Hot Air Balloons

Hot Air Balloons My first Ride in one was back in the eighties I have never been so petrified in my life but that part of the excitement. I have a kind of phobia not about being scared of heights but more of things like being in a unsafe structure. A similar example would be I don’t enjoy being at the top of the Eiffel tower mainly because it's built by the French it just does not feel safe.

However back to the Hot Air Balloon flight is a wonderful chilly day out and brilliant as long as you understand all the safety procedures and take everything in a sensible manner. I cant tolerate idiots and being up in the air suspended in a basket with someone acting the fool is certainly not for me. If you see someone who may act like an idiot I make sure I get it requested the person does not fly. My safety is very important to me and I fell that in the sports that I particularly take part in i.e. Hot Air Ballooning and Scuba Diving people acting the fool are definitely not welcome.

A hot air balloon ride should take place in either two extremes of the day the very early morning or at sunset these are the times of the day when the air is ideal for direction control and gentle drifting. You must take careful consideration into the company that you are choosing to have your balloon ride with as this can make a dramatic difference to the quality of the day out. I always look for websites that have a number of good recommendations from both external people or hot air balloon companies that have been well established and run for a number of years.

It also helps to use companies that have a well known name within the industry Lindstrand is a fine example and the company founder has established world records within the industry as well as Virgin Balloons both companies come highly recommended for the hot air balloon experience.

I have been in a Virgin Balloon and had a grand time a very well organised trip safety and felt well treated by the staff. Having chosen a good company don’t be afraid to ask about some of the safety issues the training of pilots and history of the sport.

Always pay attention to the safety briefing as this is a little different from going on an airplane. The safety briefing is a good chance to see and understand what you are in for and you get a full explanation of all the parts of the Hot Air Balloon and sometimes you can get to find out how much hot air is required and due to the weather conditions the expected route of the balloon journey.

The weather conditions are very important as often the take off site is moved to make it easier to travel to a particular land mark or interesting land feature. Most Hot Air balloon companies try to arrange that you see a number of interesting land features. It is very good way to see things like the white horse which is a chalk feature or to travel over stone hendge.

Some of the castles in England and Wales are very picturesque from the air and you will have to choose carefully to which Balloon Company offers trips over different land and building features.

Have a great day out !!! See you cloud hopping soon.