Meet Marc Kegels, a veteran hot air balloon pilot from Belgium with over 35 years of flying experience and a deep love for the mountains. With a Group D license allowing him to fly balloons up to 600,000 cubic feet, Marc has flown in some of the most challenging terrains, including unforgettable landings at the top of mountains in Switzerland.

Marc describes ballooning in just two words: “Be free.” That sense of freedom, guided only by the wind and framed by open skies, is what has kept him passionate about flying for more than three decades. One of his most memorable experiences was a mountain-top landing, a moment of both precision and peace that few pilots ever achieve.

Safety is a non-negotiable for Marc. He emphasizes the importance of thorough briefings and careful weather analysis before every flight. Many assume ballooning requires thermals but as Marc explains, that’s a myth. “We avoid thermals completely. That’s why we only fly mornings and evenings.”

Outside the basket, Marc enjoys flying RC planes, and above all, spending time with his children. His advice to passengers is simple but practical: “Dress appropriately for the conditions, and enjoy the ride.”

And his personal motto? “One life. Live it.”