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sn't jou, tis S a ra ok- to y. th 'est ve. on- 4 amical way to fly," said . John. 'My balloon is folded up, ® the garage right now, and I'm not paying to park it at some airport." About the high cost of fuel? The balloon uses up about '$20 worth of propane in a four-hour flight. Even initial costs are relatively reasonable. John's halloon cost him about $5,000 and a free balloon pilots lic an fast the student learns. Ground. . school Pod Lo se ce costs between $800 - EW depending on how - covers' "+ rmouch the same 'ground as , notice rows of cars lining the - Hot air blasted into balloon' that of any other kind of flying. Such things as air regulations, navigation, meteorology are covered. To qualify for a licence from the department of, transporta- tion, at least 16 hours of instructed flying is a must. But if you make it, you'll be joining an elite group of adventuresome Canadians: There's only a few balloon- ists in Canada -- John figures about a dozen -- and there's a . certain romanticism that goes along with it. Chase a balloon, and you'll rot und the wind..... close to really flying as you're ever going to gelt......" i$ View of Port Perry...from 1,000 feet Q side of the roads, with all eyes upwards. The "Chase vehicle" which must follow the balloon for the return trip - almost always ends up being followed by at least a half- dozen cars. ' 'About 99 percent of the time there's all kinds of people wherever you land." Although Mr.-Adams con- siders ballooning perhaps the safest way to fly, there are dangers. Hydro line and high winds are the biggest hazards, particularly on landing. Although "'flame- out" is a possibility, it's improbable. Like fixed-wing' aircraft, balloons and equip- ment are inspected once a year by government-ap- pointed inspectors. PORT PERRY STAR -- Wednesday, Feb. 18, 1976 -- 25 Photos, story by John Gast at (gasp) 1,000 yet!) The balloon is the most vulnerable on landing when the temperature in the balloon is hot enough to keep the balloon just off the : ground but not hot enough to lift quickly enough to avoid power lines or trees should a strong wind come up. For (continued on page 27) 4d LL NAY \ 4 i em an Rv Sy Ce hes ~ KC ya ri pt Jo Pw 4 | x3 re nd Ey & i - v0 NR log Bd ie