Hot air balloon safety info released

Hot Air Festival information

September 7-9 will mark the return of hot air balloons to the skies of Van Wert County.  With multiple launches planned over four days, it will be an exciting time to witness manned flight in its earliest form.  Organizers of the event would like to remind spectators to keep safety in mind at all times.

At the fairgrounds, please do not enter the infield unless directed by the Balloonmeister or one of his assistants.  With up to 20 balloons preparing to launch, the environment will be busy and distractions do pose a safety risk to the balloon crews in their duties. Those allowed in the infield should try to stay out of the way and do not smoke because propane used to propel the balloons is highly flammable. To inflate the balloons requires a large amount of propane, so limiting any source of ignition is important.

Once balloons have launched and are descending, area residents are also asked to not rush to help pilots unless they ask for help. Balloon pilots are trained in how to safely land and shut down the burners.  Allow pilots to follow their shutdown procedures without interruption.  Should a pilot ask for help, those asked should follow his instructions so as not to cause damage to either the balloon or the property on which the balloon has landed, as well as injury to the pilot or helpers.

Property owners should also recognize the fact that the balloons are at the mercy of the winds when it comes to the direction they travel. Therefore, a precise course of travel or landing is not possible. The pilots are trained in landing the balloons in a safe manner, with the intent not to cause damage.

Hot Air Festival Landowner Relations Officer Kirby Kelly will serve as a liaison between balloon pilots and property owners to address any issues or concerns that might arise over the course of the Hot Air Festival.  Landowners having questions or concerns may contact Kelly at 419.203.0129.

“We have scouted the county in an attempt to locate suitable landing sites and alternate launch sites should the wind be out of the south,” Kelly noted. “Areas of concern to the balloon pilots and so called ‘red zones’ have been charted and will be a priority subject of all pilot briefings.”

To provide an incentive to landowners, pilots who land on a person’s property will submit a form with the participating landowner’s name for a special drawing.  The prize is a remote-controlled John Deere tractor given by the Kenn-Feld Group, the local John Deere dealer.

The 2012 Van Wert Hot Air Festival promises to be a fun and exciting time, and, with area residents’ help, a safe one.