800.253.2224

707.944.0228

About Napa Valley Balloons, Inc.

Our Pilots

The combined experience of the Napa Valley Balloons, Inc. pilots is well over 19,000 hours of flight in just hot air balloons alone, putting you in the hands of the most experienced balloon piloting staff in the Napa Valley. Napa Valley Balloons, Inc has been seen on Oprah, Today the Travel Channel…. Our commitment to safety and excellence even met the strict security criteria for Chelsea Clinton who joined Napa Valley Balloons, Inc for a morning of ballooning with pilot Bob Swanson above the beautiful Napa Valley. When going ballooning fly with best…. Come fly with us!

Kim Kleist, Pilot and co-owner of Napa Valley Balloons, Inc. – with flight time of 5000 hours Pilot in Command. “I’m one of the fortunate ones that has turned a passion into a profession. I have enjoyed sharing my knowledge and skill with our guests in the adventures of ballooning for over sixteen years. I have flown extensively throughout the Western United States and have had the opportunity to fly in Europe as well.”

Bob Swanson, Pilot – “I started flying commercially and instructing for Life Cycle Balloon School in Colorado, then moved on to fly a commercial logo balloon through out the western United States. Besides flying for NVB Inc, I travel and fly extensively for the prestigious Buddy Bombard’s Europe balloon trips. In the Napa Valley I have flown several notable people and am dedicated to sharing my 30 years of experience and knowledge with passengers by giving them the best flight I can that day.”

Gabe Gundling, Pilot – “My passion for ballooning started as a young boy when my sister and I used to run out into my parent’s field, as the balloons were flying over, with a sign that said ‘BALLOONS LAND HERE’. That sign needed to work only once before I decided to forget the fireman’s career and become a balloon pilot. My fascination with balloons waned during my teen years when the early mornings and the attempts at being cool kept me from balloons. After graduating from college I went to work for Napa Valley Balloons, Inc. as a chase crew. (Isn’t that what you do when you graduate with a Degree in History?) As a crew member, whenever there was room in the balloon, I jumped in and got flight time. I eventually went to flight school, earned my own pilot’s license, bought a small balloon for fun flights, but continued to acquire time in the bigger balloons at NVB, Inc. My dream has come true and I am enjoying flying our passengers and making new friends from all over the world. I guess I was born to fly

Ken Custis, Pilot – Commercial Hot Air Balloon Pilot since 1986 with over 3500 Pilot in Command hours in Hot Air Balloons and Helicopters (U.S Army). “I took my first Hot Air Balloon Ride in 1980 and was immediately hooked (we should post a warning that “flying may be addictive”). Due to work (yes – a real job) and a transfer to the Midwest I was not able to complete my license requirements until 1986. I have now flown in all the States west of the Mississippi River (except Alaska), and have found the Napa Valley the most beautiful. I have flown for Napa Valley Balloons, Inc. since 1987. I enjoy sharing our sunrises, pointing out wineries and historical sites, providing a little history of the Napa Valley, and sharing the beauty of the Napa Valley with my passengers.”

Daniel Claudon, Pilot and California native. “I started flying airplanes at 16yrs old. I have flown balloons commercially for 20yrs in 6 different countries. I lived and piloted in Africa for ten years where I thought I would live forever but a baby boy for my 50th birthday present brought about different priorities. I have been a single full time dad back in the states since he was one year old. He is now 5 1/2 and the only thing I have ever found I love more than flying! For a midlife crisis he’s more fun than a red corvette and never needs waxing! My motto? Life is too short for a full time job as there is no luggage rack on the hearse!
Like all pilots who currently work for Napa Valley Balloons I bring a wealth of experience, a duty to care, and 100% safety record.I have had to wait many years to get a chance to work for my first choice in Napa Valley. It is a company dedicated to a positive safe experience and the owners value all their employees highly which makes going to work at 5am easy!
I look forward to providing you with a safe memory which will last a lifetime!”

Office Staff and Crew

Susan – She’s the “nuts and bolts” of our operation (as quoted by husband Kim Kleist, pilot and owner). Susan is our office manager and group sales specialist. You may ask for her regarding any special events you are planning – she’s always available to take your reservation.

Sue – Our bookkeeper extraordinaire and a great reservationist! Sue is an expert with our books – but will stop what she is doing to speak with you and help in making your reservation.

Jayne – Jayne is the best at helping you make your reservations and providing lots of other information that will help you enjoy your stay in the valley. If you call during the weekend and she has to put you on hold, be patient, she is all by herself and will get back to you as soon as she can. Jayne is the perfect fit to our office staff and you will enjoy working with her, we sure do.

“The Chase Crew & Staff“ – the best in the business!