David Stagg
Introducing your Chief Pilot and the founder of Bucket-List Balloon Flights, offering unforgettable hot air balloon rides in Norfolk and across East Anglia.
David is a highly experienced pilot holding both a private and commercial pilot’s licence – the latter with ratings A, B, C and D, the highest level achievable for balloon pilots in the UK. He’s deeply passionate about hot air ballooning, not just from a flying perspective, but also through his love of building, maintaining, and perfecting the aircraft themselves.
“My passion for ballooning isn’t just the flying but also the building and maintaining. I feel incredibly privileged to be able to fly and want to share that joy with you, while offering the best service possible.”
David Stagg, the founder and chief pilot of BB Flights Ltd, trading as Bucket-List Balloon Flights, established the company in October 2024. Hot air ballooning has been a lifelong passion for David, with his journey in the skies beginning when he was just six months old.
Eighteen years ago, David began his professional journey in ballooning as ground crew for local ride operators. His dedication and love for the craft led him to earn his private pilot’s licence in 2010, followed by his commercial pilot’s licence in 2018. Today, David holds a UK CPL/B with A, B, C and D ratings, the highest qualifications currently available for UK balloon pilots.
Over the past six years, David has gained extensive experience piloting both large balloons carrying up to 16 passengers and smaller, more exclusive flights for groups of two to four. His expertise extends beyond flying to the building and maintenance of balloons. In the winter of 2016, driven by his passion for craftsmanship, David designed and constructed his own balloon – a project that remains a source of immense pride. He also plans to pursue the necessary qualifications to repair balloons in the future.
With Bucket-List Balloon Flights, David brings his years of experience and passion to create unforgettable experiences for his passengers. He feels privileged to share the magic of ballooning and is committed to delivering exceptional service that makes every flight a truly memorable adventure.
It’s easy to buy a balloon flight – there are loads of websites selling them. The tricky bit is knowing which company to choose – we hope after finding out more about Bucket-List Balloon Flights, you will feel confident booking with us!
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