Balloon Safety
Insuring safety at a balloon festival that hosts 60,000 spectators, stages a series of continuous entertainment shows, offers day time performances of aviation theme vignettes in mid-air, and launches 75-100 hot air balloons followed by fireworks each evening, can't be easy. But Event Director, Linda Castner has managed The Magic of Alexandria Balloon Festival at Alexandria Field in Pittstown, New Jersey for six years without a serious hitch. In fact she's seen crowds grow each year, making the festival's humble beginnings with just 18,000 visitors over a three day period-a thing of the past.
Castner, who feels that "a lack of concern for the comfort of the crowd curtails participation at large events," makes safety her first priority beginning in January with planning. Her goal is the glow of a smile and a gleam in children's eyes as the gates close behind the day's visitors. Castner admits, "It's often the little things people don't notice that make an event a success for families and the community." The entire festival is run from a central communications command post. Festival staff, all adult members of the family that owns Alexandria Field, communicate by radio-linking parking lots with the airshow, entertainment and balloon activities .
The Pattenburg Rescue Squad is on site each day from set-up until the last spectator and crew member leaves the field. All interactive adventure activities and rides are managed as supervised demonstrations for children's safety. Says Castner, "It's like getting a lesson."
Fireworks displays, supervised and inspected by the state, meet all firecode regulations. FAA inspectors are on site for all airshow activity, including The Magic of Alexandria SkyHIGH airshow offered daily. In a briefing before each performance a written schedule of the choreographed show is given to participants.
Balloon Safety
Balloonmeister, Don Kugler, the equivalent of an airshow director, addresses balloon pilot's needs during the event and insures safe, timely launches. Kugler, also a fixed wing pilot, hand picks each commercially licensed pilot asked to participate on a strictly invitation basis. Experience and a strong safety record are the most important aspects of pilot selection.
Kugler requires at least 75 flying hours and certificates of insurance. "Many of our pilots are repeat customers, familiar with the event and flying." says Kugler.
Even a wind of 6 to 8 knots can keep a balloon on the ground. And since ballooning accident statistics show that weather is usually a factor, specialists from the Millville Flight Service station in southern New Jersey provide weather briefings on site. Don comments, "This is a very significant thing in my opinion. There is no bias in their briefing. They call it the way they see it. Ultimately the flight decision is always up to the pilot to make the call, unless conditions are so bad the airport is closed. It's my job to provide the best information for their decision making process. A lot of events pressure people to fly and I don't agree with that."
Pre-launch safety briefings include an overview of the flying area, a route briefing based on weather conditions, information on how far pilots can safely fly, and good landing spots. Don explains, "There is a ridge line north of the airport and pilots might want to land before the ridge, because it takes a long time to cross if there is a light wind." Maps are provided to chase crews that exit and enter the airport using a roadway designated for their use.
Complete separation is maintained between balloon craft and the crowd during launches by a post and wire fence, strong enough to prevent a plane from going into the crowd. Only credentialed press and those with tickets for rides are allowed on the launch field. Spectators who want to get a closer look will find the Navy Balloon Team's four man crew offering tethered rides among the crowd.
"Those scheduling flights should understand that take off time can vary depending on wind conditions," according to Rebbeca Elkins of Air Fare, ride broker for the festival, "Bookings early in the weekend are recommended. If scheduled for Friday or Saturday evening and the weather does not cooperate, there is still a chance to get in the air on Sunday."
Many people don't realize that hot air balloon flight is regulated by the FAA. Passengers that weigh more than 180 lbs.. may be charged more for the extra baggage depending on the size of the balloon and gross weight to be lifted. The regular price for a ride is $165.00 per person.
Safety and Comfort for Spectators
Eliminating potentially timely backups for spectators, parking crews have the capability to service five lots simultaneously. Attendees enter the grounds from one of two entrances located nearest to their parking lot and may return to vehicles to stash purchases, change shoes or rest from the excitement.
Two large oasis tents for older visitors and moms offer a shady place to rest or gather. Food vendors' tents provide comfortable places to enjoy meals. The Johnson & Johnson's Baby Aid Station, provides baby products and privacy for changes and feedings. A Hospitality Tent offers entertainers and the media food, drink and a quiet place for interviews.
"Corky Castner is a wizard at keeping everyone happy on the field." says Event Director, Linda Castner "My brother, William Fritsche runs the airshow and all runway activities and my sister Debbie manages parking. We know this property and in six years we've never had a serious accident. The crowds just keep coming."
