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The aim of the visit is to promote the Air Force to the public by presence, distribution of promotional material and through short tethered balloon flights, provided free to the public.
The balloon will be a Kavanagh brand, designed and built at Kavanagh's balloon company in Sydney, NSW. In size its inflated air capacity is 105,500 cubic feet and its maximum weight when fully loaded can be up to 1,030 kilograms, though, in practise it is normally limited to around 900 kgs. The basket dimensions are 1.0 x 1.4 metres and it can comfortably accommodate the pilot plus up to four adult passengers.
The Air Force Balloon is operated by Central Flying School as one component of the Air Force's public relations arm. The function of the Air Force Balloon is to promote a positive image of the Air Force at community events and schools around the country, predominantly in outback and regional Australia. Our crew members serve in either the Permanent Air Force or the Air Force Reserves forming a crew consisting of a pilot and three or four ground crew. Our crew travel with the balloon, which is transported using a 4WD vehicle and a specialised trailer.
For tethered flight, the balloon is inflated and stood up-right, ropes are attached to three restraint points (usually a tree and two four wheel drives) and the balloon is flown to a height of between 10-30 metres, depending on the weather.
After the tethering is complete, weather permitting, the crew may invite the public to have a close-up look at the balloon rig before deflation and pack-up. Throughout the tethering operations, the crew will distribute some PR material such as stickers and brochures. Photography of the event is actively invited.
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| Town Fair Web Site |
It is important to note that tethered flights have a very small window of opportunity. Variable winds, any wind above 6 km/h or temperatures above about 28C will generally preclude the possibility of tethered operations. The decision will be made on the day by the balloon pilot and if we do cancel the tethered operations, it is important that you realise that the decision has been made to ensure the safety of all participants.
In the event the weather is deemed unsuitable for tethered flight, we can still display the basket and burners, answer questions on the balloon and distribute promotional material.
For further information, pictures and a great movie, check the balloon website located at www.airforce.gov.au/balloon . Please don't hesitate to call for more information.
