ROYAL Australian Air Force squadron leader Damian Gilchrist and his team have spent the past couple of weeks visiting schools and communities in Esperance, York and Geraldton with the RAAF balloon.
They have also been in Northam for the National Ballooning Championships, staying at the Muresk Institute.
Mr Gilchrist was a jet pilot for 15 years.
He had moved to a desk job, and when the opportunity arose to pilot a hot air balloon, he naturally jumped at the chance.
"I wanted to keep in contact with flying so this perfect," he said.
He is the only full-time balloonist at the RAAF.
Mr Gilchrist was able to concentrate his balloon training quickly with 16 hours of flying and seven exams.
He modestly says balloons are not that hard to fly, however also states it does help to have general aviation experience under your belt.
Travelling with Mr Gilchrist are four crew, two photographers and one public affairs officer.
They, along with the RAAF balloon travel to regions across Australia promoting the RAAF at schools, introducing young people to aviation.
Mr Gilchrist said the crew try and concentrate on regional areas.
"It's a great way to connect with people," he said.
"And it's not just about the balloons, it's about how the team works together to make something happen."
Basic aviation science is demonstrated to students to show aviation could be a possible career for them in the future.
Part of the school demonstration includes a cold inflation, which allows students to get inside the balloon itself.
Mr Gilchrist said the students always love using the burners.
"It's supervised playing with fire at school," he jokes.
The RAAF balloon has 3000 cubic metres of volume and was driven from Canberra for the championships.
They also have a decommissioned balloon.
When they are not flying they are stored in Canberra.
