These comments are all unsolicited, and reflect the joy and wonder that flying with
Smoky Mountain Balloon Adventures has brought into some of our passengers lives !

    October 24, 2009

    Dear Jeff and Debbie,

    It's Dave and Wendy from a damp and dreary Somerset, England mailing to say a big THANK YOU for our amazing balloon ride on 2nd October.

    We thoroughly enjoyed it, especially as Dave arranged it for my birthday and kept it a secret from me until the night before. And then when 'Happy Birthday' was sung way up high, it made it a moment to remember.

    So thank you Jeff and Debbie for making our holiday special and one to be remembered.

    With very best wishes

    Dave and Wendy
    Somerset, England
    (Dave and Wendy flew with two friends from their home towm in England, and were really fun passengers !)

    December 13, 2008

    Dear Jeff,

    Thank you very much !

    We had an awesome weekend. You and your crew were great.

    We will never ever forget it.

    David
    Dalton, GA.
    (David's flight also included a 2 night Lodging Package at Hidden Mountain Resort)

    August 13, 2008

    Jeff,

    Thank you so very much for a memorable experience with our hot air balloon ride! We loved our stay in Tennessee so much that we purchased a time share!

    Perhaps we’ll see you again!

    Linda
    Palmyra, Pennsylvania

    December 14, 2007 - A Proposal Flight, and she said YES !!

    Dear Jeff and Josh,

    I want to thank you for the great experience my new fiancee' Shannon and I had with Smoky Mountain Balloon Adventures ! I know that she was thrilled as well as myself. I also know that it would not have been possible to ask her to marry me without all of your help.

    You definitely acted as professionals, and knew what you were doing with the balloon, but at the same time were very personable and made us feel very comfortable. Thank you Jeff for your cooperation while I was 'down on one knee'.

    Thank you for your honesty and integrity as well. I checked my credit card statement and found the exact amount I said to charge (including the tip for Josh) on there as well.

    I know that all of Shannon's friends could not believe that we went on a hot air balloon ride, so I might have steered some more business your way.

    Again, thank you so much and have a Merry Christmas. I will let you know when the date is set !

    Daniel
    Canton, Georgia

    October 4, 2006

    November 14,2007

    Jeff and Josh,

    We had a great flight. Carol thought it was the best birthday present she's ever had and considering it was her 51st, that makes ballooning pretty special.

    Thanks for helping make it a great day for both of us.

    Bob
    Knoxville, Tennessee

    October 4, 2006

    Hi Jeff,

    Just had to send you a little note and tell you how much we enjoyed our balloon flight last Monday night. It could not have been better.

    I got some great pictures. Now we want to go here at home because it would be fun to see things that we know where they are.

    Even the landing there at Remus and Katherine's house was worth the trip - what great down home kind of people. I bet that is really interesting for you landing at different people's property etc...

    We had a wonderful time on our vacation down there and after only being home 2 days we are ready to come back. This coming back to the real world is the pits.

    Anyway, thank you again. It was FANTASTIC!

    Pam
    Wakarusa, Indiana

    August 6, 2006

    Jeff,

    I just wanted to let you know that we had a great time last Sunday. The kids even said that if we ever came back they wanted to do a balloon ride again!

    My neighbor will be in Gatlinburg next year with his whole family, so we are passing along your brochures.

    Thanks again for a fun ride!

    Susan
    Gaithersburg, Maryland

    June 11, 2006

    Jeff,

    The flight was everything I thought it would be. Thank you for making a "little girl's dream" (a middle-aged woman) become an adventure.

    I had the role of film that I finished developed as soon as I got back to Dalton, I am sending a couple of the good ones.

    I have all ready spread the word to everyone that this was an adventure we all should make at least once in a life time. Perhaps I can make it a special annual event - maybe different times of the year so the view will change with the seasons. Maybe I could train to be a part of the crew and work weekends to earn flights. How's that for a dream?

    Thanks again for the ride, it was such an amazingly peaceful & graceful experience.

    Rhonda
    Dalton, GA.

