Balloon Safety
Pilot Certification
Balloon pilots are certified by the FAA, in the same manner as airplane pilots. Pilots must take formal flight instruction, pass written and practical tests, and be re-examined periodically.
Equipment Safety
Balloons are aircraft and, as such, are regulated by the FAA. They must meet manufacturing standards and are subject to periodic inspections, just like a commercial jetliner.
Passenger Instruction
All passengers will be verbally and visually briefed prior to liftoff.
Preflight
- Ask questions
- Take pictures
- Be cautious of the inflation fan. Never stand alongside the fan when it is running
- Be aware of any tie-off ropes. Never cross over them, go around or under.
During the flight
- Do not lean out of the basket
- Feel free to ask questions and take pictures
When preparing to land
- Face the direction of travel
- Hold on
- Gently bend your knees
- If the wind speed increased during flight the pilot may ask you to crouch down in the basket.
- Do not get out of the basket until the pilot instructs you to do so. The loss of your weight will cause the balloon to go back up.
