Western Horizons Hot Air Balloons offers a unique adventure and an opportunity to experience the stunning panoramic views of the Southern Black Hills from one of our beautiful hot air balloons! On our flights, you may see deer, antelope, wild turkeys, waterfowl, and other wildlife while floating above the Cheyenne River Valley, over the mountain tops, through the canyons, or around Lake Angostura. We are a small, privately owned and operated hot air balloon company that believes in personalizing your experience. We pride ourselves on safety, professionalism, and communication. With a combined flight experience of 60+ years, our team of pilots is proud to make your experience a lifelong memory!
OUR PILOTS
Originally from Czechoslovakia, Petra Wilson is an FAA-certified commercial hot air balloon pilot and flight instructor. She is also a U.S. Navy Veteran who has been flying balloons since 2012. Petra is the owner and chief pilot of Western Horizons Hot Air Balloons. When more than one balloon is scheduled to fly in a morning, Dave and/or Rich will fly the additional balloons. When Petra is not flying balloons, she enjoys water skiing, boating, fishing, hiking, downhill skiing, and remodeling houses.
Dave Christensen is an FAA certified commercial hot air balloon pilot, who has been flying hot air balloons since 1984. He and his family have been very involved in ballooning and he is proud to have a daughter that is a third-generation hot air balloon pilot.
Rich Olstad is a fifth generation Fall River County resident and an FAA certified commercial hot air balloon pilot. His vast knowledge of the area suits him well for flying in the Southern Black Hills.