Our largest Zozobra yet

NO SMOKING – There is a danger of propane fire should there be a propane leak. Cigarette or cigar ash will burn holes in the balloon fabric (envelope).

CLOTHING – Appropriate clothing includes long pants and a long-sleeved shirt or jacket that are 100% cotton or cotton/ polyester blend. Do not wear nylon. (Nylon is not flame retardant and will melt if it gets hot enough. Nylon also readily stores static electricity that could be a source of ignition and fire.) Shoes or boots are essential footwear. No sandals, flip-flops, or other open toe footwear should be worn while engaged in ballooning activities. These guidelines are to ensure your safety. Your clothes should be snug fitting and without any loose strings, cords, chains, or appendages. Long hair should be covered or confined. Wearing gloves is highly recommended but not required. Gloves help prevent injuries while protecting the balloon’s fabric from oils and other contaminants on our skin that degrades balloon fabric. If you do not have gloves with you, ask the pilot or crew chief to provide you with a pair. Please return them after use!

LAUNCH – When the balloon stands upright, time is of the essence. If the pilot has informed you of their intention to fly you, you must be near the basket at this time. You are welcome to bring your camera and other items that have been pre-approved by the pilot. Balloon baskets can become very cramped spaces and the consideration of weight for the aircraft’s lifting capacity is important. Passengers should not board the aircraft until the pilot has explicitly instructed you to do so. There is no graceful way to enter the basket. There are footholds on the basket and crew to assist you if needed. Once inside, the pilot will instruct you where to stand. Crew who are assisting with the launch should put their weight on the basket by applying their hands or upper bodies around the basket’s sides. Do not handle any cables, lines, or hoses around the basket. Do not let your feet leave the ground at any time while providing weight support to the basket. As the pilot activates the burners to maintain the balloon’s pressure and stability, be aware that this results in loud noises and may interfere with communication. Understand that the pilot’s priority is to ensure everyone’s safety by stabilizing the balloon and preparing for launch.

FLIGHT – Passengers may hold onto the basket’s upright supports and the sides of the basket as needed. Do not grab any black fuel hoses or handle the onboard propane tanks. Do not grab onto any ropes, cables, or cords during the flight. The pilot may reposition you in the basket during the flight as needed to maintain access to controls and/or line of sight on possible air traffic and/or direction of travel. You are welcome to talk to the pilot and ask questions or communicate observations, needs, or concerns during the flight! Do not be offended if the pilot activates the burner during conversation in flight. This is often necessary for the pilot to safely maintain control of and operate/navigate the balloon.

LANDING – When the pilot has decided to land, they will advise passengers where to stand and to face the direction of travel. You will be instructed to bend your knees slightly in preparation for contact with the ground. Remember to hold onto the basket’s uprights, sides, or interior handles noted by the pilot. Depending on the speed of the landing, determined by wind speed, there may be a forceful contact with the ground. The basket may tilt forward and drag, or bounce along the ground several more times. Hold on tight! If the wind speed is brisk, there is a possibility the basket will lay over completely onto its side and drag before coming to a stop. Be mindful of how you support yourself and what you are holding onto. DO NOT GET OUT OF THE BASKET AT ANY TIME UNTIL INSTRUCTED TO DO SO BY THE PILOT. If the pilot intends to change passengers before flying on, the new/additional passenger should enter the basket BEFORE any existing passengers exit the basket.

PHYSICAL CONDITION – Please notify the pilot PRIOR TO BOARDING THE BALLOON if you have any adverse or extraordinary physical conditions such as a back injury, hip or knee replacement or other surgery, or a medical condition that could be triggered during flight operations. As noted on the reverse of this page, there are inherent risks associated with ballooning. It is your responsibility to manage your wellbeing during ballooning activities. You must be of an age and height that enables you to see over the edge of the basket. If you are under the age of 18, you must have written consent of either a parent or guardian. No exceptions! Singing this document indicates that you have read and understand and agree to these instructions as they have been written above plus any further verbal instructions that have been issued by the pilot or crew during the whole of this hot air ballooning procedure.