Hot Air Balloon causing havoc...

Feathered said:
My OH is a balloon pilot, and they really can't chase you, they pretty much can only go where the wind takes them.

They do have some sort of code where they do their best to avoid livestock but it isn't always possible.
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This. My sister drives the pick-up van for a local balloonist and they really can't steer - only go up and down. It's a shame a thoughtless few tar the rest with the same brush, as some are quite considerate about livestock and damage - but the same goes for any sport, really ;)
 
I once had one come down in the field I was riding in, literally 30 ft away from me (they hadnt planned to come down I dont think), had the burners going and everything. Was awaiting the monumental "oh ******* what is that" spin and bolt for home but he didnt even look at it. A stray crisp packet in a hedge though - now thats scary );-S
 
I don't understand how they are allowed to land in peoples fields which do not belong to them? Is that not trespass?
 
I crew for a balloon company (help launch the balloon, follow and bring the passengers and balloon back)

I can categorically state that the pilot does everything he can to avoid flying/landing near horses and any livestock. We love harvest time, when we can land on empty stubble fields - no risk of damaging crops or frightening animals.

The pilot has maps marked with "no fly" and "no land" areas - and that includes stud farms and livery yards, anywhere with a high density of horses.

They cannot steer when in the air - the whole point is that they go where the wind takes them. However, the wind can be blowing in different directions at different heights, so they can go higher or lower and end up heading in an other way (fun when you're trying to track them). If they see horses or other livestock, they will gain height to avoid them - either by simply being higher, or by catching an air current and changing direction. Unfortunately gaining height does mean using the burners, and yes, they are noisy.

Yes, we land on farmer's fields - part of my job is to track down the farmer/landowner to gain permission to land. The pilot does not deflate the balloon until we have permission. He could, in theory, relaunch, and fly to another site, but we have never been asked to, or refused permission. We do give a bottle of champagne and/or a donation to a local charity as a thank you. Most farmers round here are happy to see us - most of them seem to have been up in the balloon too!
 
I have not read all the replies, so this may have been said. But hot air balloons ride on air currents and have no steering or real control other than to gain height if they need to or reduce height in order to land. They do not 'chase' people....hahahahahaha!
We have lots in Derbys and they always try to avoid livestock fields where possible and are considerate to landowners and their property.
When will this nation learn to be a little more tollerant of others interests/hobbies/passions/sports??
 
My post was not about intolerance of a hobby so I hope you are not referring to me. It was a commercial flight by a company with paying customers. It didn't look safe flying low over livestock and then having to put burners on to get over pylons, which didn't look like it was done that easily. I was going to book my O/H one of those flights but it put me off.

And as I said the company were brilliant when I spoke to them.
 
Oh FGS! I KNOW they dont and cant chase anyone/thing and i do have a tiny amount of intelligence to know how they work and that they cant steer hence why we got to the top of the hill to get away from it.
i KNOW it wasnt the people in the balloons fault, i was mearly recounting a story of what had happened.
i had no intention of making this into a 'letsallganguponballoonists' thread.
 
Still wondering how the legal thing works with them landing... say I had one in my back garden, took off, then somehow landed miles away in a farmers field without asking first if can land there, surely this is tresspass. And if I damage something surely this is criminal damage?
 
One crashed in my field once :D it was hilarious (came down very slowly and no one was hurt), they were screaming and screaming. Horses all snorted and galloped around bait but weren't too bothered.
 
We have them that go over quite frequently and all of mine are used to them now. I did have a bit of a sod of a stag party in one one day. They flew quite low over my field as I was riding my fell pony, I mean 20-25m - I think they may have been aiming to land in the stubble the other side of the road. Anywho, the guys in it started calling down, whistling and then because I paid them no heed they started shouting the odds and demanding that the balloon be landed right next to me to scare the bejesus out of my pony for my rudeness. The - driver for want of a better word - refused, shouted down that he was turning the burners on to gain height and appologised for the people he had in the basket. He gave me enough time to dismount and hold my pony before hitting the button.

Not all are beggers and most people in them are grand, I just got the tos sers that day!
 
wench said:
Still wondering how the legal thing works with them landing... say I had one in my back garden, took off, then somehow landed miles away in a farmers field without asking first if can land there, surely this is tresspass. And if I damage something surely this is criminal damage?
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We've had them land at ours. Popped over to ask if they could bring truck in to collect it, very polite no problem.

Pan
 
My mares do not care about balloons. The geldings typically run around terrified. Reason 1532 why I prefer mares.

One of my dogs is terrified. We were out with the dogs and horses when one had to make an emergency landing in the next field. We panicked about the horses and then looked around to find Louise was missing. I had to get in my car calling her. Finally found her 2 miles away running towards me. I was in tears. Bundled her into the truck and brought her home. Now when I get hint of a balloon I get the dog safe first. I know the mares don't give a hoot so I just have to make sure the "chicken littles, OMG the sky is falling" geldings are ok.

As for jumping on OP about not waking dog and horse home. Well isn't it great to know exactly what to do in every situation? How about she gets off and horse gets more stupid and gets loose? Does that cross your mind? Oh wait aren't horses all supposed to mind their masters at all times while on the ground no matter what happens.

Terri
 
Nah said:
Here's my woofs reaction :P

[youtube]3JkowGzWrKA[/youtube]



I see a lot in our village, but I've never seen one close when I've been riding. I would actually like to see Ned's reaction. Even though I don't like encountering scary things, I do think it is good for him (and me!)
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Funny vid. I was lucky old boy had lived at end of landing runway next to a major airport and never had any problems with loud/helicoptors etc.BUT if a balloon came over I agree they seem to track horses and its the over their head thing and then the almighty whooosh that he didnt particularly like although never did anything untoward. I think to come over any farm yard is a bit irresponsible. I would complain to the company running the balloons just to be a bit more horse rider aware they tend to run local experiences ie same company. You may find they will get use to it eventually but its not fair if not aware.
 
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