Passing the Flame: A New Generation of Balloonists
Growing Pilots, Building Dreams
At Liberty Balloon Flights, we don’t just fly balloons – we build futures. One of the things we’re most proud of is the way we foster new talent from within our own valued crew, guiding them from ground support roles all the way into the sky.
At LBF, our most senior pilots are CASA accredited for both private and commercial balloon flight instruction. Because of this, we also operate as a flight school. With the support and guidance of our experienced team, several long-standing crew members have taken the leap toward becoming pilots themselves. It’s a process that takes years of commitment: building flight hours, studying theory, passing exams, and, most importantly, developing the calm confidence that ballooning requires.
“Every takeoff is optional. Every landing is mandatory.” – Unknown pilot wisdom
Training Future Skies, Today Together
Three of our crew officially earned their private pilot licences in 2025 and are on their way to gaining the experience needed to fly commercially. Notably one of our newly licensed pilots is the son of Liberty founder/chief pilot Nick, making him a proud second generation balloon pilot and continuing a legacy that blends passion, precision, and flight.
This kind of development doesn’t happen by accident. It takes time, patience, and a lot of volunteered effort from our senior pilots, who invest countless early mornings (and some afternoons) to share their skills and instil their values. Their commitment ensures Liberty Balloon Flights will be in the hands of capable, passionate pilots for decades to come.
By training from within, we not only preserve the culture and spirit of the company, we ensure that every new pilot already understands what matters most: care for passengers, respect for the land, and a deep love of the skies.
