Hot Air Balloon Information

NEW CRITERIA FOR RE/MAX BALLOON TEAM

We are continuing to streamline our fabulous RE/MAX Balloon Program. The information below outlines the changes and how they will affect future balloon bookings:

We will be prioritizing the appearances based on the size of the event and RE/MAX involvement which may reduce the number of appearances in your town.

When the balloon makes an event appearance, it has generally tethered for as long as weather will permit. There will now be a cap on tethered balloon flights in most cases, for a period of 2-1/2 hours at smaller events. Where we have done multiple day events, we will now limit the appearance of the RE/MAX Hot Air Balloon to 1-2 days, depending on the number of flight opportunities. Please keep in mind the timing of your booking. As is always the case with the RE/MAX Hot Air Balloon, the best times are early to mid morning and early evening to sunset. These changes will allow us to maximize everyone’s use of the balloon.

The RE/MAX Balloon Team remains committed to excellence and program integrity and we will continue to serve all of the offices to the very best of our ability!

NOTE: Any permits required for the RE/MAX Hot Air Balloons at an event are the responsibility of the brokerage booking the balloon. Cross Canada Balloons will supply insurance certificates and assist with any other information and guidance as required. They will also handle any airport/air traffic control notifications if necessary. Any permit fees involved are the responsibility of the brokerage booking the RE/MAX Hot Air Balloon

BALLOON INFORMATION

The RE/MAX Balloon represents an excellent opportunity to create awareness and promote goodwill in the community. By taking the following actions you will help maximize the exposure you will receive from a RE/MAX Hot Air Balloon Appearance.

•A press release should be drafted and distributed to your local media.
•Invite local celebrities, politicians and dignitaries for a tethered ride or free flight depending on type of event and location.
•Associate your event with one of the RE/MAX Charities, Children’s Miracle Network or Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation

It is also an opportunity to promote your local office and agent involvement. This is an excellent time to distribute promotional material and associate local RE/MAX faces with your trademark (the balloon), which is the highlight of most events, which again, furthers good will towards you within the community.

The following information should be reviewed before planning your event to help you become familiar with balloon operation.

FLIGHT OPERATIONS

•Safety is the most important consideration when conducting all RE/MAX Hot Air Balloon flight operations.
•All flights whether free flights or tethers, are at the pilot’s discretion

WEATHER CONDITIONS

The RE/MAX Balloons can fly in all four seasons

•Light to calm winds (0-6 mph) - prospect is good for tether and rides
•Increased winds (6-10 mph) - balloon can be tethered without rides
•Windy (10+ mph) - possible cold inflation only- the pilot will lay the envelope on the ground for demonstration only
•Very windy (15+ mph) - too windy to tether or cold inflate
•Best hours for balloon operation – Early morning and late afternoon to early evening (this is when the winds are calmest)
•The balloon does not fly in rain or heavy snow fall

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN A FREE FLIGHT AND A TETHER

Free Flight (Un-tethered)
•Travels only in the direction of the wind (once launched it cannot return to the launch site)
•Duration of flight is approximately one hour (weather permitting)

Tether
•Allows the balloon to remain at a particular site (the balloon is anchored)
•Tethers at heights of between 10 and 45 feet (depending on area size and weather conditions)
•Rides can be given upon pilot’s discretion. A tethered ride lasts 2 to 3 minutes and can accommodate 2 adults or 3 children.
•Maximum tether time per inflation is usually 2 hours in length

TETHERED OPERATIONS

The tethered balloon should always be:
•Secured with at least three tether lines
•The lines should be secured to the basket, and two heavy immovable objects such as well established trees or vehicles. (Hand held tethers or anything driven into the ground are not an option)

TETHER SITE REQUIREMENTS

•Clear of obstructions, overhead and downwind obstacles (power lines, light poles and fences)
•Area can not be paved or gravel, short grass is ideal
•An area not less then 150 x 150 feet
•A tree line at the edge of the site may also be helpful

The decision to fly is based on wind and weather. In order to tether safely, the winds must be 6 mph or less.