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hotairballoonist

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Posts posted by hotairballoonist

  1. Go Pro and Ballooning

    in Video Tutorials

    Posted

    Go Pro and Ballooning

    View File

    This is a slide show on how to use a GoPro camera on your balloon flights to create additional Revenues.

     

    Below is a video made from the GoPro setup shown in this presentation. The video was made using MicroSoft Movie Maker.

     

     

     

    You can see more videos on our website at. http://www.thompsonaire.com/TAvideo.htm

     

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    HAB MEMBERS! This presentation is FREE for download for our members. Log in and return here and download this presentation. IF YOU ARE NOT A MEMBER Please CLICK HERE and purchase a membership to this site. Then as a member all of these paid files will be FREE do download.

     

  3. Best Question and Answer page on the web!

    in Ballooning Q & A

    Posted

    If you are looking for a balloon ride there are many questions you may have. 

     

    We have found one of the best Question and answer pages on the web.

     

    There is a company called Thompson Aire balloon rides in Florida.  They have a Frequently Asked Questions page that is simply fantastic.  Keep in mind many of the questions and answers are tailored for their location and may not apply to other balloon ride operations or companies but the page will give you a HUGE insight to the questions you did not know you wanted to know.

     

    Have a look.

     

    Thompson Aire Balloon Rides Frequently Asked Questions page.

  4. Buyer BEWARE!

    in Ballooning Q & A

    Posted

    There is no such thing as a cheap balloon ride!

     

    Look out for the ticket sellers, 

     

    Sky Ride, Soaring Adventures, Groupon, Sportations, Adrenalin 360, Bilateral, Thrilliant, Rush Cube and many more are just ticket sellers.  Many of these companies have never been in a balloon.  Many of the people hired to answer the phone have never been in a balloon and NONE OF THEM even OWN a balloon. 

     

    Things to look out for.

     

    • Are they the pilot?  Do they have a pilot you can talk to? 

    If they don't have a pilot you can talk to HANG UP.  If they offer to have a pilot call you back then ask them to do so.

    • Do they want money up front?

    If they want money up front be very weary,  Do you stop at the grocery store on the way home and give them $200 just in case you want to go shopping this weekend?  This is a weather dependent service.  If you pay in advance, they may have your money for MONTHS before you get to fly.  Unless you are Purchasing a Gift Certificate to give to someone you really should not pay in advance.

    • Is the deal way cheaper than in other places.

    What are they cutting out to be so cheap?  People like Groupon will sell you a cheap ticket in hopes that you will forget about it and never redeem it.  Here is what they tell the balloon ride provider. "Yes you will get less money than what it costs you to fly these people but you get to keep the money from 20% who will never redeem".  This theory has destroyed many companies because the redemption rate has been nearly 100%.  Imagine selling 1000 tickets for $40 less than what it actually costs to fly the people.  You don't have to be a brain surgeon to figure out that is a $40,000 hole in your bank account.  When the company goes out of business you are left with NOTHING.  Another way to lower cost is to have massive size balloons.  There are balloons that are so big they carry 20 to 24 passengers at one time.  By doing this they can lower the cost of the ride but consider a couple of things.  First do you really want to share your special, bucket list event with 18 strangers?  Second, the bigger the balloon the harder it is to fly.  Just like driving a boat.  It is easier to navigate a John Boat than it is to drive a Cruse Ship.  So be very weary of a cheap balloon flight.

    • Where do they fly?

    Where are your launch locations?  What area will we fly over?  They should be able to give you some details.  Yes the balloon flies with the wind and every day is different but....  If they are a real balloon ride operation they should be able to give you some details on their flying area.  If they can not you are dealing with a ticket seller and not a real balloon company.

    • Where do they meet the passengers?

