The phrase “I’m flying” is a common expression of excitement and joy, and it is not uncommon to see hot air balloons soaring in the sky during these times, as well.
In fact, it’s common to see balloons everywhere during the summer months, and a trip to a state fair or county fair will usually have several hot air balloons in the air at the same time.
If you’re not a hot air balloon enthusiast, the sight of them in the sky is probably still a visual treat and makes for a great picture.
Whether it’s for a beautiful view, an adrenaline rush, or an opportunity to see the world, there’s something about the feeling of flying at high altitude that’s just as magical as it is intimidating.
A hot air balloon is known for its lightness, and it can get up to some pretty high altitudes. At about 15,000 feet, it’s about as high as an airplane can fly.
But, it’s not all about the height. A hot air balloon can travel a long way with only the weight of the balloon, passengers, and the pilot, and it’s a surprisingly low cost form of transportation.
The lack of harness on the basket of this hot air balloon is no accident. If there was one, it would be a safety hazard, as nobody would ever approach the gondola and danger of getting stuck would be way higher.
It’s to protect you from falling from the hot air balloon should it lose its lift or you lose balance. The safety harness has been designed for safety first.
The durability and built to last, it is also comfortable to wear. Comfort and ease of use are the two main benefits of this safety harness.
A safety harness that’s comfortable, easy to wear and can withstand the stresses of air travel.
Hot air balloon safety equipment
The vast majority of people who use hot air balloons are happy, safe, and very experienced pilots. Yet, there are a number of people who do not know the basics of hot air balloon safety.
One of the great things about hot air balloons is that people know a lot about them and love to share their knowledge. They’ll bring you the latest tips and tricks and show you how they’ve overcome some of the problems that are common to all pilots.
They’ll even let you tag along with them as they practice making landings, all for the purpose of helping those who travel in them. They love to share their knowledge and love to help others.
- The basket
The balloon is then inflated and attached to a special ‘chariot’, which is basically a wheeled cart. This is what the passengers sit on while they ride on the balloon.
- Fire extinguisher
Hot air balloons are some of the safest forms of aerial transport, but the lack of real world training and classroom training in the subject make hot air ballooning more dangerous than it should be.
To help prevent hot air balloons from catching fire, safety equipment such as hand and foot fire extinguishers are essential.
Although there are some fire extinguishers which can be used to cool a hot air balloon, it is highly recommended that you use a 3-way extinguisher, which will contain the fire, cool the balloon and provide a layer of safety.
There are many different brands of 3-way extinguishers on the market today, and while some of them are more expensive than others, you should ensure that you buy a 3-way extinguisher of the correct rating.
- Rope
I’m going to be honest with you, this is not the most exciting subject, but it is one of the most important. When you fly in a hot air balloon, you can be sure that your safety is your number one priority.
The last thing you want to do is accidentally fall out of your balloon and end up in the ground. Amazingly enough, a small part of the balloon is the primary safety device that will keep you safe.
Most people who have been involved in the production of hot air balloons are familiar with the need for safety when flying. You have to make sure you are properly equipped for the flight, it is a dangerous activity that can get very cold and you need to know how to keep your balloon flying safely.
Most of the time the biggest safety concern is that you do not have enough room to control the balloon, a situation that can result in a crash.
If you are considering the purchase of safety equipment for your hot air balloon, dont miss the opportunity to use your safety equipment-rope in the same configuration used by the professional hot air balloon pilots.
You can take a look at the ropes used by balloonists, and identify the potential risks. When you see the ropes in action, the chances of getting into trouble are greatly diminished.
Pilot and passenger personal protective equipment
Hot air balloons can be an exhilarating and relaxing way to travel. However, the same factors that make flying a hot air balloon possible also make it dangerous. While the pilot and passengers are aware of the dangers, they are still at risk of injury if something goes wrong.
If you do not wear personal safety equipment, you are putting yourself and your passengers at risk . Take a hot air balloon ride for example. Personal safety equipment is critical , but so are the pilot and passengers’ behavior. One other frequent hazard of hot air ballooning accidents.
It is important that when you are flying a hot air balloon, you use PPE that is suitable and designed for that purpose.
Are there weight restrictions?
If you’ve ever thought about riding in a hot-air balloon, you’ll know that the most important factor in making this possible is safety. In order to fly safely, all passengers must wear a required safety harness and life vest.
Passengers must also pass a government test for flying, which requires they weigh less than the maximum allowable weight. That means you can’t get on board one of these amazing machines unless you are a healthy adult.
There are weight limits on many items carried by hot air balloons. For example, balloons may be limited to a maximum size of 890 lbs (381 kg).
The weight limit is established by the FAA, and is based on both the balloon’s weight and on the total weight carried. Alternatively, there are weight limits for almost all of the equipment you can bring on a hot air balloon as well.
I’m Annie, a twenty-something year old girl who loves hot air balloons. So much so, that I have a full time job as a Flight Instructor and it is all I love talking about. Something about being up there in the elevated altitudes helps all my stresses float away!
