A Pilot’s Perspective: What It’s Like to Fly Over Melbourne
For most passengers, a hot air balloon ride over Melbourne is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. But what is it like for the person at the helm—the pilot guiding the balloon through the morning sky? Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at what a sunrise flight feels like from the pilot’s perspective.
The Early Start
Every flight begins long before dawn. As pilots, we’re up even earlier than our passengers—checking weather reports, reviewing wind patterns, and choosing the perfect launch site. Safety is always our top priority, but we’re also thinking about how to create the most memorable journey possible.
The Launch
Watching the balloon inflate never gets old, even for us. The hiss of the fans, the roar of the burners, the slow rise of the envelope—it’s a ritual that always builds anticipation. When the balloon finally stands upright, I know we’re just moments away from sharing something extraordinary with our passengers.
The First Lift-Off
Even though I’ve flown countless times, the first lift-off still gives me chills. The ground slips away so gently that most passengers don’t even realize we’re airborne until they look down. As a pilot, it’s my job to manage the burners, control our ascent, and guide us into the morning wind.
Reading the Sky
Flying a balloon is as much art as it is science. We don’t have a steering wheel—we have the wind. At different altitudes, the wind flows in different directions. By moving the balloon higher or lower, I can “find” the currents that will carry us across Melbourne.
It’s a skill that requires experience, intuition, and a deep respect for nature. No two flights are ever the same.
Sharing the View
One of the best parts of being a pilot is watching passengers see Melbourne from above for the first time. Their reactions—smiles, gasps, quiet awe—remind me why I love what I do. From the CBD skyscrapers to the Yarra River winding below, the view is as magical for me as it is for them.
The Landing
Every landing is unique. Sometimes smooth as a feather, other times with a little bounce or tip—it’s all part of the adventure. I brief my passengers beforehand, so they know what to expect. And no matter how we touch down, the smiles and cheers at the end are always the same.
Why I Love Flying Over Melbourne
Flying a hot air balloon in Melbourne is more than just a job—it’s a privilege. Every flight is a chance to share the city I love from a perspective few get to see. It’s about connection: between the wind, the landscape, and the people who step into the basket each morning.
✨ Ready to see Melbourne through a pilot’s eyes?
Book your sunrise hot air balloon flight in Melbourne and experience the city from above with us.