OUR MISSION |
| Persons with physical disabilities have normally been restricted from hot air ballooning because of the difficulty of climbing into the basket. The FLY THE RAINBOW balloon basket is constructed to allow a wheelchair to be rolled into it, then the system lifts off the ground to permit the experience of hot air balloon flight. This system is one of three known hot air balloon systems with wheelchair access capabilities. Depending on the group, the Team can also operate one or more unmodified balloons for persons who do not require the wheelchair accessible basket. |
OUR OBJECTIVE |
| The objective of FLY THE RAINBOW is to attend at least two ballooning or educational events each month. Most organizations are not funded to pay for the support of the team's travel and associated expenses. Although the Team has volunteered their time, travel, and lodging expenses, accomodating all the numerous requests is not possible. It is our desire that no request for the Team's services will be turned down due to lack of funds. |
SAFETY |
| To conduct a safe operation for such a specialized piece of equipment and provide assistance to persons with disabilities, a well-trained flight and ground crew is essential. The crew of FLY THE RAINBOW has undergone training to ensure a safe and fun experience. The crew consists of three licensed pilots with over thirty combined years of flying expertise, two registered nurses who are versed in the safe transfer and movement of handicapped persons, and a ground crew experienced in tether operations. |
THE EXPERIENCE |
| The team provides printed materials and talks prior to, during, and after the flight demonstration based on the age of the group. The handouts and talks cover the history of hot air balloons, the basic design and various components of a hot air balloon, the requirements for a pilot's license, the weather that affects balloon flight, the physics of hot air balloon flight, ground crew requirements, and the cost of hot air balloon purchases and operation. Demonstrations will include "hands on" experience for persons with disabilities where appropriate. |