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