Google Glass Diary 004 – Hot Air Balloon Pilot

Meet Gavin Chadwick, a 23 year old hot air balloon pilot from the UK.

Gavin is one of the ballooning world’s youngest ever pilots. He received his commercial pilot’s license when he was 19.

Born into a ballooning family, Gavin Chadwick had his first balloon flight at the tender age of 3 years old, piloted by his father.

“I enjoyed many balloon flights during my younger years and by the age of 10 I had decided that I wanted to be a balloon pilot.”

“Following many flights in Mondovi, Italy, I was piloting a balloon to a competent level by the age of 14 and at 15 I was able to count flying hours towards gaining my pilot’s licence.”

By the age of 16, Gavin had achieved his first solo flight and was awarded his private pilot’s licence on his 17th birthday. Two years later, with his commercial licence in hand Gavin began his career as a commercial balloon pilot, achieving his life long ambition.

Gavin is currently flying balloons in Bagan, Myanmar. When not working for Balloons over Bagan, Gavin flies all over the UK for Virgin Balloons, as well as flying in Italy and France.