Over the last nine days Richard Swansborough from Belubula Ballooning hosted a successful hot air balloon training camp, under the sanction of the Australian Balloon Federation. Ballooning students are required to complete 20 hours of flying and pass four exams being; navigation, meteorology, flight rules and landowner relations to gain their pilot certificate. The landowner relations section talked students through where they can land in relation to livestock and crops, being a crucial element of ballooning.
“It was a very successful event, despite the cold! Everyone enjoyed it and we are already planning for next year,” said Richard. One of the students, Mykyla Wallace traveled over from Hamilton, New Zealand to train for her Australian pilot endorsement. At just 23 years of age she has nearly completed her training with just a few more flying hours left to go.
Student pilots, instructors and examiners travelled from Sydney, Canberra, Victoria and South Australia to all participate in this unique event. To become a pilot it is encouraged to familiarise yourself with ballooning by being a part of the crew. Ballooning can be both very challenging and rewarding.
“I first got into it because of my fear of heights, I had to overcome it so I started ballooning. I then realised I wasn’t afraid of heights, I was afraid of falling. Ballooning is one of the safest ways to fly in Canowindra,” said Richard. For more information on how you can
get involved contact Richard info@belubulaballooning.com