Our first balloon ride over Norfolk was underway on Thursday 1st March. The weather over the past week or so has been dominated with high pressure which has kept most of the UK in dry and settled conditions This afternoon we launched from our new launch site at Old Buckenham airfield The temperature was an un seasonal 15 degrees with clear skies and good visibility and a very gentle 5 mph breeze coming from the northwest Once all the passengers were briefed we inflated the balloon which provided quite a spectacle
As we lifted off and climbed out to 1,000 feet we drifted away from the airfield across to New Buckenham village Looking back at this world war 2 airfield in is quite sobering to know how many service men lost their lives flying combat missions from here, however because of their sacrifice we are able to enjoy what we do today and for that I am very grateful We are airborne for just over an hour and spot a fallow field adjacent to the Roydon road and gently bring our adventure to a close With the balloon packed away we crack open a couple of bottles of good quality chilled champagne and toast our first flight of the season watching a beautiful Norfolk sunset.
Company Training Day 18.02.2012
The 2012 ballooning season is just about to get underway, so it is always ‘good practice to get all the crew together for a Company Training day This was held on Saturday 18th February 2012
We start the morning with a fire course run by Phil from Paramount fire that is based in Kings Lynn. This course is run along the strict guidelines set out by the Civil Aviation Authority at Gatwick laid out in CAP611 We cover the use of all fire extinguishers from Dry powder, foam, CO2 and water. All of us are then required to physically extinguish and live propane fire. We have never had a situation where we have had to use them operationally, however we always maintain a high level of awareness and training.
We collectively discuss any operational issues that may of arisen, collectively look at our current risk assessments and assess the need for any changes. Well all of that sounds a bit serious!!! So Claire and Julie are on hand to provide the troops with copious supplies of bacon rolls, lashings of tomato sauce coffee & tea. Now that sounds a lot better!!
So if you already have a current Hot Air Balloon voucher please contact us and we can get you in the flight diary
Old Buckenham Airfield
We are pleased to announce that we have a new Hot Air Balloon launch site available for 2012 the touchdown aero centre at Old Buckenham Airfield is now available
It is said that Old Buck is Norfolk’s Friendliest and most picturesque Airfield. Catering for all manner of Events; from providing a stunning backdrop for an unforgettable corporate event, to a friendly and intimate setting for regular local club meetings
• Former WW11 US Air force Base now home to dozens of vintage and small aircraft
• Fully licensed diner open 7 days
• Acres of manicured lawns and fields 800 meters of runway WW11 era buildings and excellent facilities
• The home of the Wildcats Aerobatic Display Team
• Extensive WW11 era hangers
• Norwich 10 miles, Snetterton 5 miles, Attleborough 2 miles, A11 4 miles
• In house expertise in organizing spectacular events, whilst offering great value for Money
Old Buck Road Map
Hot Air Balloon Jobs 2012
If you are interested in becoming involved with hot air ballooning in Norfolk and Suffolk then sometimes we have the following vacancies.
Hot Air Balloon Crew (Part Time)
Recovery crew to assist the pilot before take off and follow the balloon in our retrieve vehicle.
• Must be over 25 and hold a clean driving licence.
• Trailer driving experience an advantage and must be licensed accordingly.
• You must have a good sense of humour, loads of enthusiasm, and have a friendly outgoing personality.
• The ability to navigate using an OS map.
• A reasonable degree of fitness.
We operate a No Smoking Policy.
Pay is per flight and you would be self employed on this.
As much work as you can handle when the weather is good!!