From the USA, we return to Europe, to Spain. Ricardo Aracil is an experienced balloon pilot whose passion for flying dates back to the late 1980s. He began his ballooning adventure in 1988 and has since accumulated an impressive 6,000 hours in the air. Most of his flights take place over picturesque Mallorca, where the landscape offers exceptional conditions for both leisurely flights and competitive competition. Although the island's terrain is largely flat, the horizon is diversified by mountains to the west and east, and the surrounding sea, which, in clear weather, allows for a glimpse of neighboring islands.
For Aracil, ballooning is more than just a hobby or profession—it's a lifestyle. His driving force has always been competition and the pursuit of victory. He admits that staying at the top of the rankings isn't easy, especially in a sport where weather conditions play a crucial role and every flight is different. Despite this, he constantly embraces challenges, striving to hone his skills and achieve the best possible results.
Over the years, Ricardo has competed in numerous competitions, gaining valuable experience and recognition in the ballooning community. One of the highlights of his career was his participation in the 2013 European Championships, where he had the opportunity to compete against the best pilots on the continent. Previously, in 2004, he finished third in the Włocławek Cup, a significant achievement and a testament to his high skills.
His sporting achievements, however, are much broader. In 2009, he won the Spanish Championship title, one of the most important achievements of his career. He also regularly placed on the podium at national championships, confirming his high and consistent form over the years. In 2021, he won the prestigious Copa del Rey, strengthening his position among the leading balloon pilots in Spain. He has also enjoyed success on the international stage. At the 2015 World Air Games, he finished 6th, competing against the elite of the world's ballooning industry.
Besides his sporting activities, Ricardo is also involved in the development of ballooning as an organizer. He was responsible for preparing the 21st FAI European Championships in 2019, which took place in Mallorca. Organizing such a large event required extensive experience, commitment, and knowledge of the industry, which only underscores his importance in the world of ballooning.
Ricardo is also an ambassador for ballooning, encouraging others to discover this extraordinary sport. His story is an inspiration to all who dream of flying and want to combine passion with competition, without forgetting about joy and safety.
