Balloons
typically don't land just at airports. Landing and launches from private property are
common and it is important to respect the property of others. In the ideal situation of
landing on private property, the chase crew will have found and asked permission of the
land owner prior to landing and will have reported this information by radio to the pilot.
Very often this is not the case, since the pilot may have to make the landing before all
this happens. Be extremely courteous and inform the landowner that your crew would like
permission to land and recover the balloon. Assure them that you will exercise caution to
protect their property and ask (if possible) if the recovery vehicle can drive to the
balloon. If the balloon has landed in crops or is in an inaccessible area, the balloon
system may need to be carried out. Be careful where you step as farmers count on their
crops for their livelihood.
Most landowners don't
mind having balloons land on their property, provided care was taken not to produce
damage. In that regard, never drive onto private property without permission first. Also,
be aware that on-lookers may want to follow you in. Only the recovery vehicle is needed.
Keep everyone else out.
In a rare occasion when a
landowner is upset about the landing, communicate this to the pilot discretely. The pilot
may elect to fly on. If it is too late for that and you are faced with an upset landowner,
do not argue with them. Indicate to the landowner that you will get the pilot and the
pilot only will deal with the landowner. Remember that it is their land, and that you are
trespassing!
Typically after the
balloon is packed away and the landowners thanked, a celebration begins. Champagne and
soft drinks are served and shared with the landowners and crew to thank them for their
help. New passengers are often inducted into the "Aeronaut" society. Tall
stories are shared about previous flights and new stories are written of the recent
adventure.
