By Amos M Brock
 
Riding hundreds of feet above the earth in a hot air balloon can be a real thrill. However, like every other adventure sport, hot air balloon ride comes with its share of risks. There have been numerous instances when hot air balloons have crashed and led to the death of riders. So, unless you are very sure about precautionary measures and ensure full protection, you must not go on a ride high up the sky. Here are certain important safety precautions and checks to make before you hitch a ride in a hot air balloon.
Safety equipment

Every balloon should contain basic safety equipment. Make sure to gather information from reliable sources such as ballooning guides and expert websites. As a minimum, you should check whether the balloon has an onboard flint spark lighter, parachutes and fire extinguisher. A flint spark lighter is used in case the flame that keeps the balloon floating goes off in mid flight. The pilot can relight the flame and prevent a crash. Fire extinguisher is necessary for obvious reasons. The standard extinguisher used in most of the balloons is a AB:E 1 kg type.

You should also look for a drop line. In several countries, this is a mandatory inclusion. A drop line is very useful in landing when the pilot cannot steer the balloon effective because of mild wind. Since the balloon runs the risks of damage from the obstructions on the ground, the ground crew use the drop line dropped by the pilot during landing to guide the balloon away from ground obstructions. Typically, a drop line is a 30 meter long sturdy rope.

Maintenance

A balloon that is not well maintained is always unsafe. Regular maintenance is as crucial to balloons as it is for aircraft. The most vulnerable part of the balloon is its fabric. Any small rip or tear can lead to disastrous repercussions during flight. Any such damage should be immediately repaired.

Besides, before you get into a hot air balloon, make sure to check out the basket. It should be clean and meticulously organized. Disorganized baskets are a major indication of inefficient management and maintenance. Check for stains and dirt at the exteriors as well. Sometimes, balloons land in slushy or muddy areas. In such cases, the operator company needs to clean and dry the basket thoroughly. In order to ensure safe landing, the skids provided at the bottom of the basket need to be replaced if damaged. As per protocol, thorough servicing and maintenance is a requisite once every year or after 100 flight hours.
Be alert

When you ride in a hot air balloon, your alertness can be your saviour. Be sensitive to the objects around you when you fly. Always keep a watch out for electrical lines, poles and masts that could collide with the balloon. Sometimes, the pilot might be concentrating on one particular thing and might not pay a lot of attention to obstacles. Deem it as your personal responsibility to alert the pilot in such circumstances.
Listen to what you are told

Before you take off, you are briefed about terms and conditions to be followed during the flight. These rules are for your own good. So, make sure you follow them implicitly.

Cloud 9 Baloon Flights offer hot air balloon rides over the spectacular countryside of Sydney's Hawkesbury Valley or the wine country of the Hunter Valley. They are the only company that pioneered ballooning in the Sydney area and remains the only one with authorisation to do so.

By Rita Lambros-Segur
 
The hot air ballooning, as beautiful as a butterfly, the gentle giant of the skies, a peaceful but exhilarating means of viewing the countryside, suddenly seems a dangerous way to fly. Yet only a few months ago its safety record seemed impeccable.

Now, after four accidents and 17 deaths in quick succession, more than hot air will be needed to restore faith in ballooning as a sport, recreation and tourist delight. Bad luck is not acceptable as an explanation for disasters involving passengers and pilots.

Air ballooning has a long tradition, and it is unthinkable that it should be banned. This would destroy a pleasure and an industry that belong as much as high-powered aircraft to the skies and which are among the least noisome expressions of humankind's determination to be airborne. The Premier, Mr Bannon, is correct in resisting a ban, as he would be if, following glider or light plane fatalities, it was proposed to ground all such aircraft.

But the disasters since August need to be thoroughly investigated, not only to discover whether there are common factors. It must be determined whether the balloons and balloon operators are satisfactorily vetted for safety. Civil aviation authorities and commercial balloon operators appear to be aware of their responsibilities to learn what they can from the four accidents, but the public - potential passengers and people on the ground need to know that structural and safety requirements and pilot skills are of the highest standard. This should be required of any public operation which takes passengers aboard.

