Would you like the opportunity to take on a new line of work, completely? Are you getting itchy feet in your current role? Well then here at Wickers World we may have just the thing for you!

We’re looking for a new full time individual to join our lively team of hot air balloon enthusiasts in our flight administration office. This is a long term role and would suit a person who is looking for something new to sink their teeth into, a new career path an opportunity to build themselves up in a completely different line of work that would actually be of interest to them. You could even be one of those lucky few who enjoys their work‼ Imagine that; the alarm goes off and you jump out of bed with a spring in your step and not once do you watch the clock at work!

If you’re interested in having the chance to work with a successful local business, then consider us at Wickers World; we are the third largest provider of balloon flights in the UK and were one of the first CAA licensed operators over 20 years ago‼

Your job will entail:

• Scheduling of balloon flights and making flight reservations for customers.
• Processing bookings and taking telephone orders.
• All aspects of customer care and relations.
• Invoicing corporate clients.
• Assisting with marketing, including website maintenance and content.
• Maintaining our computerised customer database.
• Other promotional/administrative tasks as required.

Don’t panic, we will obviously train you up on our business activities and also on the bespoke software reservations package that we use.

If working in an office doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, we also have roles available for hot air balloon ground crew. You may also be interested to know that some of our ground crew have even qualified as private pilots after passing the Civil Aviation Authority training program & examinations! Following this the possibilities are endless with a view to gaining commercial qualifications eventually!

You will need:

• An excellent telephone manner.
• Good organisational skills.
• An outgoing and confident personality – to match the exciting services that we provide.
• Strong computer skills, including use of Microsoft Office products.
• The ability to manage their own time efficiently and work on their own initiative.
• An extremely reliable, punctual and dedicated attitude to their role.

You’ll find that we’re at our busiest through the summer months, and so please bear in mind that we tend to ask our team to take their holiday time in the period from October to April. Normal office operational hours are Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, although occasional weekend office duties can occur during the busier times.

You can expect a basic salary of £14,500 with the opportunity to earn an additional circa £4000 if ground crew duties are undertaken (extra hours apply).

Please note; you will need to have your own transport as our office is located rurally near Great Haywood.

All interested parties should apply by email to jon@wickersworld.co.uk, enclosing your CV and a detailed description of why you think you would be suited to this role and why you would be a valid member of our team. It may be an idea to browse our website to find out more about our company and the service that we provide.

Have you ever wondered how the hot air balloon works? Maybe you’ve taken a flight with us and it’s inspired you to learn more? Have you ever dreamed of flying in a hot air balloon and would like the chance to learn how to fly one yourself? Well here at Aerosaurus Balloons we’re offering you the opportunity to do just that. We’re proud to teach and promote Hot Air Ballooning and so if you’ve ever had a balloon flight with us and been left feeling intrigued, then why not contact us to find out more?!

In order to obtain a PPL (B) Balloon Pilots license you need to have completed the following:

• Minimum of 16hrs logged.
• Minimum of 4 Flights with a British Balloon and Airship Club (BBAC) approved instructor.
• Complete a 30 minute tethered flight, watched and approved by a BBAC qualified instructor.
• Undertaken and passed all 5 exams: Aviation Law, Navigation, Meteorology, Ballooning Systems and Human Performance. These usually take place in Bristol.
• Attended a Landowner Relations Seminar.
• Completed all the above within 24 months.

Your can be instructed and have logged flights with any balloon pilot as long as they hold a full UK PPL(B) license. You can use one of our commercial pilots (who is also an instructor), or a choice of several other West country (mainly Bristol area) based instructors for your instructor flights. So that you can start logging your flights you will need your Training Log and Pilots Log Book. These can both be purchased via Pooleys or Aerosaurus and are used to record every flight you do. Your Training Log is used to record any advice given and notes from the pilot who you were training with for each flight.

At Aerosaurus we will be more than happy to train you directly, from start to finish. Please remember however; we are subject to British weather and so you may experience delays from time to time. It is also worth taking into consideration that you may need to fit this around your full time job. If this is the case, you must allow 12 months to complete the course. The more spare time you have, the faster you will get through your graduation.

Our fees:

• 12 hours minimum flight time at £220 per hour to include provision of balloon, training pilot, insurance, retrieve vehicle & balloon trailer, ground crew, propane, farmers wine – £2,640
• 4 hours as above but with BBAC Instructor @ £250 per hour – £1000
• Tethered flight and instruction with BBAC Instructor – £200
• BBAC Examiner recommendation flight – £270
• BBAC Examiner flight – £270
• Any additional hours with a training pilot in addition to the minimum 16 hours as above – £220 p/h
• Witnessed ‘Solo’ flight – £200
• Aerosaurus Pilot Training Manual – Free
• Exam Fees – Free
• 5hrs Ground School (£20 per hour thereafter) – Free

The hot air ballooning season has just begun and thousands of happy customers are choosing to use their ballooning vouchers to fly now while spring is starting to rear its beautiful head. So here at Airborne Balloon Flights we’re looking for dedicated staff to be a part of our friendly team. And let’s face it, can you think of a better way to spend this spring and summer than outdoors under the warm heat of the sun, learning all about how hot air balloons work and what is involved in a balloon flight? For many people, this is a great way to enjoy socialising with passengers and other crew members and what’s more, you’ll be keeping fit…in a fun way!