    May 8, 2006

    We want to thank you again for the beautiful flight. It was one of those 'take your breath away' experiences which we will treasure for our lifetime.

    I was not very talkative because I was just starting to recover from a serious illness and I was very weak the morning of the flight. If it seemed as though we did not enjoy ourselves, that was not the case at all. We had a wonderful time and I feel blessed to have felt well enough to take the flight.

    You are a wonderful pilot and you made the whole experience fantastic. We will tell everyone we know about you and the flight, and we will highly recommend you.

    I will be taking all of the pictures we took to the homeless shelter where I started a Preschool last fall. The children will love seeing the balloon and learning about it and the flight. We will plan to make a hot air balloons for our art project.

    Thank you again, Jeff ! It was fabulous !!!!!!

    Rick and Rebecca
    Indiana, USA

    May 5, 2005

    "10 years ago we had a dream of getting married in a hot air balloon, but we soon realized that the dream was not going to come true in our home country of England. So, in the pre-internet days of 1994, all we could do was reach for the phone and hope. Fortunately Jeff Lansdown was at the other end of that phone, and he made our dreams come true.

    The support he gave us was way beyond what any other company would do. He organized nothing short of the perfect wedding day. I think it says a lot that ten years on, we both think about our balloon flight every day, and still delight in telling people our story.

    I don't know whether you ever see David Case who took photographs at our wedding, but if you do tell him that we often look at his pictures, and one has pride of place on our living room wall. Also, someone who worked with you kindly took our video camera to film the proceedings, and did a fantastic job. It's now been turned into a DVD, so we can continue to enjoy our day.

    We always said that we would come back for another flight for our 10th anniversary, but we now have 3 children, the youngest is only 8 months old, and we couldn't leave them for as long as we'd like to be away. Hopefully you will still be around in another 10 years!

    I can't believe that 10 years has passed, and we thank you for giving us a truly memorable best day of our lives.

    Thanks to Jeff and colleagues for a wonderful start to our married life, and if you're ever in this part of the world, please look us up! "

    Andrew & Tracey Collins
    London, England

    April 21, 2005

    (this was a Flight-with-a-Hop for 13 high school science students, during which they took atmopspheric readings for a class project)

    Dear Jeff,

    "Thanks for the wonderful trip on Tuesday, April 19th. The students and I appreciate you and Mike for taking such good care of us. We had an amazing time and the small communities of Charleston and Calhoun will not stop talking about the flight.

    Your company got some extra attention in the local papers. I have enclosed some clippings from the Athens and the Cleveland newspapers. The front page coverage is PHENOMENAL !!

    We hope to see you again next spring."

    Luajean Bryan
    Walker Valley High School
    Cleveland, Tennessee

    October 1, 2004

    Dear Jeff and Nick,

    Once again we must tell you what a priviledge and immense pleasure it was to meet you and share the ballooning experience. A truly professional, yet personal, adventure. Thank you for a wonderul memory. And a great story for all who want to hear!!

    Nick - Good luck in your future endeavors. You are certainly a hard worker and a boon to Jeff.

    Thanks again.

    Jack and 'Cookie' Robertson
    Aurora, Illinois

    June 23, 2003

    Hi Jeff,

    I would just like to take this opportunity to thank you again for the very enjoyable balloon flight. Everyone certainly had a good time and the weather was terrific... I took about 60 pictures.

    I think you have a beautifully colored balloon and we plan on flying with you again, maybe this fall.

    Thanks again...

    Earl Keith
    Greeneville, Tennessee

    June 17, 2003

    Hey Jeff,

    How are you? Just wanted to say thank you very much from myself and the wife for an excellent experience with the Hot Air Balloon ride on June 17th.

    I'd like to type some more but we are really busy on base right now. Please say hi and thank you also to Bo (CHASE ONE)....SEMPER FI !!!

    Take care of yourself and I am definitely spreading the word of your business.

    Thank you again and God Bless America!!!

