See the Ozarks Through a

Different Lens

Tours

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Where Our Plans Are Always

"up in the air"

Tours

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Tours

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Tours

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Air Tours

Lower Buffalo River Tour

Experience the Buffalo River and the Ozarks from a fresh perspective with our picturesque airplane tours. Departing from Searcy County Airport in Marshall, AR, the 45-minute tour and 60-minute offer a captivating journey.

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Upper Buffalo River Air Tour

Experience the Upper Buffalo River and the Ozarks from a fresh perspective with our picturesque airplane tours. Departing from Boone County Regional Airport in Harrison, AR, the 60-minute tour offers a captivating journey.

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Photography Flight

Seize this exceptional chance to capture stunning photographs as you glide the Buffalo River and the Ozarks during your personalized 45-minute photography flight. This experience also serves as an excellent method to gain a birds-eye perspective on properties. Maybe you'd like this to be a romantic Sunrise or sunset flight, we can make it happen.

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Meet the Pilot

Burt Ballard

Burt's journey took flight when he received an introductory flight for his 16th birthday, igniting his passion for flying. After earning his private pilot's license at 17, his unwavering dedication to aviation led him to even dream of owning a plane. Although his request to his parents at 19 was denied, his persistence paid off upon retirement when he finally acquired his own aircraft. Now, with 41 years of marriage to Tammy, three children, and four cherished grandkids in South Louisiana, they enjoy visits and memorable experiences together in the Ozarks. Burt's abiding love for flying has inspired him to share the rare opportunity of an extraordinary aviation adventure in the Ozarks.

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Enjoy the Open Air

It was amazing. Burt is a great pilot and tour guide. He is knowledgeable about the Buffalo River area. He is very professional and very personable. We will recommend this tour to our family and friends.

~ S. Ledbetter ~

Explore the Ozarks like never before with Buffalo River Air Tours!! Burt, Tammy, and Jack were very welcoming. Burt's knowledge and experience makes for a comfortable and very enjoyable flight! We will be back!

~ A. Christopher ~

What a wunderful experience! It exceeded all our expectations! We have been exploring the Buffalo River area for 30+ years, and seeing it from the air was really special. Burt was wonderful, thorough, and we felt very safe and in great hands. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!! We will be coming back in the Fall to see the foliage and can't wait.

~ K. Holmes ~

A must!! Burt and Tammy were so sweet and knowledgeable. It was our first time in a plane and let me tell you this flight is BEAUTIFUL!!!! The take off and landing were super smooth as well.

~ M. Wilson ~

The flight was such an amazing experience and the pilot was friendly, super knowledgeable and very informative! I've been bragging about my experience and recommending to everyone.

~ B. Taylor ~

I was asked to do some photography for a soon to be open for business, Buffalo River Air Tours. Let me tell you, this guy is awesome and this idea and future business will be incredible. I am so thankful and blessed to get to do this for Burt. I have flown in several small aircraft over the years and Burt is a great pilot!! This was my first time flying over our local area and over the Buffalo River!! All I can say is WOW!! This was an incredible experience. Now I know there will be some folks that will say, "I go to the river to have peace and quiet not hear an airplane going over." I laugh at that sentiment and opinion as there is far more noise when floating and planes have been flying over the river for more than my 49 years of living and playing on the river. This will open a brand new experience for everyone and will let folks that can not get out on the river have a cherished memory of their time exploring The Buffalo River. As a descendant of 2 families that had land taken away on the Lower River, I fully endorse this future business venture/ adventure.

~ W.D. Nesbitt ~

I have been friends with Burt and Tammy for years and flown with Burt on multiple occasions. Burt loves to help others experience the joy of flying as he has given innumerable discovery flights to youth through the EAA Young Eagles program and is now assisting with the Civil Air Patrol. Safety has never been a concern when flying with him as his abilitites as a pilot and condition of his airplane have always been to the highest standard.

~ M. Stockdale ~

Although the river was low, still breathtaking. Highly recommend Burt Ballard, through Buffalo River Air Tours. He was SO informative & super friendly!! Amazingggg pilot. Will be returning in the fall.

~ S. Smart ~

Burt and Tammy are so wonderful. If you get a chance to spend time with them. Take advantage of it.

~ T. Nelson ~

This was one of the best experiences of my life. Burt, the pilot, was extremely knowledgeable about the geography and history of the places we flew over. He was incredibly friendly and made sure my 75 year old father was able to get in and out of the plane with assistance. I wouldn't have changed one second. It was worth every penny. I will be going on another tour next year during the fall.

~ M. Adkins ~

I have had the pleasure of flying on Buffalo River Air Tours. Burt is the perfect combination of a professional pilot and a knowledgeable, fun tour guide. He does a great job of making you feel comfortable during the flight and giving you a view of the river, you will never forget. Plus, if you have questions, he can give you answers. I can almost guarantee you two things from a trip, big smiles, and great memories. This earns a 5 Star Rating.

~ B. King ~

Our Buffalo Air Tours experience surpassed all expectations! Burt warmly welcomed us and made us feeel safe and comfortable from the very beginning. We had never flown in such a small plane, but Burt shared his knowledge and expertise so that we understood readily what might otherwise be baffling and so settled right in for this fantastic flight. Although we have hiked the Buffalo from Ponca to Pruitt and floated a bit of that stretch, Burt's knowledge of the area enhanced our ability to more deeply see and understand this national treasure. We definitely recommend this aerial tour as a must see while visiting the Buffalo. Thanks again Burt!

~ C. O'Donnell ~

Wow! What an experience. Burt is an absolute professional pilot. I gained an immense amount of knowledge also on the area that we were touring and viewing from the perfect altitude.

~ J. Penning ~

This service is such a great place. Burt is very experienced and a safe pilot. He and his wife Tammy run a very safe and dedicated flight service. We encourage all who want a beautiful flight experience to go visit them!

~ J. Coleman ~

Meet the Plane

Piper Cherokee 180

Crafted ideally for tours, the Piper Cherokee 180 stands as a four-seat aircraft. Its unpressurized, all-metal configuration encompasses a single piston engine and a tricycle landing gear. Upon stepping onto the wing and entering through the singular doorway, you will ascend into the skies, treated to magnificent vistas through its array of windows.

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Things to

Keep In Mind

Photography

Photography is allowed and encouraged on the plane.

No Pets

Pets will not be allowed on air tours under any circumstances. Medical/aid pets are allowed depending on the scenario.

Food / Snacks

Food, snacks, and drinks are prohibited, but are available at the airport before & after your scheduled tour.

Headphones

During the tour you'll be equipped with a headset in order to hear/speak with the pilot.

If you're full of questions and don't know where to start? Check out our FAQ page! It answers the most common questions we often receive. If you still can't find what you need there, visit our contact page and reach out to us with your questions.

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Contact

Marshall, Arkansas Weather