Often when you see Hot Air Balloons in flight they may not be taking passengers on pleasure flights, they could be in competition, yes racing! The term ‘racing’ may not be the best choice of words when talking about balloon competitions because balloons don’t ‘race’ in the normal sense of the word because it is not about being first across an imaginary line, it is really about a how close a pilot can come to a predetermined area or target. Many forms of competition take place at Hot Air Balloon festivals which are held all over the country through the flying season, normally spring through to the late autumn.

A number of Hot Air Balloon festivals are due to take place during 2008 and there will be one in a location which is near you, the next is the Brass Monkey Festival on the 2nd and 3rd of February 2008 at Rudding Park Harrogate.

When you book your flight through Balloons over Britain you will be given all the necessary instruction to prepare you for the big day, but there are some things that we believe will make your day out even more memorable, and that is what it should be.

Firstly, you should take a camera, beg or borrow if you do not have one of your own. Wear plenty of warm clothing because your early morning flight means that it will be cool to say the least and the higher you go, the colder it can become. Sensible flat and comfy shoes should always be worn, waterproof if possible as the grass can be damp in the early morning. This is an aircraft, remember the pilot is in charge, so listen to and do what he recommends. Bring your family with you to enjoy the experience and arrange to meet them in a pub for a super breakfast and tell them all about your flight.

Enjoy your experience and remember that ballooning is proven to be the safest form of aviation and we guarantee that you will return many times over.

We would always want you to take your Hot Air Balloon flight with us in bright sunny weather, sadly we all know the vagaries of the British weather and this is not possible. Your arranged flight will take place if the operator considers the weather to be suitable, sunshine or not.

There are however, certain conditions that will prevent a flight taking place such as in rain, or if it is foggy. Hot Air Ballooning is completely weather dependent and you will be instructed to telephone your operator on the day of the flight to see if the weather will allow a flight to take place, if it is not you simply rebook for another convenient day. Should you decide to postpone your flight, we must point out that this must me within the minimum period of notice that you will find in the operator’s written instructions. Please remember that if you do not turn up for your flight, it is lost.

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.

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.