| Hot air balloons operate on the very basic | | | | Different operators will have different age |
| scientific principle that hot air rises. Many people | | | | restrictions. Sometimes, children as young as 5 |
| practice ballooning as a sport, and some people | | | | years are allowed to fly; while others only accept |
| also enjoy it as a relaxing recreational activity. | | | | a minimum age of 12. |
| Many naturally beautiful regions offer hot air | | | | 3. Are there any health restrictions? |
| balloon tours so that people can see the land | | | | You need to inform the operating company of |
| from above. Generally speaking, hot air balloons | | | | your health problems such as knee, leg, and hip or |
| are quite safe, and certainly safer than some | | | | back pains. This is important as it may affect |
| forms of aviation. | | | | your safety during the flight. Women with more |
| There are many places where you can enjoy a | | | | than 12 weeks of pregnancy may be ineligible to |
| memorable hot-air balloon flight. To have a | | | | fly. You must be able to get in and out of the |
| successful flight, there is much work to be done | | | | basket without much effort. |
| and the experience of the pilot to understand the | | | | 4. How many passengers are allowed for a flight? |
| appropriate wind direction is extremely important. | | | | The number of passengers permissible usually |
| Besides maneuvering the balloon, he has to keep | | | | depends on the size of the balloon. Balloon |
| in close contact with the members of the hot air | | | | operators can carry from two to 10 or more |
| balloon crew, whose task is to collect the | | | | passengers at a time. There are compartments in |
| passengers and the equipment. During the flight, | | | | the balloon baskets, and there will be a specific |
| the pilot will look out for a possible landing site | | | | number in any one compartment. |
| with sufficient space to lay out the balloon. If you | | | | 5. How should I dress for the occasion? |
| are planning for a hot air ballooning, the following | | | | You are advised to dress warmly and casually. |
| are some considerations to note: | | | | Don’t forget to bring a sweater or a jacket |
| 1. What are the regulations and safety precautions | | | | as it gets colder by about 3. 5 degrees colder for |
| in place? | | | | each 1,000 feet of altitude. You should wear |
| Balloons are required to be a fully registered | | | | shoes with flat soles, and your top clothing should |
| aircraft with the country’s civil aviation and | | | | be made of cotton rather than man-made fibers. |
| safety authority and they must be subjected to | | | | Tall passengers should wear a hat to protect |
| regular airworthiness checks. Pilots need to have | | | | themselves from the radiant heat from the |
| sufficient experience before they are allowed to | | | | burners. |
| fly with larger balloons. During the flight, the pilot | | | | 6. What else must I bring? |
| will rely on the radios links to keep in contact with | | | | You must bring your camera with lots of film. Do |
| the chase crew as well as with Air Traffic Control | | | | bring along a suitable soft case to stow the |
| and other aircraft flying in the vicinity. You will be | | | | camera during the landing. |
| given a passenger safety briefing prior to the | | | | Balloon rides can be great fun, and they are very |
| flight and get a chance to prepare the balloon with | | | | safe as long as passengers follow the directions |
| the crew. | | | | of the pilot. |
| 2. Are there any restrictions on children? | | | | |