Hot Air Balloon Pilot Training in South Africa
Hot air balloon pilot training in South Africa starts with professional instruction and practical experience. It also requires a clear understanding of the licensing pathway.
Balloon School brings together Alpi Aviation and Bill Harrop’s “Original” Balloon Safaris in Skeerpoort, South Africa.
Students learn through practical flight instruction and ground school. The programme covers meteorology, air law, navigation, balloon systems and crew operations. In addition, students develop sound aviation decision-making skills.
Training takes place within a working commercial ballooning environment. However, suitable weather, operational needs and SACAA requirements affect every training programme.
Some students want to fly for personal development. Others aim to progress towards commercial ballooning. Either way, the journey begins with understanding the Balloon Private Pilot Licence, the entry requirements and the commitment involved.
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Flight Log 001: How Do You Become a Hot Air Balloon Pilot in South Africa?
Learn how aspiring hot air balloon pilots begin training, gain practical experience and progress towards licensed balloon operations in South Africa.
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Flight Log 002: What Is a Balloon Private Pilot Licence?
Learn what a Balloon Private Pilot Licence allows and how the training works. Discover why it is the first step towards becoming a qualified hot air balloon pilot in South Africa.
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Flight Log 003: Entry Requirements for Hot Air Balloon Pilot Training in South Africa
Understand the academic, medical, physical and administrative requirements for applying to hot air balloon pilot training in South Africa.
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Flight Log 004: What Does Hot Air Balloon Pilot Training Include?
Discover what hot air balloon pilot training includes, from ground school and practical instruction to weather, flight planning, safety and licensing assessments.
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Flight Log 005: The Compulsory Training Introductory Flight
Learn why the compulsory Training Introductory Flight forms part of the Balloon School pre-enrolment process, what applicants experience and what happens afterwards.
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Flight Log 006: From Private Pilot to Commercial Balloon Pilot
Learn how balloon pilots progress from private flying to commercial operations through experience, supervised flights, advanced training and competency assessments.
The People and Experience Behind Balloon School
Ballooning grows when experienced pilots share their knowledge with the next generation. In this interview, pilot Felicity Clegg discusses the pioneering women who helped shape ballooning. Dale de Klerk then explains the vision behind Balloon School and how it supports future balloon pilots.
Pilot Felicity Clegg discusses pioneering women in ballooning, followed by Dale de Klerk sharing more about the vision and purpose of Balloon School.
Interested in learning to fly?
Complete the form below and tell us about your training goals.
Our Balloon School team will review your enquiry. We will then provide information about the training pathway and pre-enrolment process.
However, submitting an enquiry does not guarantee enrolment or acceptance into the training programme.