In your various years of emplyment, you’ll certainly find that you’ve experience nothing quite like crewing for hot air balloons. Our staff find it rather unusual and without a doubt a rewarding activity. Here at Airborne Balloon Flights we are always on the lookout for new members to join our already successful and professional team of balloon ground crew and are particularly looking for reliable people who are happy to work on a full time or part time basis, mornings and/or evenings. They will need to be flexible as shifts can include weekdays and weekends. The typical flying season begins at the start of April and ends in early November.

Our flights operate from a selection of sites across the counties of Kent and Sussex, so unless you’re willing to travel quite a way, we recommend that applicants be relatively local to these areas. We require applicants to be reasonably physically fit, over 25 and have 3 years clean driving licence.

So, if this sounds like the job for you, please do get in touch! Contact our Chief Flight Co-ordinator – Sandie Leigh via any of the following connections:

Tel:   01622 871117
Fax:  01622 871117
E-mail: sales@airborneballoons.co.uk

At Aerosaurus Balloons we know exactly what makes the perfect balloon flight. Wit consistent positive reviews from our customers, it’s no wonder we’re the largest west country Hot Air Balloon flight operator! We have flown an incredible 70,000+ passengers in our fleet of balloons over the last 25 years, and these passengers have been between ages seven to one hundred years! We cover some of Britains most beautiful countryside and launch from locations in in Mid and East Devon, South Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, Dorset and Wiltshire, and nationwide via our membership of Balloons Over Britain. Just take a look at some of our reviews;

“Very professional crew and pilot; thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon. This is our 3rd balloon flight but 1st with you guys, if we go for a 4th flight we will be using you again.”

“A most enjoyable experience, the “ground staff” in particular were extremely helpful, and attentive. The pilot explained everything, in good detail. A great and wonderful day had by all.

“Wow! Honestly it exceeded all our expectations. We thoroughly enjoyed everything about it, to be included in the setting up, the flight and the recovery. All the crew had a tremendous attitude“

If you’d like to be part of the fun, or maybe you’d like a more intimate affair, a last minute booking for Valentine’s day for example, then there are plenty of options available to you.

• Our Early bird Voucher is now just £99 and is an open dated flight voucher (valid for 12 months) for a weekday dawn flight (excluding bank holidays). This voucher can be used from any of our launch locations across Devon, Dorset, Somerset, Cornwall and Wiltshire.
• Our Weekday Voucher is now just £109 and again is an open dated flight voucher (valid for 12 months) enabling a weekday dawn or dusk flight (excluding bank holidays). This voucher can be used from any of our launch locations.
• The Anytime Voucher is a little more expensive at £129 however if you’re purchasing for 2+ people, it’s just £125 per person. Again, this is an open dated flight voucher (valid for 12 months) enabling a dawn or dusk balloon ride, valid 7 days a week from any of our launch locations. Now that’s flexibility!
• The Aerosaurus Absolute Voucher is the most optimum booking and cost just £149 per person. The perfect gift this open dated flight voucher (valid for 12 months) enables the participant to take a dawn or dusk balloon flight, valid 7 days a week and from any of our launch locations!

With many more voucher options available, you need to decide exactly what it is you’d like from you’re day, who you’d like to fly and then get on over to our site to see which option is best for you, alternatively however, you can of course call us on 01404 823102!

Ballooning first timer? Most of our customers are, so we thought to save you the suspense and answer all those questions on your mind, we’d tell you a little more about what to expect. Many of our customers are ordering balloon flights for Christmas presents at the moment and there are also a great deal thinking ahead and organising their Valentines surprise with plenty of notice to make it perfect; ballooning is known as the most romantic way to fly, after all. So what questions are we being overwhelmed with at the moment.

Firstly, most enquires are with regards to what to expect from their flight. Many are fearful of the takeoff and other of the landing, however there is no need for concern.

When you take off you will notice the ground dropping away, however you will not really notice a sensation of movement or rising. Many have described a feeling of peace and tranquillity once up in the air; this is heightened by the apparent lack of wind.  The balloon moves with the wind and so you will not experience windiness at all when you’re up! You can expect to climb to heights of approximately 3’000 foot; let your mind imagine what the world would look like from heights such as that, and nothing to obstruct your view!

