When you buy a voucher through Balloons over Britain to take your Hot Air Balloon ride through one the many operators UK wide, encompassed within the organisation, we cannot, of course, guarantee that you will have a bright sunny day. But what we can assure you is that you will be safely transported from launch site to champagne landing only in weather that is suitable for flying.  Visibility will be good and the wind will be gentle, your qualified pilot friendly and happy to explain the technicalities of his part of the flight and the crew equally willing for you to assist with the inflation and recovery operations, it is just waiting for you.

You don’t have to put yourself through the rigours of one of Sir Alan’s tasks, or suffer the interrogation of the “boardroom” to enjoy this thrill of a lifetime, illustrated by the successful “alpha” quintet in the basket as seen during the programme. By contacting Balloons over Britain, you can also enjoy this once in a lifetime experience through one of our 70 local operators, from a site near you.

Balloons over Britain have over 70 fully licensed operators flying from launch sites throughout the United Kingdom, all holders of an Air Operators Certificate, signed up to the high standards and code of conduct necessary to meet the high standards demanded. All our operators constantly strive to give you the customer the very best. Balloons over Britain will ensure that you will not be disappointed.

There are few requirements to becoming a member of a Hot Air Balloon crew, fit enough to be able to carry some heavy items, maybe across a field for example, not to the level of a trained athlete. Getting up early in the morning is another, in order to get to the launch site for Sunrise Balloon Flights Having a driving licence and possibly your own car could be useful, although not essential and being a committed team member is vital. Contact us at Balloons over Britain; perhaps take a ride first at a local operator near you.

Many of our 70 operators local to you, have tethered operations as part of the comprehensive packages on offer. These operations consist of the balloon being inflated as normal and flown up to a height of less than 60 metres, restrained by ropes secured to the basket. These are to prevent any lateral movement; the Hot Air Balloon is flown up and down by the pilot under its own power just as it would in free flight. Often these tethered operations take place at night which allows for a spectacular show, or night glow, the whole envelope being lit by the burner. Contact us and we will be happy to tell you which local Hot Air Balloon operator offers this option.

We firstly suggest that you arrange with Balloons over Britain to take a Hot Air Balloon flight with a local operator and discuss with them the possibility of taking the necessary course to achieve your ambition, this checks that you will enjoy it before you commit time, energy and money to becoming a Pilot. Becoming a Licensed Pilot requires hours of commitment and theoretical training, but at the end of it you will become a qualified pilot. How’s that for a topic down at the pub?

Hot air ballooning is one of the most romantic ways to fly, no sensation of movement, no sensation of rising, rather one of the ground falling away from you, this is an experience you will remember for years to come. The peace and tranquility, no wind you are being majestically carried along with it until such time as your qualified pilot gently descends to earth and then you enjoy your glass of champagne with the person you love. What could be nicer?

At Balloons over Britain we have over 70 local operators under our umbrella and we can arrange for you to visit, one or many of these as you wish and combine it will a summer holiday. We can supply you with vouchers that will allow you to experience the thrill of a Hot Air Balloon Ride throughout the country, maybe as part touring holiday, then you will have something to talk about on a Friday night at the pub!

Passenger safety is the prime requirement in any aerial operation involving the general public and this is one of the cornerstones on which we, and the local operators throughout Britain, have built our operation. During your flight, if as we recommend, you took your camera, let us see your pictures so that your enjoyment can be shared with others. Feel free to contact us with any questions or comments. We’d love to hear from you.

For some family days out meetings are being held during May at the following venues. Great Missenden 3rd - 5th May, Kirby Lonsdale Rugby Club 24th - 26th May, Bowood House Calne 24th – 26th May, and in June at Middlesbrough Balloon Festival, Stewarts Park 27th -30th June, and the Burnley Balloon Meet at Townsley Park on the 25th – 27th June.  Join the Balloons over Britain friends and operators at these meetings, remember to take a camera, talk to the pilots and just have a good time. Contact Balloons over Britain and then you could be taking part too.