Balloonist Applications

Dear Applicant,

The Midlands Air Festival returns to the spacious rolling hills of the Ragley Hall Estate.  We will once again be adopting a relaxed atmosphere with a great balloonist package.  Applications are now open and close on Saturday 31st October 2026.  Unfortunately we cannot accept any late applications and there are only 100 spaces available next year.
The application process is as follows:
  1. View Pilot's Invitation here.
  2. Apply using the form below.
  3. Receive an offer of a space at the Midlands Air Festival 2027 by Sunday 8th November 2026.
  4. Pay for your entry and extra passes ordered by Sunday 6th December 2026 to confirm your space.

We hope you can join us for another friendly event and look forward to seeing you there!

​James & Trev

    Application Form

    ​Pilot Details
    Pilot Declaration
    I solemnly declare that, for all of the dates on which I will pilot a balloon at the Midlands Air Festival 2027, the following items will be in force and valid:
    • A private, commercial or balloon pilot’s licence valid for the class of balloon which will be flown by me
    • I agree to indemnify the organisers of the event and Ragley Hall against any claims made against them as a result of the operation of the above balloon(s) during the event
    • I understand that all inflation, flying and other activity during operation of the balloon(s) during the event is subject to the permission of the organisers and their representatives and I accept their authority on all operational matters during the event. I also understand that the decision to fly or tether within this permission is entirely the pilot’s responsibility
    • As a pilot at the Midlands Air Festival 2027 I do hereby certify that I hold a valid UK PPL/BPL pilots licence or overseas equivalent compliant with CAA regulations pertaining at the date of the event and that all pilot currency and recency requirements have been met
    • I have a current Medical Certificate or declaration as appropriate to the type of licence held
    • My paper and/or electronic marked up maps will be fully up to date with the events master marked up map
    • Any occurrences affecting flight safety or the safety of persons or property on the ground must be made known to the flight director as soon as possible after the landing
     
    I undertake to bring the original documents listed above, together with my personal flying log book, to the event and to have them available for examination should this be requested.
    ​Balloon Details
    Max file size: 20MB
    Balloon Declaration
    I solemnly declare that, for all of the dates on which the balloon will fly at the Midlands Air Festival 2027, the following items will be in force and valid:
    • Airworthiness documents appropriate to the state of registry
    • Insurance for at least the amounts required by EC Regulation 785/2004 for third party and passenger liability
     
    ​​I undertake to bring the original documentary evidence of the items listed above, including the balloon log book, to the event and to have them available for examination should this be requested.
    Insurance
    Max file size: 20MB
    Arrival Day
    Friday Night Glow Participation
    Meet The Pilots Participation (Bottom Ends)
    ​Camping
    Camping is provided free of charge once again, no additional pass is required.
    ​Passes
    One pilot, three crew passes and one vehicle pass will be included within your application.  Additional vehicle passes may be requested free of charge, as well as additional crew passes for £50 inc VAT (food is not included).  Please note, under 13's do not need a wristband.

    Please indicate below your additional pilot/crew passes.  

    Please indicate below your additional vehicle passes.  Remember to include passes for campervans etc.
    Four food passes are included within your pack, and these are for Saturday & Sunday breakfast as well as the meal on Saturday evening.  Additional food can be purchased on the day, there is no need to request this in advance.  If your team has any dietary requirements, please indicate these below.