I have been pointed in this direction as a source (a veritable font you could say) of information, meeting of minds and general discussion of all things aviation.
I myself come from the world of ballooning (cloudhoppers specifically) and after a brief look around I notice there seems to be a lack of a dedicated forum on this topic. Would there be sufficient interest to create a forum on the glamorous world of Hot Air Balloons/Lighter than Air craft?
I am trying to get some advice on the following: I'm in the process of looking for my first full sized balloon (4-5,000 cubic meter envelope) and am torn between the Lindstrand (260A Envelope, Parachute and first ten panels in Hyperlife, Q-Vent, Turn Vents,1.52 x 2.70 Single T Basket with Triple Burner) and the Cameron of similar spec. Does anyone have any advice as to which is the better quality and/or the relative merits of each baloon?
This looks the most appropriate forum to post a general enquiry, if I have posted in the wrong place please forgive me and point in the right direction.
Many thanks
FO
Last edited by Foxtrot Oscar; 13th Mar 2007 at 16:57.
Slightly pricier than the rather standard Lindstrand model you mention but I highly recommend the Lindstrand 260B Envelope, Parachute and first ten panels in Hyperlife, Q-vent, Turn vents, 1.60m x 3.0 double T basket with Quadruple burner. In red.
Many thanks for you're considered response. I am not aware of the baloon you mention, although I do detect, at the very least a hint of mocking?
Being a baloonist I am more than capable of having some fun poked at me.
FO
as an aside, I notice from my limited browsing of various forums on this site that puntuation & grammatical errors are pounced on mercilessly (with suprising speed it seems) so apologise if in my haste to post a reply miss a coma or two.
I mock not sir and welcome fellow balloonists to this site with open arms, alas we are in a minority.....
The lindstrand 260B Envelope is a fairly new model and I think I'm correct in saying there is an 18 month waiting list.
The Cameron produced model of comparable spec' to the lindstrand 260A Envelope is the 123hup. Fairly similar to the 260A in that the parachute and first 12 panels are in Hyperlife. Q-vents/turn-vents etc are identical. The most noticable changes are in the reduced 1.48x2.25 single basket. The 123hup still carries a Triple burner so with the slightly smaller single basket the load is reduced leading to more efficient lift. Sadly there is less room for your picnic hamper, a factor which needs serious consideration in the world of ballooning.
slight thread creep, but while we are on the subject of balloons. where can you go to learn to fly them? iv'e never seen an ad in any of the magazines & it seems really fun
Lindstrand - Good choice, but I would suggest: "The X type manufactured by Lindstrand is a new type of balloon, designed especially for competitions.
It is 18.83 m tall, 14.5 m in diameter with a surface area of 8210 feet.
Shaped like a rugby ball, the balloon has load straps on the inside instead of the outside and it's made from special new silicone coated fabric called Xtel"
I've only recently started competing, and feel the need to purchase my own balloon. It really is a fascinating sport, and one I'd heartily recommend. Whilst called a race its more a test of how accurately you can navigate to a fixed point, and when everythings packed away and the weathers agreeable a perfect opportunity to have a drink or two with like minded people. My local club describes itself as a drinking club with a balloon problem.
Indeed we are called Drivers and Pilots (of sorts), and have to fulfill a number of requirements, the following is cut and pasted but gives an idea of what is required:
Although anyone with average ability can fulfil the requirements for the PPL(B) outlined below, it is not an activity to be taken lightly. As a pilot you must be sufficiently competent at operating the balloon and have such knowledge to be able to cope with any problems or circumstances that may arise. In addition you will be responsible for the lives of the people you might carry in the basket.
PPL requirements
Minimum flying experience of 16 hours within 24 months.
A minimum of 6 flights
A minimum of 4 flights with a British Balloon and Airship Club (BBAC) approved Instructor; the rest may be with any valid PPL(B)
To keep a flight log with flight training records completed by the instructing pilot.
To keep a BBAC training log; this is a requirement of the BBAC not the CAA.
To be recommended by a BBAC approved Instructor for a flight test.
To undertake a flight test examination with a CAA approved Examiner.
Perform a solo flight under the supervision of the Examiner or an instructor delegated by the Examiner.
Take written examination in Aviation Law, Navigation, Meteorology, Balloon Systems and Human Performance.
Medical declaration of fitness signed by your GP. Some GPs will require an examination. Attend an approved Landowner Relations Seminar.
Complete the written examinations and flight test within a 24 month period.
Not just a case of jump in and float away! Balloons are aircraft, and anyone who has been up close to one will appreciate how powerfull they can be.
Last edited by Foxtrot Oscar; 14th Mar 2007 at 09:02.
On the radio, fairly recently, was an item that mentioned that the people who command balloons are 'Drivers', not 'Pilots'. I would like to know if this is true (and, if so, why). Anyone know?(Foxtrot Oscar and TamedBill to start with sound knowledgeable on the subject).
I'll answer half of that query and say ''yes'' indeed it is true, however having hogged more than my fair share of this thread I'll hand over to Foxtrot Oscar to explain, in detail, why this is so........
(I do apologise - the previous post was invisible to me when I responded here, I need to float over to the computer issues forum and drop in for some advice on pc settings)