Flights last for about an hour, and yes, you will enjoy a champagne toast, along with a certificate to commemorate your day! What’s more we encourage all of our passengers to help set up the balloon and dismantle it afterwards so that they can get a real feel for ballooning and enjoy a day of it, rather than just the flight.

You can expect your flight to take place either at sunset or sunrise as this is when the weather is at its calmest. Typically flights run from March to October, however some Balloons Over Britain operators will run flights outside of the typical ballooning season. Bear in mind, if the weather is not suitable for flying, then your flight will be cancelled. Simply phone to re-schedule in this case where we will make every possible step to ensure you fly at a date that is convenient for you.

Remember to wear clothing which is appropriate for country walks and the time of year, ideal clothes made of natural fibres. Another advisable item would be a hat or cap to protect your head from the heat of the burners. And please, ladies, you will be clambering through fields and over the balloon basket, so do wear trousers. We recommended sensible walking shoes or boots, preferably ones that are waterproof, as most flights take off from, and land in, a field. Finally bear in mind the limited space in the basket, so try to avoid bringing large rucksacks or bags.

The most common type of query we have is with regards to the safety of hot our ballooning. What we advise is that ballooning activities intrinsically involve the possibility of physical risks greater than those encountered in daily life, even though they are conducted under the supervision of commercial pilots who exercise all due precautions to ensure safety. By taking part in such ballooning activities passengers are understood to be fully aware of these risks. All Balloons Over Britain Operators are certified and regulated by the Civil Aviation Authority and all the pilots hold full Commercial Pilot Licences. All operators carry combined single limit insurance to current European standards.

For more details, call us on 0845 071 6388.

Our very own Clive Bailey is becoming quiet the celebrity! On the 21^st November this year Clive won this year’s prestigious WRBBAC (The Western Region British Balloon and Airship Club) for his services to ballooning and particularly for his dedication to the Metline – balloonist’s weather phone used to determine safe conditions for flying which he’s been doing for 13 years!

Clive Bailey was presented the award by the Chairman of the WRBBAC, Phil Dunnington himself and where better to present the award than in the pub, just perfect to celebrate with a nice glass of bubbly!

The award is famously given out on Montgolfier Day, remembered from back on the 21^st November 1793 for the first piloted balloon flight! The montgolfière-style hot air balloon, globe aérostatique was designed by two brothers, Joseph-Michel Montgolfier and Jacques-Étienne Montgolfier who succeeded in launching the first piloted ascent, carrying the now famous Étienne into the sky, becoming the first person to fly in a hot air balloon!

So from all the Balloons Over Britain Team, a big congratulations to Clive Bailey!

But of course the success of this award was not enough to fulfil Clive’s thirst for fame and so he took upon his next adventure, this time to get involved in his own way on BBC One Show. So on December 2^nd this year, Clive sailed across the water in the one and only One Show hot air balloon! He flew from Caldicot in South Wales to Thornbury between the two Severn Bridges and enjoyed serene whether throughout his trip. Another box ticked eh Clive?

If you’d like to make your first magical hot air balloon ride with the ever famous Bailey Balloons then you’ve certainly chosen well. In the best and most capable ballooning hands across the UK, Bailey Balloons can offer you flights from launch from sites in Bristol, Bath, Wiltshire and South Wales and fly over some of the most beautiful towns and countryside in the UK! Plus, at the moment you will automatically be entered into a prize draw to win a balloon ride when you purchase one of our vouchers!

But don’t take our word for it that Bailey Balloons are the best; take a look at our customer Testimonials page to see what our customers say having experienced one of our flights for themselves!

Our passenger balloon flights operator Bailey Balloons offers you the opportunity to charter your very own hot air balloon (and pilot) with inclusive bubbly champagne and for your choice group! Yes that’s right, they not only offer individual bookings, couples and intimate affairs; they also offer group bookings and parties for that perfect celebration. Maybe you’ve been on a mission to find the ideal corporate team building activity, a suave way of entertaining clients or an impressive way to reward your hard working staff? Alternatively you just can’t stretch to summer holiday abroad this year and instead would like to take your family on a journey they’ll never forget? Does your family need a boost after making it through some difficult times, or maybe you’re organising a Stag Do or Hen Night? Then again, you’re probably just looking for the ultimate birthday or anniversary gift.

Offering far more than just a hop-on, hop-off balloon ride, Bailey Balloons offers your party the opportunity to help our crew inflate the balloon and prepare it for take-off! Then, when you’re in the air your pilot will be more than happy to answer any questions that your group has whilst also capturing your experience on camera by taking an in-flight photograph! Photo’s can be purchased at the end of your flight as a memento of your wonderful day.

