There are a large number of commercial hot air balloon ride companies in the UK, and choosing a company for a hot air balloon ride can be difficult but it does not have to be so, whether this is as a gift, or for the thrill and enjoyment of experiencing a Hot Air Balloon rides themselves.

Most operators will advertise themselves in some way or another, this could be in the Yellow Pages or more likely nowadays on the internet. But how do you know how good the operator is? By using the online services of Balloons over Britain you will be assured that your chosen operator more than meets the requirements needed to operate a Hot Air Balloon commercially, but has the years of experience to make your flight enjoyable. Balloons over Britain have been established since 1991 and have a fleet of over 40 balloons with daily scheduled flights operating literally from dawn until dusk. Arranging your flight could not be easier.

One of the first balloon festivals takes place in the Yorkshire area shortly, the “Brass Monkey Event” which is organised by the Pennine Region Association at Harrogate. This event is an annual gathering and is one that is one that looked forward to by enthusiasts from all over Britain, coming at a time when there has been little activity in the Hot Air Ballooning world. The meet is to be held over the weekend of the 2^nd and 3^rd of February 2008 at the Kimberley Hotel, with the launch of the balloons to take place at Rudding Park.

This is a fantastic opportunity at the start of the year to enjoy a couple of days out and is an event for all the family. Take a camera, buy a programme and do some balloon spotting, check the launch times as these could be early, and watch the weather report, remember that if it is very windy or foggy, do something else, if not just enjoy the first of a number of family events.

My people taking Hot Air Balloon trips with us ask how they can become licensed balloon pilots. A hot air balloon is a registered aircraft, the same as any fixed wing aircraft or helicopter and the person flying must hold a valid Private Pilots Licence, known as a PPL (B). Although anyone with average ability can fulfil the requirements for the PPL (B) it is not an activity to be taken lightly. You will have to be able to cope with problems and circumstances that may arise and you could be responsible for the safety of people who may be flying with you.

 To obtain a PPL (B) there are some minimum requirements including; flying experience of 16 hours within 24 months, at least six flights, four of which will be with a BBAC instructor, the remainder with any valid PPL (B). You will be required to take a flight test and perform a solo flight, take a written examination within a 24 month period. These are but a few of the minimum requirements that are required to become a qualified Hot Air Balloon pilot, but we are sure you find it worth while.

Once you have enjoyed your first Hot Air Balloon flight with us we can guarantee that you will be hooked and will want to get more involved with Hot Air Ballooning. One sure fire way is to become a balloon spotter and why not? Because Hot Air Balloons in the UK come in a variety of shapes and a myriad of colours, looking out for them and taking photographs can give hours of pleasure. It is believed that there are over 1000 balloon spotters in the UK and there are a number of clubs that the enthusiast can join.

Spotting Hot Air Balloons is fun and it is not just the shape and distinctive colours that set them all apart. They are a registered aircraft and as such carry their own identification lettering, so the balloon spotter can keep a log or register of those seen. Various publications are available to the enthusiast, many from the clubs or societies he may have joined, it is fun and a way of being involved in the activity.

Some of the most stunning photographs to be seen feature Hot Air Balloons, the designs on the envelope and the vibrant colours, the shape of the Hot Air Balloon themselves can be quite amazing, and often the numbers, or groups of Hot Air Balloon flying overhead. Taking a camera to a balloon festival offers many opportunities for interesting ballooning photos.
If you are taking part in a Hot Air Balloon ride always take a camera. We recommended that you use UV filters on your camera to eliminate possible haziness. The burner flame always makes for good pictures as well as the inside of the balloon, of course your fellow passengers should be included to make the pictures more interesting, and don’t forget to get someone to take some pictures of you in the basket before take off. Whether you are riding or flying you will get photographs to remember and be admired.