The sky is the limit

French writer Antoine de Saint Exupery once said that he flies because it releases his mind from the tyranny of petty things.

The author of “Little Prince,” also a professional pilot, had a knack for flying.

To feel that pure and fine air he loved, as well as lift your head up from a pile of work, Kyiv has a number of possibilities for a takeoff. Here are some of the top ways to touch the sky.

Hot air balloons

You can enjoy hot air balloons by yourself or take your family, friends and colleagues – up to 10 – with you.

No skills are needed and almost everyone can hop in the basket, except for pregnant women and the smallest children. A one-hour flight costs approximately Hr 1,500 outside of Kyiv.

Checking out the city landmarks from high above will cost twice as much.

Fall and winter flights are available, but it’s summertime, of course, that offers the longest options – early in the morning and just before sunset.

Bungee jumping

This unearthly activity will take several minutes. At Venetian bridge in Hydropark, some 40 meters above the waterline, your legs will be tied with a large elastic cord.

When you jump, the cord stretches as you are falling down until the point when it snaps back sending you upward again. You’ll continue oscillating up and down with adrenaline making your blood boil.

The oldest known jumper in Kyiv was a 72-year-old woman, while the youngest was a 14-year-old girl. So for the brave and healthy at heart, this flight is a must on the flying list.

Take off for Hr 180-200 in Hydropark: +38(050)683-81-71

Parachute jumping

This jump will last no longer than a bungee adventure, but this time there will be nothing fastened to your legs.

A parachute is your only partner and friend in the skies. You can choose between a tandem jump with an instructor and a free jump on your own.

Skydiving, of course, is not for the faint of heart: your lungs, ears, blood, and kidneys should be strong.

Tandem flights cost Hr 1,150 – 1,500, and for a single jump expect to pay Hr 240-270.

A briefing, parachute rental and a one-time insurance is included in the price.

Courtesy photo

Planes

Airfields around Kyiv are full of small engine-free and regular planes: hang-gliders (foot-launched aircraft with framed wings), paragliders (foot-launched aircraft with unframed wings), gliders (sail planes) and helicopters.

Trial flights with a pilot at the Chaika airfield costs Hr 40 per minute.

In theory, you can’t fly them solo before you graduate from a pilot school first.

An introductory evening pilot course will take two months and costs Hr 3,500. The full course lasts up to two years and costs some Hr 100,000.

But as with everything else in Ukraine, you can cut corners. For a bit of frolicking in the skies, it helps to know a pilot.

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