Balloonists are individuals who are skilled in piloting or crewing of hot air balloons. Some of the synonyms for balloonists include aeronauts, aviators, pilots, air travelers, and balloon pilots. Aeronauts are people who navigate the air and can refer to balloonists as well as pilots of other aircraft. Aviators are professionals who operate aircraft, including balloons. Pilots are individuals who fly and control any type of aircraft while air travelers are passengers in the aircraft. Balloon pilots are responsible for planning, launching, and navigating the balloon, ensuring the safety of all on board. Regardless of the synonym, balloonists must possess skill, training, and experience to operate the balloon with precision and safety.