How to Approach Air Balloons

Views are spectacular from a hot air balloon.

Hot air ballooning is a sedate, relaxing way to get into the air and enjoy views unparalleled on the ground. As with any aircraft, you will need to follow safety procedures when approaching and loading a hot air balloon. The two main things to watch for are the ground wires or ropes and the engine, which is comprised of propane burners. If you follow a few safety precautions, approaching a hot air balloon is straight-forward and simple.

Instructions

1. Stand away from the balloon while the crew inflates it and tests the burners. If the crew asks, lend a hand during inflation.

2. Let the crew secure the basket and hold the balloon tether lines. As you near the balloon, avoid the wires or tether lines.

3. Step up and into the basket. If you cannot get up and over, ask the team to "tip" the basket. Let them push the basket over to an angle your legs reach over, then lower your center of gravity and step into the basket. Grip the sides as the team pushes the basket back upright.

4. Stand to the sides, staying away from the center of the balloon while the burners are throwing flames.

5. Hold the edges and wait until the team is called to release the tethers. Get your cameras ready and enjoy the float.

Tips & Warnings

• Always do what the pilot instructs, and ask permission before holding onto or touching anything in the balloon.

• Never lean out of a hot air balloon.

References

• Hot Air Balloon: Hot Air Balloon Safety