Before a successful hot air balloon flight can begin, the pilot must first check the weather and find a suitable take-off point. The weather must have sufficient visibility for the pilot to see and wind speeds should not exceed 10mph to allow for safe take-off and landings. To check wind speeds at a given location the pilot will send up a balloon called a Met-balloon or Pibal, this gives instant information about what the wind is actually doing.

Next the balloon is unpacked and the burner and basket attached. The envelope (balloon) is then filled with cold air that partially inflates the balloon and gives it, its basic shape. Once the shape of the balloon has been established the burner is used to heat the air inside. When the balloon is upright, the pilot and passengers climb into the basket and the flight can begin by directing more heat into the envelope.

The latest addition to the fleet is a 16 passenger balloon basket. Adventure Balloons have worked tirelessly with the Lidstrand factory to produce not only a fantastically functional basket, but also takes into account the safety of both the passengers and pilots.

Adventure Balloons has been fitting seats to their baskets since 1993 and it’s only now that the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) recognise this major contribution to safety and recommend that other operators follow suit to avoid injuries due to bumpy landings.

So why not get a group of friends together and experience the delights of hot air ballooning.

Even before a balloon takes off Adventure Balloons have many safety checks. So those of you who are nervous about flying need not worry. A preflight preparation always takes place. The balloon pilot will check the weather conditions to make sure all is well before the flight and will also select the best take-off point.

Visibility is a big issue for flying a balloon and the weather conditions must be right for the balloon flight to take place. Obvious obstructions when flying need to be taken into consideration and if visibility is poor a balloon flight may not take place. The launch site for the balloon needs to have sufficient area to basically lay out the balloon and inflate it without any obstruction such as poles or powerlines and trees. Wind needs to be predicted in such a manner that the balloon will take off as required. All safety aspects for the balloon flight are considered from the amount of fuel the balloon needs to any other hazards that may potentially effect the flight.

Adventure Balloons believe that balloon flight safety comes first.