As the sun’s first rays paint the Sandia Mountains in golden hues, there’s no better seat in the world than a wicker basket drifting above Albuquerque’s high desert. I’m Will Fitzpatrick, host of AviateNM, and today I’m thrilled to introduce you to our incredible sponsor: StrangeKind Ballooning—where adventure, freedom, and storytelling take flight.
A Flight Unlike Any Other
At StrangeKind Ballooning, you won’t find cookie-cutter rides or one-size-fits-all itineraries. Founded and flown by genuine thrill-seekers and veterans, StrangeKind blends breathtaking New Mexico vistas with the kind of personal connection you simply can’t replicate on a tour bus.
Whether you’re lifting off for your very first hot air balloon ride or returning to chase a new sunrise, every StrangeKind flight is crafted to spark wonder, forge memories, and leave you craving just one more ascent.
“Born from adventure. Powered by wonder. Flown with heart.” That’s not just a tagline—it’s a promise.
Meet the Visionaries
Adam Bramley — Founder & Pilot
Adam’s passion for the skies goes far beyond the ordinary. With countless hours at the helm of fixed-wing aircraft and hot air balloons, he’s a storyteller at altitude. Every journey with Adam is uniquely tailored: expect laughter, unexpected anecdotes, and a flight path mapped by both expert hands and a visionary heart.
Jacob Rowland — Founder & Pilot
Raised under New Mexico’s boundless skies, Jacob’s bond with ballooning began at birth. An Army veteran, he brings the precision of a military aviator and the warmth of a lifelong New Mexican pilot to each launch. When Jacob’s piloting your flight, you’re not just “taking a ride”—you’re stepping into a story that’s soared for decades.
William Fitzpatrick — Aviation Leader & Advocate
Okay, that’s me! As AviateNM’s host and an unapologetic aviation evangelist, I’ve spent my career lifting general aviation—and pilots—higher than ever before. Partnering with StrangeKind Ballooning feels like the perfect alignment: safety, innovation, and pure adventure rising in unison above the desert floor.
Why StrangeKind Feels So Extraordinary
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Veteran-Owned Integrity: Every element of your flight is infused with the discipline and professionalism you’d expect from a veteran-led team. Safety is never an afterthought—it’s baked into every burner flame and rigging knot.
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Unforgettable Storytelling: From pre-flight chats about local lore to post-landing celebrations, StrangeKind weaves your personal narrative into the very fabric of each adventure.
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Next-Level Experiences: Imagine soaring above the Rio Grande Gorge with a live DJ spinning ambient beats, or celebrating a milestone birthday while drifting among the clouds. Want even more adrenaline? Ask about their race balloon events or skydiving integrations—because the sky was never meant to be ordinary.
From Dawn to Dusk: Crafted for Chasers of Wonder
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Sunrise Solace: There’s something almost mystical about rising before the world stirs. As you ascend, the desert hushes beneath you and the mountains ignite in a symphony of color.
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Desert Winds & Silent Flight: Once you’re aloft, the world falls away. No engines roar—only the gentle hiss of the burner and the whispers of the wind beneath your wings.
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In-Flight Celebrations: Anniversaries, proposals, or simply “because today feels extraordinary”—StrangeKind transforms your special moment into a sky-borne fête.
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DJ Sets Above the Clouds: Yes, you read that right. Feel the beat pulse through the air as you drift, soundtracked by a live set that turns your flight into a party in the sky.
Your Next Adventure Awaits
Whether you’re a seasoned pilot looking to swap yokes for a basket, or a first-timer eager to touch the heights of New Mexico’s sunrises, StrangeKind Ballooning delivers an experience that lingers in your soul long after you land. As AviateNM’s host, I’ve seen my fair share of breathtaking flights—but nothing quite like this.
So let’s write your next story together. Book your StrangeKind adventure today and discover why the best tales begin where the road ends.
Step in. Lift off. Let’s create something unforgettable.
— Will Fitzpatrick
Host, AviateNM
Aviation Leader & Advocate