A First in Australia, a Melbourne-based Ballooning operator can now offer people that have restricted mobility an easy access solution for getting in and out of an air balloon basket.
Kiff Saunders & and the team at Global Ballooning are hoping in the future to offer the option where people can remain in their wheelchair.
The ballooning industry sits with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) so you can imagine how much effort has gone into getting all the boxes ticked so that you can have an opening door in the basket.
Discussions are continuing with CASA around enabling people to stay in wheelchairs, so until approved, padded “Seat Style” cushioning is available.
I do congratulate Global Ballooning for taking the lead with this initiative that allows greater access to a very popular recreational pastime.
Hi John
Just an update on our progression – the basket is built and is being type certified given it is a first of type for Kavanagh Balloons. We are jumping through many hoops so we are not sure how long this will take. I also have to present a ‘Safety Case’ to CASA in regard to carriage of handicapped people as defined under the Australian Regulations. We and our partners Burt and Davies are committed to making this happen but it is complex undertaking – which we are only now beginninbg to appreciate. Thx for the article Kiff