    If they respond with "It depends on where you choose to fly".  Be very suspicious, you may be dealing with a ticket seller.  Most balloon companies will have a specific spot they will meet the passengers.  The meeting spot could be a hotel, park, buisness or some specific location you can look up on a map.  How else are you going to get your balloon ride if there is no location to meet the pilot and ground team.  If they can not give you a specific location to meet then you are likely dealing with a ticket seller.

    • Do a web search on the phone number.

    A great way to determine if you are dealing with a ticket seller is to do a Google Search on the phone number.  We have found a couple of what looked like balloon companies that had over 350 websites with the same phone number an the record holder was over 550 websites.  These sites offer balloon rides in hundreds of areas around the country where there are NO BALLOONIST'S AT ALL.  After they STEAL your money they will then tell you that you must drive 200 miles to the nearest provider.  Dont believe us then do a search for this phone number 800-611-1298 and see what you get.  That's right about 350 locations!  Does that sound real?  Or better yet, there are no balloonists who live or fly in Fargo ND.  Do a search for balloon ride in Fargo ND and guess who you find.  RUN AWAY FAST..

     

    All over the United States balloon ride operators are refusing to take the vouchers from these ticket sellers.  The ticket sellers owe thousands of dollars to providers and cant pay them.  This is causing many actual balloon companies to refuse to fly these tickets.  So if you are not careful you will purchase a ticket you can not use!  You will also have a horrible battle to get your money back.  So do a little research up front and save yourself from a horrible experience.

     

    GOOD NEWS

     

    You are right now in the perfect place to find a real balloon ride.  HotAirBalloonist.com is a Balloon Resource for the general public!  You can find Balloon Rides by going to the Member Map and zooming in on your part of the country.  The Pins in the map are color coded.  Yellow Pins are balloon ride operations, Green pins are Balloon Festivals and so on.  Just zoom in on the location you wish to fly and click on a pin.  A Pop up will open with information on the service provider in that area.  You can also use the Balloon Rides forum to find providers listed by state.  There is also a Balloon Events calendar where you can find festivals all over!

     

    HotAirBalloonist.com was designed specifically so the General Public can find real Balloonist's all over the country and soon  the world.

     

    Remember,  Tell them you found them on HotAirBalloonist.com

     

    If you have found this article to be helpful please make a donation to the site or get a "General Membership" for as little as $20 a year.

     

    Are you a Balloon Ride Operation?  Join us!  Create your own advertisement about your balloon rides here on HotAirBalloonist.com.  Here is a link to a Members page in the Arizona Forum of the Rides Category. Follow this link to get an idea of what you can create for yourself.

     

    Here is a link to the membership details page, about what a Ride Operators membership has to offer.  Remember we will verify that you are a real operator, but if you are, become part of our network.  A Balloon Ride Operator membership is only $45 a YEAR!  If you sell one flight you have paid for your membership and still receive all the the other benefits of the site.

  7. Sell your files online!

    in Balloon Ride Operators

    Posted

    • Do you take photos or video of your passengers in flight? 
    • Do you have articles you have written that you would like to sell online? 
    • How about drawings or "How To" videos? 
    • What about power point presentations? 

     

    Would you like to sell your files online? 

     

    Here is how you can do it.  First you need to go to the store and purchase an Equipment Sellers Membership.  Don't forget to check the box Save Card on File at checkout so you don't have a lapse in your membership.  You can click here to get a Monthly or Yearly membership.

     

     

    How to upload files and get PAID for them.

     

    A couple of quick points before we get started. 

