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Balloon Ride

Wheelchair Hot Air Balloon Flights

There are limited balloon operators providing balloon flights for wheelchair users, which have specially constructed baskets to enable the carriage of wheelchair passengers and an assisting person when they fly. Flights are usually made in the early morning when wind conditions are lighter and a more gentle take off and landing can be expected. Do bear in mind that in the UK wheelchair balloon flights may be cancelled due to weather as it is obviously important to make sure conditions are ideal.

The Wheelchair passenger enters the basket via a side door or ramp engineered into the balloon basket side. Once in the basket, the wheelchair is secured by the balloon ground crew to an adjustable floor mounting system, usually using straps. There is also a harness for the passenger in the wheelchair so that they are secure in the wheelchair. Space around the passenger in the wheelchair enables the accompanying passenger to stand in the basket for the flight and assist in the entry before take-off and the exit after landing.

In the UK there is only one CAA certified air operator providing wheelchair equipped balloon rides, which is Ballooning Access.