| An Experience to remember. Ballooning is one of | | | | the grass or field. Cushioned benches are fitted in |
| the oldest means of flight and promises an | | | | each compartment and on landing you are |
| enjoyable and scenic day out. | | | | required to take in a seated position and holding |
| The Experience | | | | onto the handle bars. It is very safe to land but |
| Just as the sun rises the balloon rises for a | | | | the basket might tilt 90 degrees and by holding on |
| spectacular view of the mountains. Flight generally | | | | you cannot fall out. |
| lasts for about an hour and the balloon is settled | | | | Criteria to consider when Hot Air Ballooning: |
| down on the earth. Sparkling wine is served on | | | | Due to the fact that Hot air balloons fly they are |
| landing and then you are taken for a breakfast. | | | | also classified under air services and need to meet |
| The flight offers spectacular photo opportunities | | | | certain criteria. |
| especially when there is more than 1 balloon in the | | | | 1. Balloons need to be registered with a valid air |
| air. Balloons fly at about 15km/h which makes it | | | | carrier number. |
| easy to take breathtaking photos of almost | | | | 2. Maintained by a licensed Aircraft Maintenance |
| anything. Depending on your pilot the balloon can | | | | organization. |
| be turned 180 degrees or 360 degrees to give | | | | 3. Manufactured by a company that is licensed to |
| opportunity to all to view certain areas in flight. | | | | manufacture balloons. |
| On average balloons take between 4 to 16 people | | | | 4. Passenger legal liability and third party insurance |
| in one balloon depending on the size. They are | | | | must be in place. |
| usually divided into compartments where in a | | | | 5. The Pilot should also be in possession of a valid |
| balloon of 16, 4 people share a compartment. The | | | | Pilot's License. |
| pilot is positioned in the centre where he/she | | | | 6. Balloons should also carry: A log book of the |
| operates the burners that produce the flame and | | | | aircraft hours, certificates for the following: |
| hot air which lets the balloon fly. Hot air is trapped | | | | airworthiness, safety for flight, ownership. |
| inside the balloon. Hot air goes up and because the | | | | Companies with all of the above in place might be |
| outside atmospheric temperature is colder the | | | | more expensive but safety is priority and you life |
| balloon rises. The amount of heat is controlled by | | | | is worth it. All these regulations and premiums |
| the pilot operating the burners which in effect | | | | must be paid for and this ensures your safety |
| controls the height of flight. | | | | and a legal operation. |
| On landing the balloon is nearing the ground at a | | | | Enjoy your hot air ballooning experience. |
| very gracious pace and the balloon is settled on | | | | |