     

    • First if the file size is HUGE you will have a hard time getting it to upload.  You need a real good connection for large files.  10MB no problem. 30MB, you may have to try twice because your server may time out.  60MB will be real tough unless you have a REAL FAST CONNECTION.  So please try to minimize the size of your file if at all possible.
    • You will need a Screen Shot.  This is a photo that you use to represent your file.  I make mine about 800 Pixels wide. They can be a small version of your first slide in a power point or an Icon of some sort or even a photo.  Know where this is on your computer so you can upload it.
    • When a purchase is made there is a transaction fee and a commission %.  Add this into your price so in the end you get the amount you want for your download.  The Transaction fee is .50 cents and the commission fee is 7.5%.  If you want to sell an item for $10 you will want to add .50 plus .75 cents for a total of 11.25.
    • You must be logged in!
    • Sales will be deposited in your account online. You can check your account credit at any time you are logged in.  Just click on your name at the top of the page. Then click “Client Area”  On the left side of the page you will see links, click on “Account Credit”  Here you can see the balance in your account and request a payout of funds from the system.  Your membership fees will be deducted from this account.  Any time your account is over $25 you may request a payout.  A check will be sent that very day to the address associated with your account.
    • When a purchase is made the system will notify you by email that a purchase of your item has been made.
    • This system will work for Photos, PDF files, Power Point and many other formats.
    • Please make sure you are uploading into the proper forum for your item.  If you are selling photographs of your passengers in flight or a video of the flight please let us know so we can create a Sub-Category just for you in the proper category.

     

    So how do we upload (Step by Step)

     

    1. Log in.  Use your user name and password to log in.  Check the box REMEMBER so next time you won’t have to type anything.
    2. Navigate to the Download Center using the Navigation bar at the top of the page.
    3. Navigate to the proper section in the Download Center. 
    4. Once you are in the category that best fits the item you are uploading click on the brown Upload File button on the right hand side of the page.

    Upload1.jpg

    1. The first two steps on the UPLOAD page is your actual file and your screen shot.  Click on Click upload flies and select your file from your computer.  Then click on Upload Screenshot to upload your Icon or photo that represents your file.

    UploadStep1and2.jpg

    1. Next we need a title for your file and a description of what is in or of the file.  The other boxes in this section are optional.  At the bottom of this section you will find a section called “File Type”  this is where you can select to be paid for the file.  If you check the "Paid Box" another box will open asking what amount you would like to charge for the file.  You do not need to use any symbols just numbers.  11.75 or 19.95 or 250 or any price you want the system to charge someone before allowing them to download the file.

    TitleNdiscription.jpg

    1. Last but not least hit the “Add Submission” button and POOF your file is loaded.  In many cases we require a moderator to approve new files but that is usually done in minutes.

     

    That’s IT!  Just a few steps and your file is now available for purchase to the whole world!

     

    As we mentioned this file download program works for Photos, Files, Drawings, Jpg, Gif, PNG, PPTX, PPSX, PDF, GPX, KML, MP3. MPEG, and many more.  You can upload Photos, Movies, GPS files, Power point and more.  If for any reason the system Rejects your file let us know what type of file it is and we will program the system to accept it!.

     

    Once you have done this process a couple of times it will become very easy.  Remember we are always ready to help you! 

     

    You can begin to use this process immediately once you have purchased the "Equipment Sellers Membership"  So what are you waiting for?  Start selling online RIGHT NOW!

     

    Jeff A Thompson

    Info@HotAirBalloonist.com

    407-421-9322  (Call or Text)

  9. Radios And What To Use.

    in Electonics!

    Posted

    I believe that to legally use an airband radio on the ground for balloon recovery communications you’d need to get a license to operate an Aeronautical Multicom Station. Here is a link that describes that: http://wireless.fcc.gov/services/index.htm?job=about&id=ground_stations <http://wireless.fcc.gov/services/index.htm?job=about&id=ground_stations>. I’m not sure what that would cost, but it’s probably not cheap (I was unable to get the FCC’s online licensing application to work, so I couldn’t find out).

     

    If I were you, I’d suggest getting a pair of ICOM UHF business band radios and get them programmed to use the BFA frequencies (provided you’re a BFA member). The best price I’ve seen on a great radio is the ICOM IC-F4001 from Action Communications: http://www.actioncommunications.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=ACI&Product_Code=icf400142dtc&Category_Code=hh-icom-uhf <http://www.actioncommunications.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=ACI&Product_Code=icf400142dtc&Category_Code=hh-icom-uhf>. They are priced at $156.00 with the upgraded Li-Ion battery and rapid charger. I also purchased the ICOM HM158L speaker mic and the fasc73us stubby antennas (suitable for use with the BFA frequencies), which are nicer than the standard (longer) flexible antennas. They are great, rugged, and small radios, and will work better than using airband transceivers for chase radios.

