Berkshire Balloons has a proud and storied history in our great area. We have been offering hot air balloon rides in the Farmington River Valley and Litchfield Hills since 1981. Our veteran pilot, Robert Zirpolo, started flying hot air balloons in 1980 and then later expanded to learn airplane aviation in 1991.
Robert has been a Designated Pilot Examiner for the Federal Aviation Administration for 10 years and remains an active FAA Safety Team Representative. With more than 5,000 flight hours in balloons and airplanes, Robert also holds the titles of FAA-certified commercial balloon pilot, airline transport pilot, and flight instructor.
US FAA Certified & Fully Insured
We have flown in six countries and participated in several international events. With a perfect safety record and no violations, Berkshire Balloons also has an excellent reputation with the FAA office and other industry organizations.
We are proud to say that Berkshire Balloons has generated plenty of interest over the years, both in Western Connecticut and beyond. We have been the subject of positive news features in The New York Times, Hartford Courant, The Boston Globe, Yankee Magazine, and a variety of travel publications. Bob Wilson from WTNH also joined us for a day in 2008 to film an episode of Bob Wilson’s Roadside Stories.