Balloon spotting has been a popular hobby for many years and dates back from the first manned balloon flights of the late 1700’s, where people would gather to see these huge structures fill up and float away into the distance.

In recent years the digital cameras has come down in price which means that it has never been easier to take photographs on the move. There is thought to be over 1000 balloon spotters in the UK and a large proportion of them use digital cameras for their ease and quality.

If you want to get into balloon spotting you can visit a balloon launch site that is near you; spectators are welcome as long as they don’t interfere with the launching process.

One of the best ways to see a hot air balloon is to visit one of the numerous balloon festivals that are hosted in the UK every year. Here you will find lots of balloons in the same place and see balloons in an array of wonderful shapes and colours.

Taking your own balloon ride is a fantastic experience, but if your budget doesn’t stretch that far, just seeing the balloons set off and land can be just as exciting.

Watching a sunrise with a loved one or partner can be an amazing experience, but just imagine watching a sunrise from the basket of a hot air balloon, as you gently float through the sky. Well you don’t have to imagine if you choose a morning balloon flight from Adventure Balloons.

As balloons fly better at cooler periods of the day, Adventure Balloons either fly in the early morning or evening, so if you choose a morning flight there’s every chance you will see the sunrise during your trip. A balloon flight typically lasts for around an hour and can travel from 2 to 20 miles depending on the strength of the wind.

Photographs will be taken during your flight, by the highly experienced team and passengers are encouraged to bring their own cameras and camcorders to capture their own experiences.

A balloon flight is a great experience and coupled with a sunrise or even a sunset depending on the launch time; can become one of the greatest moments of your life and an experience to remember for years to come.

Looking for the ultimate present for a partner or loved one? Then why not treat them to an exclusive hot air balloon flight for two. Whether you want to pop the big question, celebrate your wedding anniversary or want to treat your loved one for a birthday or special occasion, an exclusive balloon flight is a truly owe inspiring experience.

Adventure Balloons is able to cater for an particular requirements you may have when it come to your balloon flight, and with numerous different launch locations in the Home Counties and London; there is sure to be a location near you.

Most of the launch sites that are used by Adventure Balloons are unique to them, and are ideal for family and friends to watch you take off. These unique launch sites give the added bonus of having both countryside and town views during the flight.

For more information about exclusive balloon flights go to the Adventure Balloons website.

Before you can join a hot air balloon crew, you must first know about what the various tasks involve. The balloon pilot will normally decide which people will do certain jobs, as some tasks may involve heavy lifting and require a strong person.

The crown line - This person will act as an anchor and stabilize the balloon envelope during inflation. The pilot will usually choose a large and strong person for this job. The crown line individual will use the rope and keep pressure on the balloon as it inflates, until the pilot tells them to come in. The crown line is then given to the pilot and they connect it to the baskets upright.

The throat – This usually consists of two or more crew members that hold the mouth of the balloon open as the fan fills it with cold air. Once the envelope is full with cold air they will then turn the burners on to heat the balloon. The crew members will hold the mouth open till the balloon starts to come upright and places weight on the basket as it stands up.

The Chase Crew – Once the Hot Air Balloon is airborne the chase crew will load up all of the remaining items left at the launch site and then chase the balloon. The driver of the chase vehicle will receive directions from the other crew members and tries to stay ahead of the balloon to assist the pilot on landing.

The Balloon Landing – When the pilot radio’s that they are going to land the balloon crew should be ready to assist. One member will try to locate the landowner and ask their permission to land. When the balloon comes into land the crew positions themselves to the side of the basket, and when it hits the ground they jump on and their added weight stops the balloon. All of the air is expelled from the envelope and all of the items are loaded back into the chase vehicle.

Once this has been completed, champagne and soft drinks are shared with the pilot, passengers, balloon crew and landowner to thank them for helping.

As hot air ballooning is very weather dependant, organising a group for a hot air balloon flight can have its problems, particularly if the passengers come from different locations. Because of the notorious British weather, an average balloon flight has around a 50/50 chance of flying.

Adventure Balloons was especially pleased when a group of 7 family members flew over London on only their second attempt. Members of the Padbury family had travelled from as far as Derbyshire for the Balloon flight, that sore them fly over Toothing and Mitcham where some of the family members had grown up in.

“It was a real trip down memory lane for all of the family” said Iris.

Also on the flight was Simone Giles who had travelled from Huddersfield and who became an adopted member of the Padbury family on the day.

After the flight the Padbury family and Simone were taken for breakfast at the Adventure Balloons popular watering hole, Monty’s in Coulsdon; this finished off a super day for all.

