Ever wondered what a day looks like for a commercial hot air balloon pilot? Global Ballooning pilot, Paterson Saunders, gives us a behind-the-scenes look into the early mornings, sky-high adventures, and the rhythm of life as a ballooning pilot. It’s a profession that starts while most of the world is still sound asleep, but as Paterson explains, there’s a magic to it that’s worth every early alarm.
* Please note that the timings in this routine are estimates and can vary depending on the time of year. This routine was documented in October 2024. *
3:25 am – The First Alarm
The first alarm rings, and I peek outside my window to get a sense of the weather. I need to make sure it’s worth getting up for!
3:30 am – The Second Alarm
Five minutes later, the real start to my morning kicks in. I slip quietly out of bed, careful not to wake the puppy or my partner. I’ve already laid out my clothes in the hall the night before – a little trick that keeps things calm and prevents any unnecessary noise.
3:45 am – Coffee and Weather Checks
With my first cup of coffee brewing, I pull up all my weather forecasts and observations. Sometimes, if things look uncertain, I call the Bureau of Meteorology for their opinion. I then quickly check our Global Ballooning App, just to ensure there are no last-minute passenger messages.
4:00 am – A Sky Check
I take my coffee outside, where the night is still and quiet, to assess if the forecast is matching up with the current weather conditions. Sometimes, my own observation tells me more than any weather app can!
4:15 am – Gear Check and Departure
With essentials like my phone, head torch, flight bag, and GoPro in hand, I jump in the car and head to Balgownie Estate, careful to avoid the many kangaroos and wombats that are usually on the road at this time of day.
4:45 am – Check-in and Flight Planning
I arrive as the first passengers begin gathering at the Balgownie restaurant. After a quick chat with other pilots, we go over weather conditions and confirm the flight plan for the morning. This is when the excitement starts to build, knowing the passengers are eager for their adventure.
5:00 am to 8:00 am – Ballooning Time!
After organising passengers into our fleet of buses and 4WDs, we head out to the launch site. With around 70 launch sites to choose from, our decision is guided by the day’s weather conditions. There’s nothing quite like it – the pre-flight buzz, the preparation, and then finally, lifting off. The whole process, from setup to landing, generally takes around three hours.
8:15 am – Buffet Breakfast with a View
Once we’re back on solid ground and the balloon is all packed up, we return to Balgownie Estate for a well-earned breakfast with our passengers. Sharing stories and watching everyone relive their morning in the sky is one of the best parts of the day.
9:15 am – Admin, Forecasting, and Farewells
With breakfast winding down, it’s time for a few admin tasks – including checking tomorrow’s forecast and adding my in-flight photos from the Go Pro to the Global Ballooning app so passengers can download them. Once that’s squared away, I’m on my way home.
10:30 am – Home and Time to Rest
Back home, I’m usually greeted by my very excited puppy at the door (especially if I’ve managed to bring a sausage from the breakfast buffet home). After filling out my pilot logbook, I have a nap – anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes, depending on how much the morning has taken out of me.
4:00 pm – Preparing for Tomorrow
The afternoon is a mix of personal time and work. By late afternoon, I’m back to checking the updated weather forecasts and planning meeting times for the next day’s team and guests.
5:30 pm – Global Team and Guest Updates
Once I’ve finalised the flight plans, I send updates to the Global team and an evening message to our passengers. This keeps everyone in the loop and helps set expectations for the morning.
8:30 pm – Early to Bed
After an early dinner and a hot shower, I’m back in bed. Ballooning doesn’t leave much room for late nights, but that’s a small trade-off for the incredible mornings I get to experience.
Being a hot air balloon pilot is not for the faint of heart (or late risers), but as Paterson shares, there’s something uniquely rewarding in starting your day above the world. Each flight brings a new perspective, a new group of eager passengers, and the thrill of soaring through the sky in an aircraft that is lighter than air.