     

    Regards,

     

    David Tanzer

    Warren, Vermont

     

     

    On Oct 20, 2015, at 2:52 PM, Tom Rathke <hotairtom@mac.com> wrote:

     

    Long time ago in a land far, far away… I used a pair of ICOM radios for ballooning and liked them a lot. In fact they were both aircraft radios, one in the balloon and one in the chase truck. If I remember correctly, I needed a FCC license to operate the one in the truck. Is this still possible and what is involved (remind me)?

     

    I need an aircraft radio because of the airport I frequently launch out of. But I’m also exploring using UHF radios on the BFA frequencies. However, now I need 3 radios because I still need an aircraft radio in the balloon.

     

    What are my options here? I had asked someone privately on the reflector, who I thought sold radios, for advice and all I got was to get a hold of someone who went to Fiesta. Not my idea of radio shopping. I just want to know about using aircraft radios for chase (if that’s a viable option) and who has a good price ICOM for either aircraft and UHF that I can use on the BFA frequencies.

     

    Thanks for any advice,

    Tom

     

  10. Can You Count All Your Time?

    in Odds and Endless

    Posted

    Does all your ingraining time count.  The Following is corrispondence from the FAA to Pete Asp.

     

    U.S. Department
    of Transportation
    Federal Aviation
    Administration
    Office of the Chief Counsel 800 Independence Ave., S.W.
    Washington, D.C. 20591
    JUt 2.8 101>
    Mr. Peter H. Asp
    W1341 County Road B
    Sullivan, WI 53178
    Dear Mr. Asp:
    This is in response to your letter of August 4,2014, requesting a legal interpretation of 14 Code
    of Federal Regulations § 61.129(h)(4), as it pertains to counting training time towards a
    commercial pilot certificate with a balloon rating. This letter corrects the letter of interpretation
    dated May 12,2015, and strikes that letter from the Federal Aviation Administration database.
    Section 61. 129(h) specifies the aeronautical experience required for a commercial pilot
    certificate with a balloon rating. While this provision does not specify the timeframe that training
    toward a commercial pilot certificate may begin to be logged, § 61.123 stipulates the eligibility
    requirements to apply for a commercial pilot certificate including the requirement to hold at least
    a private pilot certificate.
    An applicant's eligibility for a commercial pilot certificate is assessed on the date the person
    applies for the practical test, not the date that the pilot begins training for that certificate. As
    such, a pilot is permitted to log training time towards a commercial pilot certificate prior to
    obtaining a private pilot certificate. An applicant for a commercial pilot certificate must satisfy
    the aeronautical experience requirements of § 61.129 and be trained and evaluated at the
    commercial pilot level when training for the commercial pilot certificate. See Legal
    Interpretation to Richard Theriault, October 8, 2010.
    You also asked if a person can take a knowledge test for a commercial pilot certificate before
    earning his private pilot certificate. Any person may take the commercial knowledge test at any
    time, but the test results are only valid for 24 months, in accordance with § 61.39(a)(l). In your
    letter, you pointed out a contradiction between the language in § 61. 129(h)(4) and the language
    of § 61.129(h)(4)(ii)( B). Section 61. 129(h)(4) requires, "10 hours of flight training that includes
    at least 10 training flights with an authorized instructor in balloons ... on the areas of operation
    listed in part 61. 127( B)(8) of this part." In § 61.129(h)(4)(ii)( B), a person applying for a
    commercial pilot certificate with a lighter-than-air category and a balloon class rating must log,
    "Two solo flights in a balloon with an airborne heater on the appropriate areas of operation."
    You are correct that these two paragraphs appear to be contradictory. However, the intent of the
    regulation is that the two solo flights can be part of the 10 hours of flight training, but not the 10
    flights conducted with an authorized instructor. We have forwarded this issue to the General Aviation and Commercial Division of the Flight Standards Service (AFS-800) for consideration
    of action to clarify this regulation.
    I hope that this response has been helpful to you. If you have additional questions or require
    more information, please contact my staff at (202) 267-3073. This response was prepared by
    Neal O'Hara, an Attorney in the Regulations Division of the Office of the Chief Counsel, and
    was coordinated with the General Aviation and Commercial Division of the Flight Standards
    Service.
    Sincerely,
    Lorelei Peter
    Acting Assistant Chief Counsel for Regulations

