Hot Air Balloonists Beware
Overhead power lines are serious and deadly hazards.
Look Up. Look Down. And Stay Alive!
Be aware of the location of power lines at all times – when filling, launching and landing.
Important Safety Facts
- Electricity travels at the speed of light and is always looking for the quickest and easiest way to get from overhead power lines to the ground.
- Power lines are not coated.
- Touching a power line can hurt, burn and even kill you.
Preparing for Launch
- Walk the launch area before set-up and inflation work begins -- look up and around for power lines. The wires may be hidden by trees and buildings. When it’s dark, use a high powered portable light to look for power lines.
- Never inflate a balloon near power lines and especially if power lines are located downwind – balloons drift!
- Weather conditions vary and will directly affect the amount of lift a balloon can achieve. Know how much time and lift you’ll need to clear downwind obstacles, and then give yourself extra room! Plan for a minimum of 100 feet of horizontal travel for each 1 mph of wind. But more distance is always recommended.
While in Flight
- All passengers should maintain a constant vigil for power lines. Power lines are not easily visible from above.
- Power lines do not always follow predictable patterns such as paralleling roads and property lines. They frequently cut across open fields, parks and parking lots.
- Chase and ground crews should continually watch for powerlines while balloons are traveling and while scouting out a landing area. The pilot should keep constant communication with the crew leader using dedicated radio communications as required.
- Never land near, or upwind of, power lines!
- Follow all FAA rules.
If your balloon touches a power line:
- Your balloon immediately becomes that power line!
- Stay calm and collect your thoughts before taking action.
- Immediately shut off all fuel tanks.
- Move everyone to the center of the gondola and away from all metal.
- Call 9-1-1 immediately.
- Keep your crew and bystanders away. Anyone on the ground who touches the balloon or any equipment that's in contact with the power line can be hurt, burned or killed!
- You’re likely to be safe by staying in the gondola.
- Do not get out of the gondola until a utility worker says it’s safe to do so. Only a utility worker is qualified to give you the “all clear.”
- Do not touch any person whose been injured while touching the power line (or balloon equipment) and the ground. There may be electricity flowing through them.
If you need to exit the gondola because of fire or other emergency:
- One by one everyone must jump free and clear of the gondola. It is critical that nobody, at the same time, touch the ground and the gondola, envelope, drop line or anything else touching the power lines! If you do, electricity will flow through you to the ground!
- Do not try to help people exit the gondola – don’t extend them a hand. Everyone must jump clear on their own.
- Be careful, the ground may be energized! After jumping from the gondola, shuffle away with both feet close together – move at least 20 yards away; and twice that distance if the ground is wet!