Whatever it is your looking at celebrating Bailey Balloons are the flights company for you. Whether it’s for 2, 4, 16 or 100 people, Bailey Balloons are able to accommodate your group whatever the size! They offer a tailor made, interactive and exhilarating ballooning experiences which is sure to exceed your expectations, plus as you’re making a group booking, we’ll be more than happy to discuss discounted rates – feel free to call us on 01275 375 300 or email info@baileyballoons.co.uk.

Countryside Balloons – one of the Balloons Over Britain member companies – are Essex and Suffolk’s longest flying balloon operator and have been in operation since the early 90’s. Fully licensed by the Civil Aviation Authority we carry liability insurance for all our passengers. One of the first thoughts of our passengers is, ‘who will be flying me?’ Well here at Countryside Balloons we think it’s important that our passengers understand as much about us and what to expect as possible. Tim Parker is our principle pilot and is one of only a few highly qualified group C chief pilots in Britain! This is Tim’s 16th season with us and in addition to working full time with us; Tim has been involved in safety projects with the Civil Aviation Authority and has consulted with Cameron Balloons, the world’s largest balloon manufacturer, to have manufactured a purpose-built balloon basket to increase space and safety for our passengers!

Since the mid 1990s numerous experience companies have approached us to fly all their hot air ballooning experience passengers for Essex. In fact over 40 experience companies have approached us, as members of the Balloons Over Britain group, and have chosen us due to our unrivalled safety record and wealth of experience!

A balloon flight voucher makes the perfect gift for a birthday, anniversary or any celebration. But what makes Countryside Balloons so special is our dedication to detail. Our vouchers can be given to individuals, couples or even groups, and whether it’s for one person or a big party, we will tailor the day to suit you. The gift voucher arrives in an attractive presentation card and envelope complete with ballooning cap and is valid for 12 months! What’s more, you can make the occasion extra special by attaching your gift voucher to a helium filled foil balloon in a box, which will arrive, bearing your message, in a robust gift box! When your friend or loved one opens the box, out will float the helium balloon carrying the experience voucher and your message. Now there’s a special touch that is sure to go down well!

Remember, your flight can be chosen at the time of purchase or even by the recipient at a later date simply review our scheduled flight dates to book your slot!

If you fancy doing something a bit different this year, why not experience working with a hot air balloon company?  Due to the seasonal nature of the job, balloon companies across the United Kingdom have vacancies available druing the summer for part-time and full-time ground crew.  So what is involved and what is required?

Obviously, those of you who enjoy the outdoors are well suited to this type of work.  You will need to be physically fit as being a member of the ground crew involves the moving of hot air balloons as well as lots of walking and you will also need to have good people skills as you will be dealing with land owners and passengers on a day-to-day basis.  Competence with Minibuses, 4×4’s and trailers is very helpful as the ground crew transport the balloon to and from the launch and landing sites as well as transporting passengers back to the launch site after landing.  Map reading is also very useful due to the amount of travelling involved in the job.  Industry training is of course provided.

When it comes to driving, you must have three years clean license and be over 25.  Your license needs to include categories B+E to enable you to tow our balloon trailers which are generally over 750kg.  There is an additional trailer test that must be taken for drivers who first passed their test after January 1997. 

Ballooning season runs from April through to October, providing many job opportunities throughout the season.  Flights occur during early morning and late afternoon throughout the week and weekend, so reliability and flexibility is essential!  Full-time ground crew are usually on a fixed weekly rate with some companies offering an additional bonus scheme for the balloon crew work.  There may also be additional support activities and promotional work available for an hourly rate. 

If you would like to have a go at working with a ballooning company, simply contact ballooning companies such as Adventure Balloons (member of Balloons over Britain) and provide them with your C.V.

Hot air balloons are fascinating pieces of equipment and as well as flying in one, many of us would love to get involved in the finer aspects of ballooning, such as piloting one or becoming ground crew.  I imagine that you think it is easier said than done but actually, it is quite easy to get involved.  There are many ballooning clubs in the UK which you can go along to and meet many like-minded individuals where you will certainly learn a thing or two about ballooning.  The other alternative is researching into local ballooning businesses and going out at dawn or dusk to follow the balloons to the landing site where you can talk to the pilot and ground crew.  Balloon pilots and crew are more often than not, a friendly bunch of people that can give plenty of sound advice. 

Booking a balloon flight is also a fantastic way of obtaining useful information and witnessing a pilot at work.  Balloon operators will allow passengers to aid them in inflating and deflating the balloon and you can obtain hoards of information during your flight experience which will usually last 3 to 4 hours.  Balloons over Britain offer flights from more than 70 launch sites across the UK so why not take a look at our locations page on the website to find the launch site closest to you and book your dream flight now!