#GEMAB21 Ambassadors: Hans Pravda – Austria 🇦🇹
I have known Grand Est Mondial Air Ballons since 2001, but my first time took part in 2005.
I participated in several balloon meetings in Europe, but this gathering near Chambley is the biggest and coolest event ever organized. The landscape with its countless landing fields is unique. From the parade of pilots to the impressive mass take-offs of the balloons with pilots from all over the world. Last but not least, the Great Line!
I can’t describe it in words … It’s a dream come true, great, unique, incredible, a great atmosphere, freedom … It’s magic.
My favorite moment in Chambley was in 2007 (I won the GEMAB Trophee competition) and of course, to be part every two years of the Great Line.
In 2017, we found a nice and charming host in NovĂ©ant-sur-Moselle, I call it “our balloon family” and we come back every year to celebrate this beautiful friendly relationship.
If I would have to advise a pilot who has never been to Chambley, I would tell him that GEMAB is a unique balloon experience with pilots from all over the world. Mass ascents and plenty of landing fields. You can be part of world records and have more than half a million spectators in front of you. All the balloons in the sky look like sparkling champagne in a glass… It’s a magical show.
During our free time, we took the opportunity to visit Metz, Nancy, Verdun, Lunéville, Strasbourg and Reims to see the old cities and churches. Our favorite place is the American monument of the battle of the Montsec hilltop.
Some funny anecdotes : We were interested in a small village called Bouillonville, we met young party people who are very hospitable. These young people from Bouillonville followed us with their motorcycles and served us fresh beer when we landed!
Also, in 2017, at the end of the week and during a competition flight, my daughter (15 years old) fell asleep in the basket. Another very good memory is the magical flight in the morning mist to Madine Lake in 2015.
In June 2020, I celebrated my 20th anniversary as a balloon pilot. I have approximately 1 600 hours of flight experience. I flew the most in Austria, but also in France, Germany, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, Netherland, Czechoslovakia and in Israel.
My record with a hot air balloon was reaching a maximum height of 5,600 meter and a flight distance of 220 km with a max. speed 115 km/h. (Crossing the alps).