The Aeronauts of Monaco at the 35th International Festival of Mondovì

The Aeronauts of Monaco participated, from January 4th to 6th, in the 35th edition of the International Hot Air Balloon Festival in Mondovì. (gala evening this Monday)
Three extraordinary days where sport and entertainment met, for the pleasure of the eyes and the happiness of the locals… who were present in large numbers around the Mondovì Aero Club, as well as elsewhere in the Piedmont city.
The hot air balloons and international crews gathered for the occasion managed to tame the sometimes difficult weather conditions in order to take advantage of the good flight windows and fly several times during the weekend.
Among them, the Monaco balloon, dear to Alain Cruteanschii, obviously stood out, proudly representing the Principality both on the ground and in the air, sometimes at nearly 1000 meters of altitude.

Organizing a flight, Monaco balloon:

• Arrival of the team at the take-off site, with the balloon and the necessary tools for its setup.
• Deployment of the Monaco balloon, inflation, and the start of heating…
• Once the necessary elements are checked, the balloon is launched, with the pilot and passengers in the basket.
• During the activity, continuous communication with the ground teams and real-time tracking of the route by the club’s official vehicle.
• Chosen landing in a suitable location, according to decisions made by the pilot. A true team effort, until the complete packing away of the hot air balloon, following the appropriate method.
• END OF THE OPERATION and return to the Aero Club.

Following the pre-launch “briefings” (with all the crews) conducted by the event organizers, the local weather allowed the Aeronauts of Monaco to fly over Mondovì three times, between Saturday afternoon and Sunday evening.

In addition to the “night shows“, where some of the balloons invited to the Festival had the privilege of being set up (this time without taking off) at nightfall, at the main gathering site… in front of local officials and several hundred delighted spectators.
A festive moment suspended in time… where the colors of the Principality shone exceptionally. (images attached…)

Alain Cruteanschii, President of the Aeronauts of Monaco:
*The Aeronauts of Monaco are members of the Mondovì Aero Club.

“Given the closeness we share with Mondovì, I believe it is important for the Monaco balloon to be available for what is, historically, the first festival of the year. It is a great moment of fraternity and exchange with our Italian friends. I’m delighted to return every time and participate, even if only out of respect for the organizers… who always give us a warm welcome.”

There is no doubt that the Monaco balloon has not finished shining in the Piedmont sky…