As two of the accidents involved collisions with powerlines it may be that new regulations will have to be framed about where balloons are permitted to fly and the knowledge balloon pilots must demonstrate about whereabouts of powerlines and other potential hazards. Vision and visibility may be factors, too, along with ability to react quickly in emergencies; this latter perhaps involving some pre-flight instructions to passengers.
While the helium-filled Double Eagle had virtually no controls and was at the complete mercy of the winds, the pilots of the Pacific Flyer will be able to maneuver the balloon up and down until it is centered in the core of the jetstream.

Ballooning is an adventure, and it would be a tame world that banned provision or enjoyment of adventurous pursuits. The task of authorities is to set standards and see that they are maintained, so that those who take to the air in balloons are not taking a greater risk than they know about.

Learn about the best weather conditions, equipment and places to experience the exhilaration of hot air ballooning at: [http://www.air-balloon-hot.com] Air Balloon Hot [http://www.air-balloon-hot.com].

5 Ways to Make Hot Air Balloon Flights Safe

 By Harold Gorton

An activity that roots all the way back to man's first dream of flight. An endeavour that despite its far beginnings still captivates a lot of enthusiasts in these modern times. Hot air balloon flights are still sought after. By those who want something different from any kind of aviation adventure. Something that everyone can enjoy with the smallest of preparation, zero skill level and less anxiety. It may be easy, simple and an activity within everyone's reach, still as with any outdoor activity there are risks involved. Avoidable ones, given the proper knowledge and safety briefing. Here are five ways to make this activity safe and successful.

1. Advanced research always pays off. Before you even start booking you balloon flight, it doesn't hurt to learn a bit about what they are and how they work. Do a bit of fact finding and read up on some comments of people who have enjoy balloon flights and seek a bit of expert advice from enthusiasts and operators as well. It also pays to do a bit of reference checking on the potential flight providers.

2. Hot air balloon rides are one of the very few activities that has little restrictions on who can ride. Almost anyone can enjoy a scenic hot air balloon flight, even people with physical disabilities. If you are undergoing medical treatment, make sure that you inform you pilot of it. Pregnant participants from six months on are not allowed to ride. Likewise, wheelchairs and oxygen tanks cannot be accommodated on board.

3. One of the prevalent injuries linked to hot air balloon flights is a broken ankle. Flat shoes or better yet running shoes are the most adequate footwear for this activity. Balance is important most especially when landing. You will be taught that the best position when landing is in a tucked position that will have you squat down leaning far back and holding onto a rope. It is advisable that you wear a long sleeved shirt during the flight. You may be positioned in the basket that is near the burner where the heat may be uncomfortable on exposed skin.

4. Never attempt to fly intoxicated or under any substance. This will alter your perception which can pose a very imminent risk to you and the people that you will be sharing the balloon ride with. This activity is full of that adventure high which is absolutely all natural.

5. It's a great idea to have kids enjoy a balloon ride, but one must have the good sense of realizing if they will really enjoy the flight or if it would be better to take them when they are at an age where they can truly appreciate it. Oftentimes, children younger than ten enjoy the first part which is inflation, and ground preparation. This is something new to them and they will be undoubtedly interested. Take off is a marvellous feat as well. But remember that flights usually take an hour or more and five minutes into the flight they may totally loose interest and ask for an early landing. It is a good idea to brief them of what the activity will entail from start to finish and then decide if they are truly up to it.

It's the most basic yet one activity that is full of amazing sights and discoveries. In any chosen endeavour potential risks should always be kept in mind and prepared for. Hot air balloon flights may be a slow paced and relaxed activity, but this characteristic doesn't spare it from possible risks. Being aware, prepared and in the know will be an important factor in eliminating these risks and making this feat as enjoyable as it can get.

Harold Gorton is a lover of hot air ballooning. He is also an experienced writer and enjoys sharing information and tips on hot air ballooning with other like-minded people. Harold Gorton has experienced and tried hot air ballooning all around Australia and recommends anyone interested in hot air balloon rides to give it a go!!