Become hot air balloon pilot
If you decide to become a hot air balloon pilot, Balloon Castle is the perfect place to turn your dream into reality. We offer a 3-week intensive course that concludes with all the required exams and the issuance of the coveted license. It may seem difficult to become a pilot, but the support of the entire Balloon Castle team makes it a lot easier.
While you are fully focused on your training, we take care of everything else. What’s more, everything is in one place (accommodation, flights, meals, refueling), so no time is wasted on the road!
We train towards the EASA BPL license, which is valid in all EASA member states. In other countries, the license is subject to validation by the local aviation authority.
Our intensive course lasts approximately 18 to 35 days, depending on the weather and the number of training flights. The number of flights varies based on each student’s skills, with an average of 17 flights, including one solo flight and the check ride. We can perform up to two flights per day, one in the morning and one in the evening. During bad weather or daytime, we use the time for theory lessons.
Each training flight consists of pre-flight preparation, preparing the balloon for flight, the flight itself lasting 40 to 80 minutes, and a post-flight review.
During the pre-flight preparation, the flight plan is detailed, and the instructor explains the flight tasks to the student. We also focus on applying theoretical knowledge to practical flying so that the future pilot understands the broader context.
The training flight itself is a small adventure for both the student and the instructor. Due to constantly changing conditions, each flight is unique and unrepeatable. The instructor’s role during the flight is to continuously devise tasks for the student to complete, gradually developing the necessary pilot habits.
After the flight, a careful post-flight review follows, where the student’s progress and abilities are evaluated, and recommendations for future flights are defined.
The training flight is strictly conducted on a “one-on-one” basis, but you can bring one person as a companion in the basket.
Before starting the training, we will prepare everything you need for the beginning of your aviation career. You don’t have to prepare anything yourself because we will take care of everything for you.
We will, of course, celebrate the successful completion of your training together!
Monika Kubíčková handles all the organization and scheduling of the training sessions. Petr Kubíček is the methodological head of the training.
Head of all activities at the castle and Pilot School Instructor
Possibly the most active female pilot in the Czech Republic at the moment, Monika is certainly the most active instructor. You will find nothing but a smile on her face, even in the most tense situations.
Pilot School Instructor, Examiner
He has been flying since early childhood, a long-time member of the Czech balloon national team. One of the most active instructors in the Czech Republic with dozens of trained pilots. He is a factory test pilot at Kubíček Balloons. He is the author of the training methodology used in our pilot school. And he is also an examiner for all conceivable qualifications.
