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Hot air ballooning has established itself as a terrific medium for corporate entertainment and incentives, particularly where one can land within the grounds of a conference venue and be greeted with chilled champagne. It is a must for a product launch because almost any shape can be modelled, whether it is a new car or a vacuum cleaner and even if the product launch itself is restricted to press and trade, the corporate image can be seen by thousands over a massive area.

Clearly hot air ballooning has a serious side, that of safety and codes of conduct. In 1991, six of the UK's largest and longest-established balloon flight operators created the nationwide flight network, BALLOONS OVER BRITAIN.

As the popularity of balloon flights has grown, so has their network with 12 member companies who cover most of the flyable areas of the Britain. From London to the Lake District, from Scotland to the South West of England, Wales to the Wash Balloons over Britain provide the only comprehensive national balloon flight network throughout the United Kingdom.

Few can resist the attraction of hot air ballooning as one hundred feet of wispy nylon majestically rises with the dragon-like roar of the burners. As we take off we are more aware of the ground dropping away than of any sensation of movement or rising. The feeling of peace and tranquillity is heightened by the apparent lack of wind - because we are moving with it.

These figures come from an analysis of passengers flown by a member of Balloons over Britain

* The youngest passenger was just 7 years old.

* 50 % of their passengers were bought the flight as a 30th, 40th, 50th or 60th Birthday present.

* 17 % of their passengers were over 70 years old

* The oldest passenger was 100 years and 4 days old.

* 22 % of the business came from personal recommendation.

* Their most frequent passenger has flown with them 12 times!!

This goes to show that just about anyone, of any age, can have a flight in a Hot Air Balloon!

Hot air ballooning is completely weather-dependant at any time of the year and this is what makes a flight such a special adventure. You can enter into that adventure, throw off the shackles of convention, discover the thrill that exists when the weather conditions become right, experience that little flutter of anticipation as you realise that you’re airborne. That’s when you appreciate that one of the best experiences in life is better still because you’ve made a little effort to achieve it!

Hot Air Balloons float in the air much as boats float on water. They move solely with the movement of the air. The warmth of the sun creates thermals and turbulence, so, for the Pilot to have full and safe control, flights are usually made within an hour or two of dawn and dusk to take advantage of the lightest winds and the most stable air conditions. The actual time will vary throughout the year.

The Civil Aviation Authority sets limits on the wind and weather conditions in which companies can operate balloons and over the years of passenger flying experience has shown members of Balloons over Britain the type of conditions that they feel are reasonable and safe for you to fly in. Your safety and well being are your Pilot’s responsibility and will be a major element when deciding on whether or not to fly.