A subtle, sometimes serious, sometimes humorous review of passengers, both fare paying and free that we as balloon pilots are subjected to. The purpose of this presentation is to display the type of rider that needs to be avoided at all costs.
Drunk and Disorderly
If the passenger has been over-served prior to the flight, he or she may not be capable
of making the entire flight in the upright position. More importantly they might get sick in
your basket. If the over-served passenger (and that includes self-served) is also
disorderly, the potential for a problem is very high.
Overdressed
Too many clothes or the wrong kind of clothes may make for a hazardous or at least
uncomfortable flight.
Underdressed
Again the emphasis is on proper attire. Inform your passengers of the appropriate type
clothing. Sometimes an underdressed passenger could be distracting to you!
Attorney
Watch out! They can sue and it won’t cost them a thing.
Insurance People
Same as attorneys, but they will find out your insurance limits and then sue you.
Handicapped
Some people who are physically or mentally handicapped just should not be in a
balloon. There are exceptions but they should be examined on an individual basis.
In Casts
People who are in casts have obviously had something broken and going for a balloon
ride is something that should be avoided.
On Crutches
If the passenger has trouble walking, they probably will have difficulty getting in and out
of the basket. There are exceptions.
Under Age
There are some children that are terribly afraid of heights and/or by the burner noise.
Taking up a child of this type could traumatize them for life.
Over Age
Most senior citizens are healthy enough to handle a flight, but it is very important to
inquire about health problems before the flight, such as heart conditions, previous bone
breaks and other conditions that might make a balloon flight injurious to their health.
Over Sized
Passengers who are taller than normal should be made aware of the uncomfortable
nature of the heat transfer in being too close to the burner as well as being above the
side rail on most normal baskets for an impact landing. Tall passengers are also more
difficult to see over/around during flight and landings. Passengers who are overweight
can be injured on impact landings because of the extra stress placed on their limbs.
Under Sized
Most will probably also be children but regardless of their age they should be tall
enough to utilize the padded impact rail. to be able to reach a hand hold, and be tall
enough not to be able to see out without having to be held by someone else or have
something to stand on.
Pregnant
Women who are more than three months pregnant should not be taken on a flight
regardless of what their doctor says. Women in the first trimester should be appraised
of the danger and certainly should have consulted their doctor.