Sunset over the Blue Ridge Mountains from a hot air balloon

Press & Media

Monticello Country Ballooning in the news

UVA NEWSAssociated PressDaily ProgressALBEMARLE MAGAZINEVA Dogwood
UVA News|June 2025

She paid for her UVA degree by flying hot air balloons. Now it's her full-time job

“If I launch from the same place five days in a row, the altitudes, lighting, cloud cover, passengers, flight path and landing would be a different place. It's so stimulating.”

  • ✓2004 UVA graduate with a degree in Biology and Bioethics
  • ✓Grew up in Keswick, cross country scholarship at Radford before transferring to UVA
  • ✓Custom balloon ordered from a Czech manufacturer with her own design
  • ✓Went full-time ballooning in 2020 after six years in outpatient surgery
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Associated Press / WSET / US News|November 2022

Balloons a Delight for Those in the Sky, Those Who Watch

“I love what I do, and I love sharing it with people...being connected to mother nature, being connected to the weather.”

  • ✓Over 3,000 flight hours logged
  • ✓One of only two senior commercial pilots in the Charlottesville area — both women
  • ✓Women comprise about 20% of Virginia's balloon pilot population
  • ✓Partnership with crew chief Holly Layne, friends since kindergarten
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Daily Progress|January 2025

Hot air balloonist Mandy Baskin is building community in the clouds

“So many of my flights are transcendent.”

  • ✓Feature profile on Mandy's journey from nurse to full-time balloon pilot
  • ✓Photographs by Mike Kropf / Daily Progress via AP
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Albemarle Magazine|Feature Article

Monticello Country Ballooning

“Nothing is as peaceful as drifting over the tree tops in beautiful Albemarle County.”

  • ✓Full-length feature on the ballooning experience in Albemarle County
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VA Dogwood Magazine|Travel Feature

Take to the Skies: These 5 Hot Air Balloon Rides Let You Soar Over Virginia

“Central Virginia's premier hot air ballooning company offering daily sunrise and sunset flights.”

  • ✓Named one of the top 5 balloon ride experiences in Virginia
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Dirt in Your Skirt Podcast|December 2016

Episode 22: Mandy Baskin - Hot Air Balloon Pilot and Only Woman to Compete in All WTM's

“The only woman to have competed in all six years of World's Toughest Mudder.”

  • ✓Discusses dual careers as balloon pilot and nurse
  • ✓Only woman to compete in all six years of World's Toughest Mudder (24-hour obstacle race)
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