General Discussion

Laffy Kat

(16,952 posts)

3. Even though I am (was) a glider pilot, balloons scare me.

Sun Apr 24, 2022, 10:41 AM

Apr 2022

I feel the same way about helicopters. I guess I need to see those fixed wings.

Anywho, in their defense, they sometimes don't have a lot of control over how low they fly. It all depends on the weather. According to the FARs all aircraft must give balloons the right-of-way, which isn't hard since they rarely interfere with other traffic. They are by far the most vulnerable.

Even though I'd never take a ride, I do think they're lovely and interesting. I also enjoy hearing the whoosh the burner makes as it feeds the envelope. There's no mistaking that sound. We had several set down in the open space behind our house way back when.

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Rant over balloons [View all] EndlessWire Apr 2022 OP

where is this? CurtEastPoint Apr 2022 #1

Oh, FFS. Ocelot II Apr 2022 #2

Not high on my list either... dixiechiken1 Apr 2022 #5

Balloons, like all other aircraft, are under strict FAA regulation, and Ocelot II Apr 2022 #8

Rare, yes. But not impossible. dixiechiken1 Apr 2022 #10

Do you worry about airplanes crashing on your house? Ocelot II Apr 2022 #12

It's not my place to tell you what - or what not - to worry about. dixiechiken1 Apr 2022 #14

This nt XanaDUer2 Apr 2022 #13

Hmm. I had one crash in my front yard, just beyond my gate. EndlessWire Apr 2022 #24

There you go XanaDUer2 Apr 2022 #33

Well, balloons ARE a problem, but not that kind of balloons. GoCubsGo Apr 2022 #30

I know XanaDUer2 Apr 2022 #40

When I saw the OP's subject line, that's what I thought this was going to be about. GoCubsGo Apr 2022 #41

Even though I am (was) a glider pilot, balloons scare me. Laffy Kat Apr 2022 #3

I was wondering... tapper Apr 2022 #20

Very Minor Effect ProfessorGAC Apr 2022 #35

"GET OFF THE AIR ABOVE MY LAWN!!!" brooklynite Apr 2022 #4

I needed that chuckle....hahaha n/t CANADIANBEAVER69 Apr 2022 #23

Thanks for belittling me. n/t EndlessWire Apr 2022 #31

So, How Often Does This Happen? MineralMan Apr 2022 #6

It happens almost not at all. Ocelot II Apr 2022 #17

That's what I was thinking, too. MineralMan Apr 2022 #18

It was just a rant. EndlessWire Apr 2022 #25

Don't apologize XanaDUer2 Apr 2022 #27

TY. n/t EndlessWire Apr 2022 #34

You're welcome XanaDUer2 Apr 2022 #37

OK. Maybe you should have said that it happens often MineralMan Apr 2022 #32

It isn't even the balloons that are the marybourg Apr 2022 #7

I'd be pissed, too XanaDUer2 Apr 2022 #9

See post #8. Balloons rarely crash, Ocelot II Apr 2022 #11

Why do you think, then, that EndlessWire Apr 2022 #28

If you think they were too low, contact the FAA. Ocelot II Apr 2022 #29

Taking off or landing? Really? n/t EndlessWire Apr 2022 #36

How to complain to the FAA: Ocelot II Apr 2022 #42

But, but, but... Achilleaze Apr 2022 #15

NENA - 99 Luftballons Celerity Apr 2022 #16

I will never stop having it bad for 80s Nena. Iggo Apr 2022 #19

She's still pretty hot. And 99 Luft Balloons is one of my favorite songs. Liberal In Texas Apr 2022 #21

Speaking Of That Song... ProfessorGAC Apr 2022 #39

Sounds like a race or rally... 2naSalit Apr 2022 #22

If they were that low in a residential area and "skimming trees" CentralMass Apr 2022 #26

How many fires were started by a balloon? My suggestion, stand outside, wave your fist and cuss Emile Apr 2022 #38