Are you feeling excited, nervous, or a bit of both about your upcoming hot air balloon ride? Don’t worry! Both feelings are normal, and you are not the only one to feel a little apprehension before the big adventure. Most of the excitement will centre around what an unforgettable experience you are about to embark on, and those butterflies in your stomach likely stem from questions about safety. So, how safe are hot air balloons? We’re answering all your ‘burning’ questions in this complete hot air balloon safety guide.
How Safe Are Hot Air Balloons?
Hot air ballooning is statistically extremely safe. In the UK, ballooning has a commendable safety record, primarily due to the country's meticulous regulations. Fly Away Ballooning is especially proud of our safety procedures and record. We have never had to make an insurance claim and have passed all of our audits without fail. Sure, we may have the odd bumpy landing, but this is entirely normal — and all part of this incredible adventure!
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“Hugo and the team immediately put us at ease as they got to work mobilising the balloon. The setup on the ground was fascinating, but also reassuring to see all of the checks. I also found out that balloon flying is one of the safest means of travel.”
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Hot Air Balloon Safety Regulations
Hot air ballooning in the UK is exceptionally safe, primarily because it is a highly regulated activity. Several regulating bodies outline protocols that all companies, which should also be certified, must adhere to. Within those companies, the pilots must also hold the appropriate licences.
CAA Regulations
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is the independent aviation regulator in the UK. All ballooning operations must comply with strict CAA regulations to ensure optimal hot air balloon safety for passengers and crew members.
One of the main requirements for commercial balloonists is a Commercial Balloon Pilot Licence (CBPL), issued under UK Part-BFCL (Balloon Flight Crew Licensing regulations). To obtain this licence, pilots must have:
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A minimum number of flight hours and flights (75 hours)
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Hugo has completed the required hours of pilot-in-command (P1) training and now has a total of 812 hours and 762 flights logged.
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Undertaken exhaustive exams on meteorology, air law, navigation, human performance, and balloon systems
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There are five exams that all our pilots have passed, and they’re very similar to the exams airline pilots take, with an emphasis on ballooning.
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Flight skills test by a certified examiner (akin to a practical driving test)
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Just because our pilots pass once, doesn’t mean it stops there. FAB pilots retake the skills test annually.
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Medical certification to ensure fitness to fly
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Our pilots undergo a Class 2 medical examination every five years, as required by regulations.
Air Operator Certificate (AOC)
Companies offering paid hot air balloon flights must hold a UK Balloon Air Operator's Certificate (AOC), which is essentially permission from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to operate commercial balloon flights.
The CAA only issues an AOC after verifying:
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The operator’s safety management system (SMS)
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Operational manuals and procedures
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Insurance coverage
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Maintenance protocols
FAB is proud to be a fully licensed and compliant company, not just because of the regulations imposed on companies like ours in the industry, but because the safety of our guests has always been, and will continue to be, our top priority.
How Safe Are Hot Air Balloons? Assessing the Weather
As part of our hot air balloon safety procedures, an accurate weather assessment is essential. Once a company is fully licensed, weather is the primary factor that determines the safety of your flight. We invest extraordinary effort in analysing the weather—we use official apps designed explicitly for balloonists and utilise our many years of experience to make the final call.
Sometimes we may have to delay a flight when you are already in the basket, waiting to take off. While we know this can be disappointing (having to tell you that we’re postponing the flight is the worst part of our job), your safety always comes first. We couldn’t consider ourselves professionals otherwise!
>Learn more about how we analyse the weather ahead of flights
FAB’s Hot Air Balloon Safety Measures
Equipment and inspections
How safe are our hot air balloons? Extremely! Every aspect of our balloons is inspected regularly to ensure they’re in airworthy condition — from the fabric to the wicker. Our fleet is serviced every 12 months or every 100 flight hours, whichever is first, in line with regulations.
Crispin Williams is our current inspector and a figure of authority in the aviation space. You can find out more about his six decades of flying in his autobiography.
Did you know? Our fleet is one of the newest in the country, with no balloons older than 2021, so you can book and fly confidently in a balloon that hasn’t weathered too many storms, so to speak.
Briefing Passengers on Hot Air Balloon Safety
We know you’ll be itching to get up in the air on the day of your balloon ride, but a hot air balloon safety briefing is part and parcel of the experience and essential for your welfare. Before you jump in, we’ll walk you through the dos and don’ts of your adventure. You’ll learn about almost any eventuality, right down to the different landings that can occur.
Not only is this briefing for your safety, but it should also help empower you through knowledge and alleviate any pre-flight nerves that some passengers experience. Remember—you’re in good hands. By carefully listening to and following the safety brief, you will help ensure a pleasant and safe flight for everyone.
Our Pilots
Another important piece of hot air balloon safety at FAB is the pilots who will fly you on your once-in-a-lifetime adventure. There is almost zero possibility of booking a hot air balloon ride with a company in the UK that doesn’t have licensed and experienced pilots. Still, you can request to see FAB’s certifications if you are in any doubt, and we’ll be happy to oblige.
Hugo is your person of contact at FAB. You aren’t dealing with a faceless company, and a pilot you’ll meet on the day. You can ask us questions in advance, chat with Hugo and discover more about his experience here. In a nutshell, Hugo has inherited three generations of ballooning knowledge and combines that with technological advances available today.
How Safe Are Hot Air Balloons? Passenger FAQs
Q: How long can you stay up in a hot air balloon?
A: While flight times vary, in general, we can stay afloat in the sky for around 2 hours (although our flights are shorter than this).
Q: If I’ve been on a hot air balloon before, do I still need to listen to the safety brief?
A: Yes. If you’ve been on a hot air balloon ride before, even with FAB, you are obliged to listen to the safety brief. Regulations may have changed, we may have new knowledge that affects your safety, and weather conditions will always differ slightly.
Q: What if the weather changes when we’re flying in the hot air balloon?
A: Your pilot will foresee weather changes and make the executive decision to change course or perform an early landing. This very rarely happens once in the sky—we are well in tune with the weather before takeoff.
>Learn more about our weather protocols here
Q: Is there an age limit for a hot air balloon ride with FAB?
A: The minimum age is 7, with no upper limit.
Q: I have reduced mobility. Can I fly?
A: The degree of your mobility may affect your ability to fly. Consult with your doctor and our team to determine if this activity is suitable for you.
Q: Who should not go on a hot air balloon?
A: As with most attractions, pregnant women, people who have recently undergone surgery and those under the influence of drugs or alcohol should not fly. People with defibrillators or pacemakers should consult with their doctor.
Note: We encourage our passengers to participate in the assembly and packing of the balloon. However, if you have a bad back or any other impairment, you are very welcome to sit back and relax during this more active part of the process. Just hop in the basket when you’re ready!
Q: What clothes should I wear for my hot air balloon ride?
A: We recommend sporty, comfortable clothing for ease of movement.
Q: What shoes should I wear for a hot air balloon ride?
A: Trainers are the most suitable (any type of closed, secure shoe!). We advise against flip flops or anything with a heel.
So now you know exactly how safe hot air balloons are! Hot air ballooning is statistically extremely safe, and when you combine…
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Exhaustive safety protocols
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Avant-garde weather prediction technology
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Thorough safety briefing for guests
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Highly skilled and experienced pilots
…you get a recipe for a perfectly safe, unforgettable experience in the sky. We’ve flown over 2,750 happy guests through the skies of the beautiful southwest of the UK and other parts of the world — and your safety is always our utmost priority.
Get ready for those excited butterflies as you prepare for your unique sky tour of the Great British countryside. You won’t want to come down!
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