experience, dry English humor, and unforgettable stories (including one featuring Michael Jackson). An old friend and part of the family, he joyfully shares both the sky and his passion with all who fly alongside him.

Steve, the founder and original owner of Black Hills Balloons, is a true icon of the Custer area and the heart of our history. With more than 30 years flying the Black Hills, and adventures spanning Central America and Africa, including Victoria Falls. His knowledge and stories are legendary. Together, Mike and Steve represent the spirit, tradition, and enduring love of flight that define Black Hills Balloons.