     

    Download this file.

  11. BRADLEY, TROY (Inducted 2016)

    in NOTABLE BALLOONIST BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION

    Posted

    I have updated the Candidate Information Form and the bio information for Troy Bradley it reflect his recent record breaking flight

     

    The Two Eagles flight information is still being reviewed, but there don’t appear to be any issues of the records being ratified.  There is already discussion of Troy’s nominations for the Harmon Trophy, Collier Trophy, and Montgolfier Diploma for the Two Eagles flight.  If awarded, Troy would be the first person in history to receive 3 Montgolfier Diplomas for performance (Hot Air, Rozier, and Gas).

     

    Troy indicated to me that recognitions are nice.  However, his personal satisfaction is derived from the fact that he was able to fly longer and farther than his childhood heroes.  He believes that is what records should be about; encouraging others to dream and push the boundaries. Hopefully, the Two Eagles flight will do the same thing for a new generation of balloonists.  

     

    Troy’s induction into the United States Ballooning Hall of Fame would certainly be an encouragement to other young pilots to strive to achieve ballooning history.

     

    I would suggest that you review the information on the site.  If you have any problems with doing this, please contact Jeff at 407 421-9322.

     

    Jim

  12. How do I delete a topic

    in Sample for sale

    Posted

    Delete.png

    First go to your topic.  Make sure you are logged in and it is a topic YOU have created.  Just above your topic, over on the right you will see a link that says  Moderation Actions.  Click on this link and you will see the option "Delete".  Click on Delete and it will ask you "Are you Sure?".  Click Yes and..

    Poof...  That's it.

    If you have created your ad (Topic) and are not a member of the site you will need to send us an email to delete your topic or become a member and you can delete the topic yourself.  Do not forget to let us know exactly what ad (Topic) you want us to delete.

    Bio for Me

    in Lost and Found

    Posted

    Thompson Aire Inc.   

    Leandro.jpg

    Agreement and Release of Liability

     

     

    In consideration for being permitted to utilize the facilities and equipment of Thompson Aire Inc. to engage in balloon activities, including, but not limited to ingress, egress of the balloon, take off, flight, landing, related operations of balloon flight, the ground instruction and ground handling related activities (hereinafter collectively referred to as “Balloon Activities”),

     

     

    I (we)___________________________________________, hereby agree as follows;

                                              (Please print the names of participating adults.)

