About Us

Pilot Matt Lidinsky has been involved in ballooning since the age of six. Matt took his first ride In the EarlyTimes Whiskey Bottle Ballooning and was immediate hooked on ballooning. He has been flying balloons for ten years and has experience flying across the United States. Matt has also flown in China and Canada. Matt has operated Up Up Away Hot Air Balloon Company since 2002 with an excellent safety record. Matt concentrates on providing his passengers with a safe and enjoyable flight and always putting his clients in the spotlight when performing corporate advertising. Matt is a proud member of Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association and the Great Eastern Balloon Association.

Pilot Sally Mazzocchi took her first balloon ride when she was 10 years old with a friend of her father’s. Just four years later, her dad (Nick) bought his second balloon and she quickly fell in love with ballooning, hopping into the basket whenever she was given the opportunity. Sally is a part of the Flying Mazzocchis which includes her father who is also a balloon pilot. Sally has flown throughout the United States. Sally also owns two other balloons Mid-life Crisis and Quarter Life Crisis. Sally is a member of the Balloon Federation of America and serves as a board member on the Great Eastern Balloon Association.

 

We would not be able to do any of our flying without the help of our dedicated crew members.

Maryland/Traveling Crew

                             

Mike Lidinsky is Matt’s father and is usually there on every balloon flight. Mike is currently working on getting his private pilot’s license. Mike has been crewing on balloons since the early 1990s.

Penny Lidinsky is Matt’s mom and has also crewed on balloons since the 1990’s.

Henry Larrick is Matt’s Uncle who enjoys coming out to take part in the ballooning adventures. Henry has traveled with Matt across the country to help out at a variety of hot air balloon events.

Mike Brown has been with us since the start and is known as our chief spotter during balloon flights. Mike has an eagle for spotting the balloon except for when he takes the occasional nap during the chase. Mike is also working on getting his private pilot’s license.Mike owns First Source which specializes in promotional products including signs, banners, screen printing and embroidery. Click here to check out First Source's website.

 

Our Dedicated New Jersey Crew

Carol Taylor is our chief navigator and keeps us from getting lost when traveling around New Jersey. Carol is absolutely the best person we have met in our balloon travels. In addition to being our expert crew in NJ Carol is a great realtor click here to check out her page.

Gary Grumbach is our enthusiastic crew member who you can usually find eager to help out in any way.

Vinny Panico is new to our New Jersey crew and has been a great help. Vinny also operates NJ Tech Medics who created our website. Click here to check out NJ Tech Medics.

 

 

If you have any questions about a hot air balloon ride or would like to book a ride please contact us at (410) 592-6166 or email Flights@MarylandBalloonFlights.com