Fancy doing something totally different over the summer period? Then why don’t you work with the Home Counties leading hot air balloon passenger company, Adventure Balloons. Due to the seasonal limitations of ballooning, every year there are vacancies for full and part-time balloon crew members.

With bases in Hartley Wintney and Hemel Hempstead, Adventure Balloons covers balloon flights in Kent, Surrey, Oxford, Central London and throughout the surrounding areas.

To work as a member of the balloon crew you need to enjoy being in an outdoor environment, be physically fit and good with the public and landowners. Industrial training is provided by the Adventure Balloons team.

Experience with minibuses, 4 x 4’s and trailers as well as basic map reading would also be useful. Applicants must have at least three years clean licence and be over 25 years old.

To apply for a job or for more information visit the Adventure Balloons website.

Being one of the UK’s largest hot air balloon companies, flying passengers all over London and the Home Counties there are always some interesting stories that we are lucky enough to be a part of.

One of these interesting stories was from an Adventure Balloons flight from Farnham Park on the 14th of June.

Marion Beal turned up for her balloon flight with her husband Richard who had come to wave her off, but when a last minute space became available he could not resist taking the flight as well. After all, it’s much more fun to experience a hot air balloon ride with a loved one.

With only minutes till take off, the pair were left with the decision of what to do with their Jack Russell called Moet. Richard got the dog basket from the car and Moet was put into the balloon recovery vehicle for a front seat view with our balloon crew, who are appropriately named the balloon “retriever”.

After the flight Marion and Richard were reunited with Moet and returned to their car in Farnham Park in the Adventure Balloons minibus. An exciting morning for everyone involved, especially Moet.

Before a hot air balloon can take to the skies, the Adventure Balloons team has various safety checks to perform. Whilst the balloon crew are preparing the balloon the passengers have a safety briefing, where they can ask questions about any worries or concerns they have.

The balloon pilot will examine the weather, to ensure optimum flying conditions and will also select the best launch site. Visibility and wind speeds are key issues for a successful balloon flight and the launch site must have enough space to lay the balloon out and inflate it without any obstructions, like poles, power-lines or trees.

Every aspect of the hot air balloon is safe. The fabric used for the balloon envelope is a mixture of nylon and polyester and is very strong, and Nomex is used near the burners as it is flame resistant. The amount of fuel onboard is also taken into account, taking care not to overload the balloon as this could be hazardous.

The balloon basket that carries the pilot and passengers is also extremely safe. Woven from Kooboo and Palambang, these baskets are sturdy and lightweight, and are capable of absorbing the impact of a landing without sustaining any damage.

Adventure Balloons are committed to the safety and enjoyment for all of their hot air balloon passengers, and believes that flight safety comes first.

Adventure Balloons have several launch sites in North Hampshire, the launch sites are carefully chosen to ensure that the balloons will stay clear of Heathrow Airports Airspace. In addition to Heathrow Airport, it is also important to stay clear of Farnborough Airport, especially during the Farnborough Airshow.

North Hampshire launch sites are located at Down Grange and the War Memorial Park in Bassingstoke, Hartley Wintney and Old Basing. The Hampshire launch site used will depend on the wind speed and direction, plus any other operational factors on that day.

During a hot air balloon ride in Hampshire you may be able to see Tylney Hall Hotel, the Duke of Wellington’s Home (Stratfield Saye), Wellington Country Park and the Bramshill Police training college. Other sights you might see are villages such as Odiham, Crondall and Overton and small towns like Hook.

Book your hot air balloon ride over Hampshire with Adventure Balloons.

A hot air balloon flight is a great way to experience the beautiful countryside, towns and villages of Britain from a unique perspective. For many people a balloon flight is the highlight of their year, and a memory that can be cherished for years to come.

It’s always nice to receive customer feedback on their experiences of flying with us, and the Adventure Balloons team frequently enjoys reading customers emails of thanks, like the one below from Jan Bedford:

‘I was lucky enough to fly on Sunday 15 June and just wanted to express my thanks to Kim and the rest of the team for a wonderful experience. Despite feeling quite anxious earlier in the day, there was nothing scary about the flight, knowing I was in such capable hands. Unfortunately I made for the minibus to go home without appreciating that I had missed my chance to say goodbye and to thank Kim in particular, hence my Email.

Thanks again.

Jan Bedford’

To experience the sights and sounds of your very own hot air balloon ride, visit the Adventure Balloons website and book your unforgettable experience today.