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Disclosure of Risks Inherent in Balloon Flight
With any form of aviation there are certain risks that have been present from the time man first flew above the ground. It is important that everyone understand the critical aspects of a flight and that they assume the risks inherent in the flight, including the chance of personal injury and the loss of life or property.
In each flight there are three key elements of safety which can be summarized as follows:
A: Weather - Ballooning is strictly a fair weather sport. Assuming reasonably good visibility, the key consideration is wind speed. Generally, a launch is not feasible when wind speeds exceed 8 knots. Since the winds are lighter and more stable during the early morning hours and tend to gradually increase, we prefer to launch soon after sunrise so that we can complete the flight before the winds become too brisk for a safe landing. Afternoon flights are launched once midday thermal activity has subsided. High wind landings, while exciting, bring with them the risk of injury. A determination concerning the weather is usually made prior to the flight, however we reserve final judgment based upon weather conditions observed at the launch site.
B: Equipment - The structural integrity of the balloon and the generation of heat which gives the balloon its lift are important considerations. Heat is generated by a burner which uses propane to create a rapid and intense flame. The propane, which is highly combustible fuel, is carried on board in several large fuel tanks. The burner, which vaporizes and ignites the liquid propane, is very powerful and very hot. It can generate enough BTUs to heat over a hundred houses for several hours. Our balloons undergo a rigorous inspection and maintenance program to provide assurance that high standards of structural integrity and flight safety are maintained.
C: Pilot Judgment and Control - Our pilots are fully certified by the FAA. They undergo specific training in the flying of balloons and have had to demonstrate knowledge of weather conditions and local flying hazards.
As it is with airplanes, the most critical times of a balloon flight are during take-off and landing. While preliminary decisions regarding weather and equipment require discretion on the part of the pilot, it is the pilot's judgment and control during take-off and, even more importantly, during landing that is most critical.
Although hot air balloons fly very gracefully, they are very sluggish. When you turn the steering wheel of a car, it will begin to turn immediately. When a balloon pilot heats the air in his balloon in order to make it climb or to stop a descent, there will be a time lapse before the balloon will appear to react. A delay of 15 to 20 seconds is not unusual. Because of this delayed reaction of the balloon, it is important that the pilot not be distracted while the balloon is flying at low altitude. In addition, at low altitude powerlines are a critical hazard. It is important that during your flight you be constantly on the lookout for powerlines when flying at low altitudes. They may be difficult to see and you should not assume that your pilot has seen them.
Landings
Because of the absence of directional control in a hot air balloon, landing sites are limited to locations in the direct path of the balloon as determined by the air currents near the earth's surface. As a result, the approach to a landing site as well as the landing itself, involves the potential contact with various natural and man-made hazards such as trees, fences, powerlines, and other objects. Actual contact with the ground may also be hazardous if a rapid descent is required due to a small landing area. Upon hitting the ground at moderate to high wind speeds, the wind's natural effect on the balloon causes the basket to tip over horizontally and drag to a stop. It is during such a landing that the risk of injury is the greatest. It is important that you hold on tightly and remain in the basket. Serious injury can occur should you fall out of the basket. Normally, we gently glide into the landing site at a moderate to slow rate of descent and speed and come to an upright stop. However, because of the potential of high wind landings, you participate in the balloon flight at your own risk.
In order to prepare for a landing, face the direction that the balloon is flying and hold on to the super-structure of the basket tightly and bend your knees slightly. Do not let go until the balloon comes to a complete stop. You should absorb any shock from the landing with your leg muscles rather than with your bones if you would remain rigid. Do not get out of the balloon basket until the pilot instructs you to; without your weight, the balloon may still have enough lift in it to fly off, endangering the remaining passengers.
It is important to remember that during each flight our priorities are as follows:
(1) Safety of passengers and those on the ground;
(2) The integrity of the balloon system;
(3) Convenience to the chase crew.
The crew, who give chase and assist in recovering the balloon upon landing, fully understand these priorities which form the basis for our in-flight decisions. Sometimes such decisions must be made in a matter of seconds. Thus, the pilot's skill, experience and judgment are critically important.
Summary
We hope this information is helpful to you, and that it provides an understanding of the risks involved with ballooning. As you must recognize, we cannot guarantee your safety. Passengers must be willing to assume all risks of the flight. In this regard, we ask that all of the passengers and crew read this letter and sign the following Release of All Claims.
Release of All Claims
In consideration of the agreement to permit me to be a passenger for a hot air balloon flight, I do hereby release and forever discharge Amish Country Balloon Tours, LTA Aviation, Willy's Balloons, Inc., and William J. Cloninger, and their respective officers, directors, agents, members, employees, successors and assigns, and each of them, from any and all claims, demands, damages, actions and causes of action of every name and nature, anticipated and unanticipated, which I may have against any of the aforementioned organizations and persons, which may arise out of or result from or in any manner be connected with the hot air balloon flight or activity in which I participate as a passenger, crew member or spectator.
I have read and I understand the Disclosure of Risks Inherent in Balloon Flight.
I am over 18 years of age, and I understand that I an being permitted to be a passenger, crew member or spectator for this hot air balloon flight only on the condition that I grant a full and complete release of any and all claims that may arise against organizations and persons designated herein as a result of injuries (including death) or damages I may suffer as a result of or arising out of the balloon flight or activities.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I hereunto set my hand this ________ day of _____________, 2000.
SIGNATURE:
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