Hello, I’m Amanda Brodbeck, a fun-loving and adventurous hot air balloon pilot. I’ve had a passion for ballooning for as long as I can remember. Growing up in Denver, Colorado, I was always captivated by the magical sight of hot air balloons dotting the sky. My journey into ballooning began with a special flight my mother gifted me on my 8th birthday, and from that moment, I knew this was my calling.
Over the years, I became a regular on chase crew teams, learning the ropes and immersing myself in the world of ballooning. In 2018, I purchased my first balloon—a beautiful green one with a tiger swallowtail butterfly on the side—and began my training. Initially, I balanced ballooning with my career as an engineer, flying every chance I got. However, my true passion for ballooning led me to a significant career shift.
An unexpected opportunity arose when Cameron Wall, a chief pilot, invited me to Las Vegas for a video shoot. Although skeptical at first, I decided to take the chance, and it turned out to be a pivotal moment in my career. I fell in love with flying large balloons, which felt like a party bus in the sky. This experience solidified my decision to pursue ballooning full-time, and I eventually quit my engineering job to obtain my commercial license under Cameron’s mentorship.
Today, I am proud to be the US Women’s National Hot Air Balloon Champion and the top-ranked female pilot in the United States. Ballooning has allowed me to travel extensively and experience the beauty of the world from a unique perspective. Some of my favorite places to fly include the Swiss Alps, Valley of the Gods in Utah, and Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Currently, I am a part of Seattle Ballooning, where we offer unforgettable hot air balloon rides in Washington State. One of the highlights of my career has been flying in front of the majestic Mt. Rainier, providing breathtaking views and unforgettable experiences for our passengers. These hot air balloon flights are truly special, capturing the essence of the Pacific Northwest’s natural beauty.
Beyond ballooning, I have a wide range of hobbies that keep me active and inspired. I love dancing, mountain biking, rock climbing, riding unicycles, creating art, traveling, cooking, scuba diving, bird watching, and paragliding. My greatest passion, however, is connecting with people. I believe that everyone is a friend waiting to be made, and I cherish the opportunity to meet new individuals and learn about their passions.
Ballooning is more than just a profession for me; it’s a way to bring joy and wonder to others. The sight of a hot air balloon can brighten someone’s day from miles away, and I am grateful to be a part of this magical experience. Thank you for joining me on this incredible journey.