[skip to content]

Hot air ballooning

Download this page as a pdf

 

Description

Activity involving being in the basket of flying and tethered hot air balloons.

 

Forms

An Information and Consent for Event/Activity form is required to participate in this activity.

 

Who can participate?

Open to all.

Some commercial providers have their own age restrictions.

 

Ratio of adults to girls

Normal ratios for activities away from the meeting place are required.  Guiding Manual ratios

 

Regulations

  • The Leader must ensure that all participants under 18 have written permission to take part from an adult with parental responsibility.
  • The local Commissioner must be informed that the activity is taking place.
  • Carry out a risk assessment for the activity.
  • All aircraft used by members of Girlguiding UK must be insured. The Leader must ensure the pilot’s insurance complies with the guidelines issued by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)  
  • Before proceeding onto an airfield, the Leader must have permission from the controlling authority, and ensure that all participants are instructed on the airfield layout and safety requirements.
 

Insurance

Girlguiding UK insurance does not cover members to undertake aviation activities.
Leaders must check that the activity provider has adequate insurance cover. Please contact Girlguiding UK insurers AON for more details.
 

Instructor qualifications

The pilot must:

  • hold a relevant national qualification recognised by the British Association of Balloon Operators 
  • have at least 100 hours’ flying experience as a captain of the type of aircraft being used.
  • If the pilot is the only adult travelling in the hot air balloon they must have completed a Criminal Record Disclosure and be able to provide the certificate number and date of issue.
 

Useful information

The pilot should brief participants on:

  • the use of safety and other equipment
  • the purpose of the flight
  • sensations likely to be experienced.
Page last updated: 4/5/2012