A Balloon School is a commercial project under which the ProfiPilot Training as a holder of the SK.ATO.15 certificate provides its own courses and seminars for balloon pilots and future balloon pilots. We are one among very few balloon pilot school an EASA region offering a range of balloon trainings for both newcomers and experienced hot air balloon pilots.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to some of your questions might be found here.
What is Balloon.School?
Who can become a hot air balloon pilot?
Being a hot air balloon pilot requires dedication, passion, pilot training and certification. You also need to meet the prerequisites for your level of interest. If you don't have any experience, and would like to become a hot air balloon pilot, you will first need to obtain a BPL - Balloon pilot licence. Find more details in our training section.
How does it feel to be a balloon pilot?
A hot air balloon flight is a serene and breathtaking experience. As a pilot, you'll gently ascend and float above the landscape, enjoying panoramic views and a sense of tranquility. The flight is smooth and peaceful, offering a unique perspective of the world below. You’ll immerse yourself in the world of hot air balloons and spread the joy they bring.
Do I need a license to fly a hot air balloon?
Yes! You need to be a licenced balloon pilot to be able to fly a hot air balloon. Just as you would for a licensed pilot of fixed wing aeroplane or helicopter. The licence is issued by so-called competent authority and once obtained, the balloon pilot licence it is valid permanently.
What’s the first step to obtain my balloon license?
Hot air ballooning is a serene way to fly, but it can be quite challenging from a piloting perspective. Early morning take-offs may not suit everyone as well as physical activity involved in packing/unpacking ballon. As an initial step toward obtaining your balloon pilot licence, we suggest taking a balloon sightseeing flight with us, volunteer as a crew member or visit a hot air balloon competition or fiesta. Before attending the balloon pilot licence training, we suggest you to participate in the balloon sightseeing flight and take part in preparation. These experiences will offer valuable insights and help you decide if this is a path you truly want to follow. If you like it, you are the right place! You will learn to fly with us.
Do I get any credit for my prior aviation experience?
Yes! in Balloon.School we accept your previous aviation experience. Kindly ask you to get in touch with our team. Usually we can give a significant credit towards the theoretical knowledge and some small credit towards the flying exercises as well.
What are the hot air balloon regulations in Europe?
For European specific regulations, please visit EASA website. Furthermore, it's essential to consult the aviation authority in your country or region, as they can provide detailed and up-to-date information. The european regulatory basis which are forming the standards and regulatory framework for the flight crew licencing is so-called Part-BOP and Part-BFCL.
What are the hot air balloon regulations in United Kingdom?
For UK specific regulations, please visit the website of Civil Aviation Authority of United Kingdom. Upon completion the training with balloon school, your training will be issued in accordance with EASA regulatory framework. To fly the balloon registered in United Kingdom, the CAA UK will have to issue you the BPL validation. Furthermore, it's essential to consult the aviation authority in your country or region, as they can provide detailed and up-to-date information.
What are the hot air balloon regulations in the USA?
Your balloon pilot licence is valid in Euorpe in so-called EASA region only. For USA specific regulations, please visit FAA website. However you can fly withyour EASA BPL licence in USA as well. The administrative procedure called licence validation will assure your privileges also to US-registered balloons. This is how you will be able to fly as a balloon pilot in balloon fiestas. Furthermore, it's essential to consult the aviation authority in your country or region, as they can provide detailed and up-to-date information.
Can I rent a balloon?
Yes, you can rent a hot-air balloon. However it really depends on your needs. If you are not a balloon pilot licence holder holder, you will need a pilot to fly with you. In this case it is better to order the balloon sightseeing flight. Should you are a BPL holder, it is generally possible to rent the balloon, however you need to anticipate also the fact that in the high season when the weather is usually most suitable for flying, there will be a limited balloons available for rental. Same as if you wish to rent a car in the peak season in the popular destination. In our balloon school we usually have one spare balloon allways available.
Can I own a balloon?
Yes, you can own a hot-air balloon. However same like a car, if you dont have the licence, you can not fly in it. Balloon market is a mystery, therefore in the Balloon School, we will be delighted to help you to choose either brand factory-new one, or to choose pre-owned unit. We will be here to help you.
How much costs a balloon?
A hot air balloon flight is a serene and breathtaking experience. You'll gently ascend and float above the landscape, enjoying panoramic views and a sense of tranquility. The flight is smooth and peaceful, offering a unique perspective of the world below.
How do I join hot air balloon community?
Hot air balloon family will warmly welcome any new members and new balloon pilots. You will be able to meet other balloon pilots, enthusiasts and crew members with whom you can share passion for ballooning. They often organize balloon fun flights and outings.
Can I attend hot air balloon events as a pilot?
Yes! After receiving your Balloon Pilot License BPL, you are free and welcome to attend any balloon events, so-called balloon fiesta. There are competitions, fiestas, shows open for participants from all over the world. Embark on your new adventures without limits and attend the balloon fiestas in style!