Hot air balloons have a long tradition in the Czech Republic as well as South Bohemia. Flying in a balloon is not only a flight in an open basket while watching the life on the ground from the bird´s eye perspective, it is also a sport.

Accuracy, tactics, decision promptness, weather forecast, wind direction as well as perfect balloon control are the prerequisites for success in the competition. Pilots strive to achieve their set goals as accurately as possible and also use their tactical experience and weather conditions at different altitudes to their best.  The cooperation of the ground crew, which gives the balloon crew essential information for the flight, with the pilot and navigator is also very important.

We are delighted that in 2019 we can invite you to a place where the Championship has never been held before.  Jindřichův Hradec and the surrounding areas are not unknown to us though. Beautiful scenery and  plenty of suitable areas for take-off and landing are the prerequisites for a successful competition. It was also near Jindřichův Hradec where, years ago, while meeting our friends,  we started the tradition of night flying in the Czech Republic.

In addition to the competition itself, which will feature approximately 25-35 competing balloons from the Czech Republic and from abroad, we are preparing the so called fiesta -  sightseeing balloon flights over Jindřichův Hradec and its surroundings. An airshow, organized with the cooperation of Aeroklub, will be held at Jindřichův Hradec airport on Saturday.  A night light show – or balloon light bulbs - will also be part of the programme.  Detailed information about the competition as well as the accompanying  programme can be found on our website.

The organization of such an event needs a lot of support.  Above all, I would sincerely like to say a big thank you to our sponsors and patrons, partners and many helpers. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the town of Jindřichův Hradec as well as the Aeroklub Jindřichův Hradec, the Aeroklub of the Czech Republic and the Czech Balloon Union for their help and support.

We are looking forward to seeing many balloons in the sky and to experiencing lots of adventures in Jindřichův Hradec. I hope that we are in favour of nice balloon weather throughout the event.

Pavel Kostrhun hlavní organizátor MR ČR 2019

Pavel Kostrhun, the main organizer of the Czech Republic Championship 2019