About Air Addiction

Air Addiction Balloon Company was established in 2004 by John and Tracy Jensen. John got started in hot-air ballooning in 1996, as part of the chase crew for many friends James Gebhart, Brian Seymour, and Gary Miklus. In 2001, John & Tracy attended the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta and was hooked, John started training to become a hot air balloon pilot in 2002. Since then John has flown hot-air balloons all over the country and has logged over 400 hours as pilot-in-command. In 2005, John was champion of the National Balloon Classic. John and his wife Tracy live in Indianola, Iowa, and have great pride in Air Addiction Balloon Company. They are eager to share their passion and enthusiasm for the sport of hot-air ballooning with you.

History of Hot Air Ballooning

The sport of Hot Air Ballooning started in France in 1783 by the Mongolfia brothers. The two brothers were paper makers and were intrigued by how smoke and fire lifted small pieces of paper. So they began making small balloons, lighting them, and chasing them into the countryside. After doing this several times, they decide to attach a cage to a small balloon and they sent a sheep, a chicken, and a goose up into the countryside. Shortly after the animals survived their first flight, the first man was sent up in a balloon. Modern day hot-air ballooning became popular during the 1960's in the United States.