| Acknowledgement of Risk Please print this page and make a copy for each passenger in your group. All passengers must read, sign, date and present this form to your pilot on the launch field the day of your flight. |
| Hot air ballooning is generally a very safe activity. In flight, balloons are very stable and there is no sensation of flying, except for the amazing view. However, during the launch and landing periods, ballooning can become more active, especially if there is a noticeable breeze. We would like you to be aware, before your flight, of what to expect if your flight has an active launch or landing. When inflated, the balloon stands 70 feet high and 60 feet in diameter. The balloon at this point is basically a giant sail. The wind may blow the balloon from side to side, which is common, and the ground crew is trained to handle the situation. We ask you, the passenger, to be near the chase van as soon as the balloon is standing upright. When the pilot instructs you to get into the basket, please board as quickly as safely possible because the basket may shift from the balloon motion above it. This is known as an active launch. Once we are airborne, the balloon and basket becomes very stable drifting with the breeze. During an active landing, which is a rare occurrence, the basket may drag on its side, bumping along the ground for several yards before coming to a stop. Not every breezy flight has an active landing, but we can never be sure how bumpy a landing will be. Your highly experienced pilot will make your landing as smooth as possible. We have a minimum age limit of 8-years old and have flown passengers more than 80-years old without incident. However, it is possible for an injury to occur during the active stages of a balloon flight. We do not recommend a hot air balloon flight if you have a physical condition that could be aggravated by an active launch or landing. Examples of such conditions are: pregnancy, false knees, back problems, replaced hips, recent surgery, etc. You must be able to stand and take care of yourself in the basket, without assistance, during the active stages of a balloon flight. |
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| I, the passenger, acknowledge that my participation in a hot air balloon flight is a potentially hazardous activity. I understand that during my participation in a flight conducted by Eastern Connecticut Balloon Services, Inc. (hereafter called ECBS), I may be exposed to above normal risks. I understand that although ECBS has taken precaution to provide FAA certified equipment and saftey preparations for each flight, it is impossible for ECBS to guarantee absolute saftey. Also, I understand that I share the responsibility for my saftey during the flight by following the pilots' instructions. I hereby indemnify and hold harmless ECBS, the pilots, the balloon owners, ground crew, representatives, successors, assigns, and property owners of the launch and landing sites, from all liability and responsibility for any injury, loss, and damage suffered by me or my property, before, during, and after the flight, including traveling in any land motor vehicle, for any reason whatsoever, including any act, negligence or ommission on the part of ECBS. Passenger Name (Please print legibly)____________________________________ Passenger Signature (or Parent/Guardian)___________________________ Date_________ I/We, the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of the less than 18-year old passenger acknowledge that there can be no guarantee of absolute safety as described above. I/We consent to the participation and accept the risk for the minor named above to partake in a hot air balloon flight with ECBS. |