From a pilots view this evenings balloon flight was quite a challenge attempting to find the ideal field to land in, in fact we covered pretty much two thirds of Norfolk in one hour and forty minutes. From a passenger prospective five stars with a cherry on top. Allow me to fully explain. The wind was coming from the south this afternoon with a reasonable flow at 2,000 at around 15 to 18 knots so we made the decision to launch from the New Eccles Hall School adjacent to the Snetterton race circuit. By launching from here we have an unrestricted run up to the north Norfolk coast to Bracaster and Wells. Our passengers were well briefed along with a good number of family members who were all very keen to follow our ground crew and watch the balloon land (where ever that would be.) Launching was a bit of a handful and the wind was a little gusty, we get the balloon fully inflated and hot pull the quick release, throttles on the stoppers and we clear the trees and the end of the playing field by a good 20 feet. We are now climbing at 600 feet a minute and level out at 1500 feet and enjoy the view. On over Great Ellingham and Watton. The Air cadets were gliding on the old airbase so a radio call on 129.975 MHz to let them know of our intentions. We are asked to climb up to 3,000 feet as they are winching gliders. We over fly and watch the activities beneath us. As we approach Holme Hale we descend with the intention to land, too many wires and livestock so burners on and we climb back to 1500 feet crossing the A47 at Sporle we are looking for that ideal field. Nothing yet crops still standing and more livestock. Castle Acre comes into view at we pass high over the ridge to the south of the village. A stubble field is spotted adjacent to the west acre road. After almost two hours we are down with a bump and a drag. Then to celebrate our landing with a class of chilled champagne.
Hello Breckland Balloons
Great Evening enjoyed everyones company will look forward to seeing you all again next year !!!
Pam Raynes