Safety First
We look forward to seeing everyone Labor Day Weekend, and want everyone at the event to have a safe and memorable experience. Below are some safety tips and important information for all attending this year’s Labor Day Lift Off.
- Rainbow Ryders Hot Air Balloon Ride Company, safety is the number one priority! We have been in business for 40 years and have maintained an impeccable safety record throughout that time, which has allowed us the privilege of being the official balloon ride operator for many major hot air balloon festivals.
- Hot Air Balloons are aircraft certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), annually inspected, and operations are regulated. Balloon pilots hold an FAA Lighter-than-Air certificate limited to airborne heater. The pilots must have a current certificate, completed biannual flight reviews, and annual safety courses.
- Before launching, pilots will participate in a weather briefing where the FAA weather services and other weather instruments to determine conditions to provide data to make the fly or no-fly decision. Hot air ballooning is a weather-sensitive sport. We ask for your understanding if a flight must be cancelled due to weather.
- Prevailing weather and winds may postpone or delay ballooning. It’s the Event Balloonmeister’s decision to determine if the larger parameters meet FAA requirements for safe balloon flight operations, but it’s each pilot’s responsibility to determine whether it is safe to fly their own unique aircraft, equipment, given passengers and crew. The pilot’s decision is final.
- Beware of vehicles moving around the field, especially emergency vehicles needing to get through the crowd.
- Do not leave your children unattended. Hold their hand when looking up at balloons in the sky. They can disappear quickly.
- Do not smoke on the Launch Field – it is a safety issue due to the propane
- Do not step on or over any ropes attached to the balloons – again it is a safety issue
- Please do not touch any balloon equipment without asking the pilot or crew.
- Stay away from and clear of operating inflator fans near the balloons