Hot Air Ballooning is a Fun Air Hobby

What is Hot Air Ballooning?

Hot air ballooning is the sport or hobby of flight using a hot air balloon that’s either tethered or untethered. These balloons are often brightly colored, which is likely why many people refer to them as ‘bubbles’. In untethered flight, hot air balloons are particularly useful in areas where other forms of aviation would be difficult or dangerous to use. They’re also used for sports, pleasure, and research.

Requirements for Hot Air Ballooning

As with most hobbies, there are a few requirements you’ll need to meet before you’re able to get started with your first hot-air ballooning trip. Most importantly, you’ll need to be over 12 to participate in hot air ballooning. That’s because most hot air balloons require a minimum person capacity of two people to fly safely. For insurance reasons, you’ll also need to be 18 or older to rent or charter a hot air balloon. You’ll also need to make sure you’re fit enough to participate in the hobby. Hot air balloons are a bit more physically demanding than other forms of aviation and so you’ll want to be reasonably fit before taking part.

Key Equipment for Hot Air Ballooning

As with any hobby, you’ll need to equip yourself with various bits of key equipment before taking part in hot air ballooning. A few of the most important items include:

- A hot air balloon. You’ll need one of these to fly in! Hot air balloons vary in size, so you’ll need to ensure any you book is large enough for the number of passengers who will be flying in it.

- A flight suit. You’ll need to wear one of these on the ground to protect you from the oils used in the balloon’s burners.

- A helmet. You’ll need to wear one of these on the ground while preparing the balloon for flight.

- A flight log. You’ll need to keep track of the weather conditions, how much fuel you’ve used, and how much you’ve paid.

- The right footwear. You’ll need to wear sturdy footwear that protects you from the ground and flying embers.

Steps to Get Started in Hot Air Ballooning

If you’ve read this far and are ready to take the next step and get started with hot air ballooning, then you’ll need to find a ballooning club in your area. You can start by using the online search engine at the National Association of Balloon Clubs website. You’ll then want to contact the club you’ve chosen and find out when they have their next flight, where they’ll be flying, and how much it will cost. Once you’re ready, you’ll need to be prepared for the flight with all the right clothing and equipment (see above).

Tips for Newcomers in Hot Air Ballooning

If you’re new to hot air ballooning, here are a few tips to help ease you into the hobby. First, be sure to communicate any concerns or worries you have with your fellow passengers. Most people appreciate that hot air ballooning is a different experience for everyone and newbies have many questions! Next, make sure you check the weather and keep an eye on it as you get closer to your flight. If the conditions change and look like they could put you in danger, let the pilot know so you can make an earlier-than-expected landing. Finally, enjoy the views! Most hot air balloons go up in the early hours of the morning and so you’ll have a beautiful view of the sunrise.

Wrapping Up

Hot air ballooning is a great hobby that people of all ages and levels of fitness can enjoy. It’s also a very safe form of aviation, with an accident rate that’s significantly lower than other forms of aviation. It’s also important to remember that hot air ballooning is not something you can do alone. You’ll need to find at least one other person to fly in the balloon with you, and ideally, this should be a person who also wants to do the same thing. If you love seeing new places under the cover of darkness and enjoying spending time outdoors, then read on to find out more about this fantastic hobby.