Professionalism and Safety
Our professional FAA certified pilots are seasoned, professional experts in hot air balloon flight. In keeping with FAA regulations, our pilots undergo a rigorous training program and renew their ratings by passing a Biennial Flight Review administered by a commercial balloon pilot. We value your safety as well as our own. Thanks to strict federal and state regulations, hot air ballooning is one of the safest forms of aviation today.
Hod-Air Excursion’s commitment to safety is always foremost. We will not fly in unsafe conditions, or in unsafe balloons. Our equipment is inspected periodically by FAA certified inspectors, per FAA regulations. Before every flight our Pilot and crew inspect the balloon, envelope, rigging and gondola. Watch us prepare for flight and you'll see the many safety checks we make. An Employee or Pilot may abort or delay a takeoff for any reason.
A Word About the Environment
A hot air balloon is an environmentally clean propane powered aircraft. The propane used to provide lift is completely burned and leaves no fumes or exhaust. We want to take care of the land we use for take-offs and landings. The areas we use are the undeveloped and the landowners are very concerned about preserving the natural beauty. Please don't litter and help us all keep ballooning a clean sport.
Our balloons are equipped with livestock burners to avoid startling horses as we fly over horse farms and livestock farms. These animals are not only expensive, but can be easily frightened into fences by the sounds of our regular burners. The livestock burners are much quieter and are used during certain flights to avoid these problems.