Alan Zielinski, a veteran balloonist from the Chicago area, has spent more than four decades immersed in the world of hot air ballooning, becoming one of the region’s longest-serving pilots in the sport. A Niles native, Zielinski began flying in the early 1970s, initially as a fixed-wing pilot, and later became a prominent figure in local ballooning communities, particularly in northern Illinois.

Zielinski’s introduction to ballooning was not immediate. Although exposed to aviation early—his father led aviation supply at the Glenview Naval Air Station—his first hot air balloon experience came only in the late 1970s during a family visit. Initially skeptical of ballooning, which was then poorly regulated and viewed by many fixed-wing pilots as a disruption, he quickly developed a passion for what he describes as a “pioneering” form of flight that emphasizes skill, control, and connection with natural elements.

In the early 1980s, Zielinski became part of a budding ballooning hub centered around Fox River Grove, Illinois, where a small group of pilots launched from a site known as the “bowl” at the base of the Norge Ski Jump. This location offered a unique venue for balloonists, combining commercial flights and a home base for private pilots. For roughly 25 years, the Fox River Grove balloon community thrived, noted for its camaraderie and vibrant gatherings, which included tailgate parties and multi-generational participation. However, as urban development, shifting weather patterns, and evolving land use limited viable landing areas, the local ballooning scene began to wane by the late 1990s.

Despite the decline of the local group, Zielinski has continued to advance the sport beyond Illinois. He has played a key role in developing safety protocols and educational programs throughout the Midwest and holds the distinction of being the sole federally designated pilot examiner for balloonists across the Great Lakes region. Alongside his certification duties, he remains active as a flight instructor for both balloon and fixed-wing pilots, operating out of Chicago Executive Airport and balancing these roles with managing a family-owned remodeling business.

Zielinski is a regular participant in the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, the world’s largest ballooning event, marking this year his 43rd consecutive attendance. He often attends with his son, Justin, who is following in his footsteps as an aspiring balloon pilot and flight instructor. Together, they are working on establishing a balloon club at Aurora Municipal Airport, aiming to revive interest in ballooning through community flights and educational outreach.

While ballooning in the Chicago area has not regained its earlier prominence, other parts of Illinois continue to host annual balloon events, and the state maintains an estimated 150 active balloonists. Nationally, the ballooning industry appears to be experiencing renewed interest, according to experts, with more individuals seeking certification and younger generations expressing curiosity.

For Zielinski, ballooning embodies a unique blend of adventure, precision, and connection to the environment. Reflecting on the experience, he describes it as a moment removed from time, where one can gaze upon the Earth from above, listen to the wind, and feel entirely airborne until the inevitable return to the ground. This enduring sense of wonder continues to fuel his commitment to the sport and to fostering its growth for the future.