Safety
The serious side of "lighter than air aviation"
The safety of our passengers is the common thread that runs through our entire operation. Be it the extra lengths we go to in order to recruit, train and monitor every pilot who flies with us, or constantly looking for ways to make our equipment the best it can be, safety is always at the forefront of everything we do. Thirty years of experience of flying balloons in Tanzania has given us unique knowledge of the particular vagaries of the local conditions. As a matter of course, we take our responsibility as pioneers seriously and play an active role in ensuring that the standards for safe ballooning in Tanzania are the highest they can be. Our entire operation is guided by a safety protocol, which is constantly reviewed and updated according to the latest international practice.
In safe hands
All our pilots are trained to the highest international standards, with large commercial balloon pilot licences from Tanzania and at least one other country and they are thoroughly experienced in local conditions.
We know our stuff
We have 30 years experience of operating hot-air balloons in Tanzania and are constantly reviewing our procedures to ensure passenger safety.
The safest kit
All our balloons have passenger safety belts, rapid deflations systems, steel skids and baskets reinforced with Lexan panels, all of which make them safer.
The safest practices
Our policies and procedures are guided by safety, we run an ICAO-standard Safety Management System, our maxima and minima are well within the manufacturers limits and our self-imposed rules are dictated by safety.
The best cover
We carry the most comprehensive passenger liability and 3rd party insurance available.
The bigger picture
We are a fully licensed commercial airline, regulated by the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority and subject to an annual inspection. We play an active part in setting the national standards for safe operation of hot-air ballooning in Tanzania.
Safety first, every time
All our flights operate on a safety-first principle. Our pilots run through a rigorous pre-flight checklist and if he or she is not completely happy with conditions and wind speed at the time of take off, the flight will not go ahead.
Always improving
We work consistently with the manufacturers to improve our balloons, all of which are retired long before they are considered technically to be at the end of their life.
Our balloons
Since we first started out in 1989, we have taken care to source the best balloons from the most credible manufacturers. We work with suppliers Cameron Balloons, one of the oldest balloon manufacturers and Ultramagic, who have a long history of adventurous ballooning, to continually develop proprietary modifications that make our balloons stronger and safer. From the Lexan linings that create extra passenger protection, to the Nomex, Ultralast and Hyperlast fabrics that make our envelopes, a great deal of technology goes into making our balloons reliable and safe. Our balloons are regularly inspected and all are retired well before they are considered legally or technically worn-out.
A traditional design with extra strength
Baskets are made of woven wicker and leather, reinforced with stainless steel and Lexan sheeting.
Using the latest technology
Our envelopes are made of coated heavy duty fabrics reinforced with steel cables and Nomex fire-resistant bases for durability and safety.
Keeping you safe
All balloons are fitted with passenger safety seatbelts and a rapid deflation system.
Staying well within the limits
All balloons are retired well before the end of their technical lifespan.