    Javier Calderin
    Weston, Florida

    June 16, 2003

    Jeff,

    We want to thank you very much for the GREAT balloon ride. It was really unique, and we will always remember it. We watched the video last night, and the picture was really bright and clear. The shot you took of Peg and I turned out really good. We appreciate all that you and Bo did to make our ride so enjoyable.

    I'll definitely recommend a ride in your balloon to our friends. Thank you again for everything.

    Tom and Peg Henretty
    Suwanee, Georgia

    May 2, 2003

    Hi Jeff,

    Just wanted to drop you a line and thank you again for a wonderful day. We love the area so much that we are seriously considering buying some land to build on. Even if that doesn't pan out, we think it would be great to own some land and have a nice vacation spot.

    Could you tell us if your friend the realtor has a website, or what agency he works for? We are interested in a piece of property like yours, away from the neighbors!

    Anyhow, thank you again, we really enjoyed the tour and your company, you really went the extra mile for us and we truly appreciate it.

    sincerely,

    Ken and Shari
    McHenry, Illinois

    March 26, 2003

    Dear Jeff & crew

    I wanted to write and thank you for taking my mother and sister up on March 16th.

    They both really enjoyed the chance to go up in the balloon and were very impressed with your willingness to include the whole family in the process of preparing for the flight.

    In fact your allowing our mom to operate the burner (under pilot supervision of course) has got her hooked....she said she is "ready to go again!"

    Thank you for gving them both an experience that they will talk about for years to come.

    Sincerely,

    Melinda Seader
    Bloomington, Indiana

    August 21,2002

    We spent 8 days in the Smoky Mountains and did all the standard things -- national park, Dollywood, even had bears in our driveway, but nothing compared to Jeff's balloon flight.

    We wanted to do something special while we were there and being 50 years old and had never done this before, we were a little nervous, but Jeff's personality and professionalism put us at ease.

    This was the most exciting and beautiful experience of a lifetime. To take a flight early in the morning over such beautiful landscape was unbelievable.

    We videotaped our experience from setup to landing and all of our friends were amazed with the video and never thought that we would do this.

    Thanks to Jeff & Don for making a very memorable day for us in the Smoky Mountains. We will never forget it.

    Anybody a little adventurous should do this.

    Kathy & Frank Carlton
    Sauk Village, Illinios.

    June 10,2002

    Jeff,

    Thank you so much for helping to make my 60th birthday flight a wonderful experience !!

    A hot air balloon ride was something I had always wanted to do.

    Son-in-law Larry and grandaughters Amanda and Katie had great fun, too.

    Can not wait to do it again.

    Thanks !!

    Suzie Kyle
    Indianapolis, Indiana

    June 7, 2002

    I took an engagement flight with Smoky Mountain Balloon Adventures.

    It was wonderful !!

    I was very nervous about my proposal, but Jeff and his crew were very helpful and flexible. He even presented me with some great ideas and an alternate plan. She said yes and everything went great !!

    Jeff and his crew were very professional. We will be back for an anniversary flight, no doubt.

    Thanks Jeff for helping to make my dreams come true.

    Denny Brown
    Chattanooga, Tennessee

    June 8,2001

    Jeff,

    "Wanted to tell you again how very much I enjoyed the hot air balloon ride on May 18, 2001. I've wanted to do it for many years, and the doing it was even better than the anticipation. My son and daughter (who accompanied her on the flight) indulge and spoil me."

    "When inflated, your balloon was a wonderful sight. I was most interested in the setting up procedure and then how quickly you stowed it all at the end of the ride. I could tell - you've done it a few times."

    I also enjoyed the post-flight ceremony, with the portable table complete with tablecloth, wine glasses and chilled champagne. Also a bit of balloon history, most interesting. My 'official aeronaut' certificate is framed for all who visit me to see."

    "Please tell Joe (our crew chief) hello for me. He is a very good chaser, and must know the backroads and shortcuts like the back of his hand."

    I have to tell you, going once makes me want to go again, and again, and again."

