Hot Air Balloon Flight

Near Jelenia Góra (Poland), 26.09.2021

How many companies in Poland organize flights for people in wheelchairs?

The idea of a hot air balloon flight came to me immediately after I completed a tandem parachute jump. I just had to type balloon flight disabled into the search engine, and several options appeared. Upon closer inspection, it turned out that there is only one company in Poland that offers a special option for people with limited mobility. After reviewing the proposed take-off locations, I chose a flight over the Karkonosze Mountains, but it is possible to arrange flights in any region of our country.

When do hot air balloon flights take place?

After making contact, I learned many details about hot air balloon flights. Such flights only take place in the early morning hours and a few hours before dusk. This is primarily due to generally lower wind strength during these times of day. Another important factor is the time since the last heavy rainfall, as balloon landings occur in fields or meadows, and soft ground could make it difficult for the ground crew to reach the passengers and the balloon. I also learned that I would be able to bring two able-bodied people with me.

When expressing my desire to take a hot air balloon flight, I hoped it would happen in the coming, clear days. Unfortunately, my patience was put to a very irritating test. Several times, scheduled dates were postponed due to bad weather, the crew's trip to the Kraków-Częstochowa Jura, flights in the Tri-City area, or the European Championships. It was only after three months that all circumstances allowed for my long-awaited hot air balloon flight.

What preparations are there for a hot air balloon flight for a disabled person?

Upon arriving at the agreed meeting point and discussing the final details, we set off behind the crew's car to a clearing near Jelenia Góra. Unfortunately, the weather conditions were unfavorable, and we went to another take-off location. Everything was fine here, and after filling the balloon, which took about 15 minutes, I was placed in the balloon basket along with my wheelchair. As agreed, it had transparent doors and one wall that allowed a disabled person to fully enjoy the views. When I learned a few minutes earlier that the balloon flight would take place in a wheelchair, I was quite surprised because the website clearly states that the disabled passenger is in a special aviation seat inside the basket. The professional securing of the wheelchair to the basket and fastening me with straps dispelled any doubts about safety, especially during landing, which could end with the basket even overturning.

The course of the hot air balloon flight

The quick launch of the balloon, the intense heat, and the noise from the gas burners made my adrenaline spike slightly. Once we rose above the level of the forest, a beautiful view of the Jelenia Góra Valley, the Karkonosze Mountains, and the Izerskie Mountains appeared. The breathtaking landscapes and the professionalism of the Captain completely eliminated any fear associated with increasing altitude. The weather that day was simply perfect, and visibility extended over 60 km. It's hard to say when we reached an altitude of a thousand meters. At this height, it was perfectly silent, incredible spaces unfolded beneath my feet, and time seemed to stand still. It's hard to describe in words, but there was something almost unreal about it. Additionally, the Captain treated us to sparkling wine, which tasted better than champagne from the best vintage at this height and under such circumstances.

The following minutes of the flight passed with gentle rising and falling of the balloon and pleasant conversation. It was very enjoyable to fly over villages at a low altitude and greet people who were watching our flight with curiosity. After about an hour, we landed, which, despite my fears, was very calm. There were a few bumps upon landing, but the calmness and composure of the Captain never disrupted my sense of safety, even for a moment. After being taken out of the basket along with my wheelchair, the ground crew and my friend's car, which was brought by a staff member from the balloon company, arrived. Before parting, we had some coffee, tea, and most importantly, a baptism and the handing out of diplomas certifying that we completed our first hot air balloon flight.

Impressions from the hot air balloon flight

I am very happy that I managed to fulfill another dream. Despite such a long wait for its realization, the impressions I experienced fully compensated me. Looking down at our Mother Earth from a height of 1000 meters in complete silence has something hard to describe. It is worth spending a significant amount of money to experience this and remember it for many years, possibly for a lifetime. I am also glad that another attraction, namely hot air balloon flights, has become accessible for people with disabilities. It's good that commercial companies see potential customers in people with various disabilities, which certainly has a positive impact against our social exclusion.