Balloon Flights over Devon, Dorset, Cornwall, Somerset and Wiltshire
Hot air ballooning is a relaxed sport which originated in France in the 18th century. Now modernised and commercial you can go on a balloon ride from as little as 79 pounds and (in the UK) you should find hot air balloon ride operators all over the country. But how do you chose a balloon flight operator?
When looking for a rides operation you need to make sure they're CAA regulated. They should have an air operators certificate, starting with BL and then a three digit code (numeric).
After establishing that they're got a balloon rides certificate you should start looking for other signs of their profession. Make sure they're a member of the National Farmers Union (NFU), the British Balloon and Airship Club (BBAC) and lastly Balloons over Britain (BOB). If a balloon rides business is a member to any of these three organisations then is shows both qualifications and accreditation's.
In the UK every operator should have a air operators certificate. Issued by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). It is against the law to operate a commercial balloon flights business with out one. Being a member of the BBAC, NFU or BOB however is voluntary/optional.
The NFU was set up to represent farmers and voice their opinions. Balloonist's are heavily involved with the farming community and landowners, so a majority of operators are members of this union. Especially in the South West of England.
The BBAC is a legal (sort of) requirement. They issue Pilot's Circulars and represent the British ballooning community. Any operator will be a member of it, large or small. The BBAC represents balloonist's and it has become an unwritten law to be a member and supporter. In the UK they have over 1000 members. These consist of both commercial rides businesses and private pilots.
Balloon's over Britain is different however, they are a small group of balloon flight operations covering Britain and they promote, raise awareness and make hot air ballooning accessible. Many of their subsidiary companies often teach ballooning and train pilots and they're all been operating for 15 or more years. A sign of stability and re-assurance.
If you choose to go on a hot air balloon ride in England then look for the above accreditation. Ballooning can be dangerous and is, at the end of the day, an extreme sport. Picking the right balloon rides operation is vital in the South West, of England, there is a company called "South West Balloon Flights" http://www.southwestballoonflights.co.uk/
Photo:
http://www.prlog.org/
