hot air balloons
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: East Meon
Age: 66
Posts: 5
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Balloons do use a frequency and I have known of pilots that have called them up prior to flying round and waving.
Locally the NFU have an agreement with the commercial balloonists that there should be a standard payment of £20 as a landing fee to the farmer. (used to be a bottle of champagne or a free ticket)Some will just pack up and hope the landowner doesn't ask but others just volunteer. My local farmer has taken £40 from balloons in the past two weeks and donated it to our microlight club charity appeal for Help For Heroes (Justgiving - Hampshire Microlight Club) in case you're interested
Conditions over the past few weeks have been just about perfect for them and we have had them floating over most mornings and evenings. I am told that they have a limited ability to steer by taking advantage of the differing wind directions at different heights but it's all pretty hit and miss. They should be aware if they are heading towards controlled airspace and land before reaching it. This situation is largely avoided by planning and wx forecasts before taking off. It would be a pretty dim balloon pilot that took off 2 miles upwind of controlled airspace with 5 mph breeze and intending a 1/2 hour flight.
dave
Locally the NFU have an agreement with the commercial balloonists that there should be a standard payment of £20 as a landing fee to the farmer. (used to be a bottle of champagne or a free ticket)Some will just pack up and hope the landowner doesn't ask but others just volunteer. My local farmer has taken £40 from balloons in the past two weeks and donated it to our microlight club charity appeal for Help For Heroes (Justgiving - Hampshire Microlight Club) in case you're interested
Conditions over the past few weeks have been just about perfect for them and we have had them floating over most mornings and evenings. I am told that they have a limited ability to steer by taking advantage of the differing wind directions at different heights but it's all pretty hit and miss. They should be aware if they are heading towards controlled airspace and land before reaching it. This situation is largely avoided by planning and wx forecasts before taking off. It would be a pretty dim balloon pilot that took off 2 miles upwind of controlled airspace with 5 mph breeze and intending a 1/2 hour flight.
dave