    1. I hereby RELEASE AND DISCHARGE Thompson Aire Inc., their officers, directors, agents, employees, instructors, pilots, ground handlers, and the owners of the balloon, equipment manufacturers, landowners and airport or other take-off or landing site utilized for balloon flight or activities (hereinafter collectively referred to as “Released Parties”) from any and all liability, claims and demands or causes of action that may hereafter have for injuries and damages arising out of my participation in the balloon activities, including, but not limited to losses CAUSED BY THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASED PARTIES.
    2. I further agree that I WILL NOT SUE OR MAKE A CLAIM against the Released Parties for damages or other losses sustained as a result of my participation in Balloon Activities. I also agree to INDEMNIFY AND HOLD THE RELEASED PARTIES HARMLESS from all claims, judgments and costs, including attorney’s fees incurred in the connection with any action brought as a result of my participation in my Balloon Activities.
    3. I understand and acknowledge that Balloon Activities have inherent dangers that no amount of care, caution, instruction or expertise can eliminate and I EXPRESSLY AND VOLUNTARILY ASSUME ALL RISK OF DEATH OR PERSONAL INJURY SUSTAINED WHILE PARTICIPATION IN THE BALLOON ACTIVITIES WHETHER OR NOT CAUSED BY THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASED PARTIES. 
    4. I have been advised and recognize that my Balloon Activities are not covered by any personal accident or general liability insurance policy issued to the Released Parties.
    5. I hereby expressly recognize that this agreement and release of liability is a contract pursuant to which I have released any and all claims against the Released Parties resulting from my BALLOON ACTIVITEIES including any claims caused by the negligence of the Released Parties
    6. Title 47 Part 22.925 (Oct 1, 2006 revision), states "Cellular telephones installed in or carried aboard airplanes, balloons or any other type of aircraft must not be operated while such aircraft are airborne (not touching the ground). When an aircraft leaves the ground, all cellular telephones on board that aircraft must be turned off.".[19]       Please, turn them off and enjoy the flight.

     

    I HAVE CAREFULLY READ THIS AGREEMENT AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY, AND I FULLY UNDERSTAND ITS CONTENTS AND SIGN IT OF MY OWN FREE WILL.

     

    Date_________ Print Name__________________________ Signature ____________________

                                                             

    Date_________ Print Name__________________________ Signature ____________________

     

    Please list all Minor’s____________________________________________________________

    Please print minor children’s names.

     

    Contact Email________________________________________________ (only one needed.)

     

    How did you hear about Thompson Aire?  (Circle one below)

     

    In Room Directory.  Coupon book.  Referred by a friend. Internet website. Info in your Villa.      Info Desk. Magazine. Internet Travel Site. Brochure. Poster. Saw Truck. Hotel guest service.  Disney Message Board. OTHER__________________________________

  15. Drop Box account VS. HotAirBalloonist.com

    in Membership Types and Descriptions

    Posted

    Using a Drop Box account VS. HotAirBalloonist.com

    *A Drop box account.

    • Open the drop box folder from your computer.
    • Drop your file into the box and wait for it to upload.
    • Once it is uploaded you must open your drop box account online and find the file you have just uploaded. (make sure you remember what file you just uploaded because as the drop box gets full it may be hard to locate your recent uploads)
    • Click the Share button on the file you want to share. (an email type looking box will open)
    • Type in the email of each person you want to share the file with.
    • They receive an email with a link in it.
    • Now they must click on a link in the email to download the file.
    • They now must find the file and open the file they just downloaded. (Hope they remembered where they saved it)
    • Now they must start another email back to you and everyone else to respond to the file.
    • You do not know if they have received the share or downloaded the file.
    • Often gets caught in email spam filters or junk mail.
    • Hope they have the same version of your program! (word 98 XP 2000 win7…)

    HotAirBalloonist.com

    • Upload your file or start a topic.

    OMG……That’s it! (You’re kidding right?)  NO  Honestly not at all!!!

    • The system sends out an automatic email to everyone on your committee. 
    • You can see if they have read the file with the “Who read this” feature on the site. 
    • When they respond to your file the site automatically sends you a notification.  (They do not have to do anything!)
    • In fact, the site sends the entire committee an email notification!
    • Everyone can see the file and download it anywhere and at any time they want! (They do not need to have the email)
    • They can review the file and make replies to the file and all the committee gets a notification.

    Honestly it is that simple!  You just cannot beat the features that are built into HotAirBalloonist.com

    Give it a chance.

    * I have and use a drop box account.  I know exactly how it works.

    So…  6 steps for you! Then 6 steps for your committee members. 

    OR ONE STEP!  HotAirBalloonist.com  Still not sure?  CALL ME

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