Balloon Information for Landowners      Many people assume that if they see a hot air balloon descending into a yard or field that it is "crashing." This is (generally) an incorrect assumption. Balloons fly with the winds and while the pilot has precise control over altitude, (up and down) the actual flight direction is up to the winds. From time to time, the wind may be blowing in "layers," which does provide some "steering." Therefore, balloons land where the wind takes them; frequently on private properties, such as fields, backyards, even parking lots. As we deal with landowners nearly every flight, we are careful to avoid damaging their property, including crops or livestock, during the landing process. It is our objective to minimize the effect of a landing/recovery and of course, ALWAYS be courteous to the landowner. Chase crews are instructed to request permission before entering private property and to ascertain where they can/can't drive their vehicles.      For all of us in ballooning, the landowner is a critical part of our activity. Given the will of the winds, we use those opportunities that are presented to us as we fly.      If a balloon does land on your property, feel free to approach the basket. Some additional hands & "weight" are always welcome, while waiting for the crew to arrive. This also provides an opportunity for the pilot and landowner to chat. It's a great way to learn more about ballooning.
“Landings Must Equal Launches”
 General Landowner Appreciation Program     A card is given to the property owner when a flight ends. They encourage landowners to provide feedback on their experience with balloonists. At the end of the year, all cards are entered into a drawing for Thank You prizes. The cards are then returned to the balloonist as part of a critique process. Additionally, the landowner committee will become involved in certain issues concerning problem resolution. Pilots should be very aware of the need to maintain good landowner relations and notifies other local pilots of prohibited areas, as appropriate. Upon our landings, we always try to show our appreciation in one form or another. If the winds have calmed down enough, we will offer a chance to view their property from a whole new angle first and then if time permits and with landowner permission take a few onlookers for a chance to experience the balloon and the aerial views.
To those who have allowed our balloon to land on their property we say: THANK YOU!
 AEBF’s Landowner Appreciation Program Upon our landings, we always try to show our appreciation in one form or another. If the winds have calmed down enough, we will offer the landowner a chance to view their property from a whole new angle. If time permits and with landowner permission, of course,we’ll take a few onlookers for a chance to experience the balloon and the aerial views.
Barnyard HumorLandowner_2.html

    For the “true” ballooning experience we ask that those who partook of the free lift, stick around and to please help up pack our beautiful balloon away.  It’s a sad time for the pilot, but the sooner we put the equipment away the sooner we get to celebrate and toast to a spectacular flight.  We could have cheese and cracker, fruits and veggies.  We’ve even had the landowner offer up hot cocoa or coffee and offer a fresh baked good of their own!  That’s when the pilot knows they have a great landowner and can’t wait to show off their skills and land back there AGAIN!!!

    After the celebration, we’ll see that the landowner gets a personalized “A Very Special Thank You!” card (right) from AE Balloon Flights (autographed copies for a great hosts...ha, ha).  And they, as well as the help, will be able to add to their “baseball card” collection a trading card (above) of AE Balloon Flights.

    For a little farm animal humor.  This was a spoof I found on the internet while check some other balloon sites out. 

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AE Balloon Flights, LLC

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photo by Joel Bergstrom

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