The Balloonatics: A High-Flying Adventure with Craig Elliott

NATIONWIDE - DECEMBER 2025 - (USAnews.com) It’s an experience few could imagine. The wind, a gentle breeze; the sky, an endless canvas. In the basket of a hot air balloon, you drift upwards, your heart racing as the world below grows smaller. It’s that first moment of lifting off the ground, the faint feeling of unease that quickly turns into exhilaration. For Craig Michael Elliott, it was a moment that changed everything.

The Beginning of a Skyward Journey

In 1976, fresh out of high school, Elliott had no idea that a simple invitation to join a local hot air balloon crew would chart the course of his life. The balloon ride, which began with trepidation, quickly turned into a passion, and that first flight sparked a career that would span more than four decades. Craig’s story, told in his memoir The Balloonatics, is a collection of hilarious and heartwarming tales that take readers on a thrilling ride through the highs and lows of hot air ballooning.

Elliott’s journey began humbly in Michigan, where he joined the Balloon Corporation of America. Over the years, he became not just a passenger, but a full-fledged pilot. “I was sweating bullets by the time we lifted off, feeling a little faint,” Craig recalls in the opening lines of his memoir. “But that subsided, and almost instantly I felt exhilarated and enthralled. Everything below began getting smaller and smaller till it looked like one of those model cities with the miniature train set running through it... this is awesome!”

From that moment, Elliott was hooked, and the skies became his canvas. He went on to pilot more than 68 different balloons over his career, completing over 2,600 flights, and sharing the wonder of flight with over 14,000 passengers. His career is a testament to the magic and madness of hot air ballooning, a world filled with joy, adventure, and unexpected moments.

From The Skies to the Page

Craig Elliott’s memoir The Balloonatics isn’t just a collection of flight logs. It’s a rich tapestry of humor, mishaps, and unforgettable characters. One of the most riveting parts of the book is his recounting of his time flying alongside World Hot Air Balloon Champion Capt. Phogg, and navigating the occasional danger that comes with flying at altitudes where the only thing separating you from a long drop is a handful of hot air.

In one of the more heart-stopping moments, Elliott narrowly avoids a collision with an observatory tower. His story is filled with moments of tension, quick decisions, and the camaraderie of fellow balloonists. Yet, throughout it all, there’s an ever-present sense of awe, the kind of awe only a hot air balloon can offer.

Despite the occasional turbulence, Elliott’s career is punctuated by the thrill of the open sky. He recalls with fondness the many balloon festivals he participated in across the U.S., where he competed in events like The Great Preakness Balloon Race, the National Balloon Rally, and the famous Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. These events offered not just a chance to showcase skill but a place to meet others who shared the same passion for flight and adventure.

Why The Balloonatics is a Must-Read

What makes The Balloonatics unique is how it blends humor with adventure. Hot air ballooning is often seen as serene, almost magical, but as Elliott shows, the reality is far from it. There are stories of being caught in unpredictable weather, narrowly avoiding mishaps, and dealing with everything from faulty equipment to the joys of opening over 6,000 bottles of celebratory champagne after each successful flight.

But beyond the technicalities of ballooning, it’s Elliott’s warmth, humor, and touch of mischief that makes this book an absolute delight. His storytelling is engaging, painting pictures of the many characters and passengers he met along the way, many of whom he took on unforgettable sky-high adventures. The joys and struggles of a career spent in the air have been documented in a way that is both entertaining and enlightening.

For those who’ve always dreamed of soaring among the clouds, The Balloonatics offers a rare, inside look at the life of a hot air balloon pilot. For those who enjoy adventure with a dose of humor, it’s a story that will keep you laughing from start to finish. Craig Elliott’s memoir invites readers to experience the world from a bird’s eye view, and it’s a ride worth taking.

A Legacy of Flight and Fun

Now retired, Elliott lives on a small farm in Michigan, where he spends his days raising chickens and tending to his garden. However, his life in the skies continues to captivate, with The Balloonatics serving as a testament to a life well-lived and a career that defied gravity. As he reflects on his four decades as a balloonist, Craig still speaks with the same enthusiasm he had as a young man in 1976. “There’s nothing like it. It’s freedom, it’s adventure, and it’s a whole lot of fun.”

Today, the world may not see as many hot air balloons dotting the sky, but the spirit of adventure remains alive in the pages of The Balloonatics. Craig Elliott’s story is a reminder that sometimes, taking a leap of faith, whether into the air or into the unknown, can lead to a life full of remarkable experiences.

Join the Adventure

For those looking to experience the thrills and humor of a life spent in the clouds, Craig Elliott’s The Balloonatics is available now. Whether you’re an armchair adventurer or an aspiring balloonist, this memoir will take you on a ride you won’t soon forget. It’s a book for anyone who’s ever looked up at the sky and wondered what it would be like to soar among the clouds.

Get your copy today and join The Balloonatics for an unforgettable adventure! Visit The Balloonatics Website to learn more.