Meet César Pérez Pineda, a skilled hot air balloon pilot from Mexico. His journey into ballooning started at home, his father began building hot air balloons and taught César everything he knows. From a young age, he was immersed in the world of ballooning, learning the art and science of flight while traveling and flying in different parts of the world.

César began flying commercially at just 22 years old, and since then, ballooning has become not just a profession, but a lifelong calling. What he enjoys most is the feeling of total freedom in the air and the opportunity to explore new landscapes from above. Some of his most meaningful flights have been those shared with friends and family, moments he treasures deeply.

With a strong focus on safety, César follows all flight protocols carefully and frequently takes part in training webinars offered by the Balloon Federation of America. He also holds a balloon maintenance license in Mexico and has trained with Cameron Balloons and Ultramagic – two of the most respected names in the industry.

Beyond hot air balloons, César has experience flying ultralight delta wing aircraft and hot air airships, showing his deep connection to aviation as a whole.

Outside of flying, César enjoys traveling, playing basketball, and spending time with his family. If given the chance, he’d love to fly with Michael Jordan and Sergio Perez. He believes pilots should always stay patient and passionate and reminds passengers to simply enjoy the ride, knowing every pilot is doing their best to deliver a magical experience.

César always tells his crew: “See you tomorrow,” right before takeoff – a simple phrase that always brings a smile and helps passengers feel at ease as they lift into the sky.