    "Thanks you and Joe once again for a most memorable morning."

    sincerely,

    Fran Truex
    Knoxville, Tennessee

    November 2, 2000

    Jeff & Joe,

    "Thanks so much for making Lee's 50th birthday a wonderful experience. It was fun and exciting for us and for our friends. The dulcimer music made it even more special, and being able to drop the carnations in memory of a very dear elderly friend was very important to us".....

    "Thanks for helping me surprise my birthday guy! After 29 years of marriage (11/6/2000) that has happened on very few occasions".....

    "Lee has always wanted to ride in a hot air balloon and doing it in the mountains that he loves was even better. You both made it a wonderful experience!" .....

    "He has not come back to earth yet. He is still talking and already wanting to do it again".....

    "Thanks again and may God bless your flying".

    Brenda Benson
    N. Augusta, South Carolina

    August 20,2000

    "I have been facsinated by the idea of drifting through the sky for as long as I can remember and Jeff made that dream a reality.

    The entire time spent with Smoky Mountain Balloon Adventures, from setting up the balloon to the champagne toast when the flight was over, was one we will never forget."

    "I think I'm hooked."

    Dave Sanders
    Davie, Florida

    April 29, 2000

    Hi Jeff,

    "We had a great time at Blackberry Farm, and the balloon ride was a highlight. Enjoyed the flight and also meeting you...."

    "You don't need testimonials, but I would like to say that I think you are very professional, and run your flights in a very relaxed manner, which displays confidence...."

    Fred F. Martin
    retired manager of the FAA office in Louisville, KY.

    March 27, 2000

    "Just wanted to take a moment and tell you that getting engaged on the balloon ride has set the tone for a great life for Kim and I.  Our October flight has beautiful. 

    We bought our first house and we are planning a September wedding. 

    Jeff, thanks for memorable experience.  We will always remember it."

    Tim Crowley
    Raleigh, North Carolina 

    July 27, 1999

    "My wife and I flew for about 10+ years. I just happened upon your web site while sipping a scotch one afternoon, brings back memories. We do miss our ballooning friends. You were a big part of that.

    For anyone who might read this, Jeff is very good at what he does. He has an excellent reputation. Very safe. We know several of his students. Their abilities in the sky are a direct reflection on Jeff."

    SOFT LANDINGS

    Vinnie

    June 20, 1999

    "I just wanted to thank you and your crew for a memorable Father's Day for both myself and my dad. We are lucky to have you and your business in our area to share such an incredible experience. Each of your crew members were friendly and courteous, and it was evident that they truly loved involving others in their passion for ballooning.

    I would highly recommend anyone to you for a truly professional, enjoyable ballooning experience."

    With gratitude,

    Rick

    September 1, 1998

    "We had never be in a hot air balloon before and were not sure what to expect, but Jeff and Brad were very knowledgeable and friendly. Jeff really knew what he was doing and made us feel comfortable before, during and after the flight.

    The whole experience was a lot of fun and will be something that we won't forget."

    We really enjoyed it and would recommend Smoky Mountain Balloon Adventures to everyone!"

    Josh and Kelly

    January 7, 1998

    "A lifetime of experience in ballooning has provided me with the opportunity to experience many different companies and pilots. I've had the opportunnity to meet and work with many different and wonderful people, and there could be no better group of professional, kind people in any organizational group.

    However, in any group, certain members always stand apart. Jeff Lansdown and Smoky Mountain Balloon Adventures are a perfect combination, joining personablility and professional skill in a manner that has changed my perspective on ballooning permanently.

    The adventurous spirit of the pilot and the skill and friendliness seen throughout the company are second to none. Thank you Jeff Lansdown and Smoky Mountain Balloon Adventures for the best aeronautical experience of my life !!"

    Sara

[Home] [Flight Information and Pricing]
[Passenger Awareness Form] [Services]
[Frequently Asked Questions] [Weather] [Maps]
[Comments] [History] [Guest Book] [Hot Links]


Smoky Mountain Balloon Adventures
Dandridge, TN
Phone: (865)622-1394
Click here to E-mail us for more information

Developed in 1998 for Smoky Mountain Balloon Adventures by my very good friend and technology guru, Rodney Williams.