Simviation Forums

Good afternoon all...

I tried to do a Splash and Dash which I have done several times myself while flying with a number of different friends who have their Balloon Licence.

I never obtained a Balloon Licence much to my own regret as it is one of the purest, most enjoyable ways to fly.

Animals like cows and horses will follow a balloon across a field if they see it.

A bottle of Champagne?  D.U.Fly?  D.W.Fly?  Take me drunk I'm home.   Or was it powering the burner?   Love the pics!

Thanks for the comment Bud...

The Balloonists have a tradition where after most flights a bottle of Champagne, fancy sandwiches and desserts are set out on a tablecloth which is spread on the ground and the balloon crew and chase crew enjoy the light lunch together...

Traditions

Over the long history of ballooning, several traditions have developed.

Champagne

A common tradition among balloonists is to have a champagne toast upon landing. Legend has it that early French aeronauts carried champagne to appease angry or frightened spectators at the landing site. A champagne toast is now often included in commercial sight-seeing flights.

Toast

Along with the champagne, a popular toast among balloonists is: "soft winds and gentle landings."

Many balloonists recite the Balloonist's Blessing (Anon, known as 'The Balloonists Prayer') with the champagne toast:


The winds have welcomed you with softness

The sun has blessed you with its warm hands


You have flown so high and so well


That God has joined you in your laughter


and set you gently back into the loving arms of mother earth.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hot_air_ballooning

Pretty.  8-) Watch out for flying objects. But you have the right of way. Right? 

[quote]Good afternoon all...


I could not get the Balloon to touch the water to show a Splash after many, many attemps, as soon as it touched down it would reset the flight...
I had the settings in FSX set to ignore crashes...

quote]

Go to your settings and change the flying skill level to the lowest setting and the flight will not reset when you crash.

Bob

Great shots .
And Bob I love your avatar

Thanks for the comment "hyperprep111"...

Hi Bob...

Balloons have Registered Numbers or Letters just like Aircraft, they have a Licenced Pilot aboard and must comply to all Transport Canada Air Navigation and Air Regulation Rules.

Therefore they are considered Aircraft just like a Helicopter would be considered an Aircraft.

Just a bit of information, a Float Aircraft, Seaplane or Amphibian being an Aeroplane or Helicopter should also carry besides the radio for use by Aircraft, a Marine Radio.  Those who land on water must comply with Marine Navigation and Regulation Rules set out by Transport Canada.

Years ago we never carried a Marine Radio when flying in and out of the bush off floats, or landing the PBYs/Canso on water or the DC3s on ice with wheel/skis. 
Most float aircraft like the Cessna 180/185, Pipers etc. were lucky to even have a radio when flying off floats in the bush until Transport Canada started to regulate everyone.

Today most commercial companies that fly into and out of busy harbours would have both radios on board.

Float and Seaplane flying is on a comeback now, there was a large decline during the 80s and 90s but most new marinas being built now are making facilities for docking the water aircraft and offering fuel/oil.

Although off topic, General Aviation is also on the upswing here...

Thanks Bob for your information on the setting, will give it a try later...