Pilot Pete’s Flying Legacy

This weekend PPFL supported the New Beginnings event, bringing together members from all parts of the ballooning community for a packed programme of sessions covering licensing, navigation, flight planning, medical, safety and Met, as well as practical skills sessions and exams.

Despite the challenging weather, it was a fantastic weekend of learning and connection. Thank you to Steph for inviting us to be a part of the weekend, to our incredible volunteers and to everyone who made the effort to come along! We hope you all took something valuable away and look forward to seeing you at future balloon events! 🎈

From the Cotswolds to the north-west, the 2026 season is off to a flying start for PPFL, with two New Aviators building valuable hours in the charity balloon 🎈

A big thanks to the for such a warm welcome for the Pilot Pete’s Flying Legacy team, and congratulations on getting in the air despite some typical British bank holiday weather!

We’re looking forward to some exciting events over the next couple of weeks! Stay tuned for more… 📆

It’s been a stormy & snowy start to the year, but it was wonderful to see some friendly faces and a few of our fantastic New Aviators at the Icicle Meet earlier in the month.

A special thanks to all those who donated towards our mission - updates coming very soon on our plans for 2026! Watch this space… 🎈

❄️ New Aviators Winter Meet Up 2025 ❄️

A fantastic day of training, teaching and getting to know the PPFL New Aviators - thanks to all who came along - especially our wonderful volunteers

As the season draws to a close, we’re looking back at some of the amazing events Pilot Pete’s Flying Legacy team, trainee pilots and our special balloon attended this summer! Check out these stunning shots from Chatsworth!

As ballooning slows down, we at Pilot Pete’s Flying Legacy are definitely not! Keep your eyes out for exciting things still left to come in 2025 and as we plan ahead for 2026!

Following some wonderful weekends of flying across August and September, from Bristol Balloon Fiesta to Northampton to Chatsworth, PPFL are rounding off our summer event series with a visit to for ‘Icons of the Sky’! ☀️

Keep an eye out for our beautiful balloon in the skies above the safari park, in the night glow and on the long lawn throughout the day, and come visit the team to find out more about learning to fly or for the chance to purchase our much sought after odd socks. We can’t wait to see you there! 🎈

⭐️ Big news from PPFL! ⭐️

This morning, Ryan Johnson became the first member of our ‘New Aviator’ programme to achieve his pilot’s licence, checking out in PPFL’s very own Sport-80 with examiner Rob Schwab 🎉

Ryan took off from Keynsham Rugby Club and landed at Upper Swainswick, completing his checkout and solo with flying colours!

We couldn’t be prouder of Ryan and all the hard work, dedication and commitment he’s shown as a fast-track member of our programme. A huge thank you to our incredible team who’ve supported Ryan every step of the way, to for providing our beautiful balloon, and to Steve Thomas for generously donating the gas for this morning’s flight!

It’s wonderful to see everyone come together to share the love of ballooning, and to honour Peter through the way we grow and pass on the sport. We can’t wait to keep sharing this journey - and the skies - with you all 🎈

The PPFL balloon is up, up and away with PUTs Ryan and Howard onboard for the first flight of Bristol Balloon Fiesta! Make sure to tag us in your photos if you spot us at this year 🎈

🎈Read all about it!!🎈We’re honoured to have PPFL’s partnership with featured in (and on the cover!) of this month’s Aerostat magazine 🎉

If you’re interested in learning about the charity balloon, discovering what we’ve been working on so far, or want to find out more of our plans for the future, then this article is for you! Copies are on their way to BBAC members, and for those who are not yet signed up, our team are happy to help direct you to where to join - just ping us a message 💬

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Did you know that since receiving our charity sponsored balloon from it’s flown nearly 10hours with trainee pilots already!

And this includes at our most recent event at Bath & West Showground where we got Ryan and Howard (and accompanying family) involved in crewing and a training flight. Check out the amazing photos!

Remember to come and say hi if you see us at an event! We’ll be on hand to give you more information of how to get involved or how to make a donation.