Yudai Fujita from Japan, one of Balloon Fiesta’s newest pilots, is no stranger to the ballooning world.

In this month’s Inside the Basket, Yudai provides insight into his piloting background. From his world champion title, to his newest venture at this year’s Balloon Fiesta, he shares his exciting and accomplished ballooning experiences.

1. Give a brief overview of your ballooning background.
Both of my parents were balloon pilots when I was young. I grew up with ballooning. When my dad went out to the various ballooning events, I always tagged along. I liked watching the balloons, helping my dad, and visiting with the other kids that were involved in ballooning.

2. What inspired you to become a pilot?
My father was a competitive pilot and worked very hard to become a world champion. In 2001, he won the World Air Games in Spain. I was impressed with his flying, which made my decision to pilot like my father, very natural.

3. What is your favorite ballooning memory?
The 2014 World Championship at Brazil. That was my fourth time attending the event, and flying there was so amazing. I thank God who gave me a winning of the game! That moment was when my parents’ dream came true.

4. What are you most looking forward to at your first Balloon Fiesta?
Flying at Balloon Fiesta is a dream of mine. I am so excited to fly into the hundreds of balloons!
I also look forward to the chile foods.

5. What advice do you have for someone who is thinking about becoming a pilot?
Be relaxed and have lots of ballooning experiences. This will help you become be a good pilot. It would be nice if you could share the sky with me in the future. Have fun in the air.