January 20, 2017

Meet James Lawson of Sky’s the Limit Ballooning Adventures

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to James Lawson.

James, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
For more than 22 years, I with my wife Renee by my side have owned and operated Sky’s the Limit Ballooning Adventures and I’m proud to say that we are a family owned and operated company. I have been flying all types of aircraft since I was 16 years old. I have flown hot air balloons in Mallorca Spain, Hawaii, Tanzania, Africa and Albuquerque, New Mexico. I got my inspiration one night to fly hot air balloons when I noticed one fly over me in the city of Encinitas. I then got my pilot’s certificate and later became an instructor for student pilots that are looking to obtain their pilot’s certification. In addition, I am one of 24 pilots in the nation that is allowed to fly passengers in the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. “It’s not the flying I love so much, its changing the way people think for a moment while they are up in the air.” We will assure you one of the most enjoyable, safe and incredible experiences of a lifetime!

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Growing a business from one balloon to now 5 balloons in our fleet and now flying in 3 different flight locations has had it’s challenges but one obstacle we face is land issues for the Del Mar flight due to the development of homes and shopping plazas. If we continue to lose launch and landing sites due to this then we will no longer be able to fly in Del Mar. For now, we are still able but it may be only a matter of time. This is a sad situation as hot air ballooning has existed there since 1978 and it will be sad to no longer see the beautiful balloons flying there. It is a part of Del Mar and it’s history in San Diego.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Sky’s the Limit Ballooning Adventures – what should we know?
There are some companies out there that are operating without insurance, clean or safe equipment. The difference between us and them is that we have current insurance, and our vans and balloons are impeccably maintained. We take a lot of pride in our balloons and what we do. We value our customers and their safety, you will not be disappointed.

We are family owned and operated and have been in business since 1994. We are proud of all of our 5-star reviews on www.tripadvisor.com and www.yelp.com. Sky’s the Limit Ballooning Adventures offers flights year round.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My crew Eric, Thad, and Nick have been a vital part of my growth in my business. Eric and Thad are my crew managers in San Diego and have been with me for many years. Nick is the crew manager for the Solvang-Santa Barbara flight location and he is also well versed with wine making in the Santa Ynez Valley. We also offer wine tasting tours at this location.

My wife, Renee runs the day to day operations and is the person most people don’t see on the field. She has been a huge part of the success of this business. As the saying goes, “Behind every successful man is a great woman”.

My stepson has also crewed many flights. He is in the aviation industry and now concentrating on becoming a commercial pilot.

My daughters have also flown with me and love the feel of flight so you can say that we are a family who is happiest in the air.

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