Legal Skydiving: Expert Advice on Jumping from Hot Air Balloons

Imagine drifting in a peaceful hot air balloon while skydiving and enjoying the view. Feel the warmth while skydiving through the heavens. Interesting right? However, for some people, like skydivers, this feeling is not enough. 

Skilled skydivers find hot air balloon skydiving jumps unique. A recent video sparked a legal debate. Skydiver and pilot clash over legality. Controversy surrounds hot air balloon jumps. Let’s analyze the video thoroughly. Then, we’ll cover hot air balloon jumps.

What Happened in the Video?

The skydiver requested to jump; the pilot refused. Skydiver cited experience; pilot dismissed. Disputes arose over hot air balloon skydiving. This raised the question of whether it is against the law for skydivers to jump from hot air balloons. 

Lawyer Ugo Lord confirms legality. Certified skydivers can jump. According to jurisdiction, licensing occurs with 50 to 200 jumps made by a skydiver. This implies certification for the skydiver in the video, who reportedly made over 2000 jumps. The jump can only be made legally with a willing commercial pilot.

In other words, while hot air balloon skydiving is lawful, jumping from an unlicensed carrier or one that refuses to let you jump is illegal. Accordingly, the skydiver in the video who is adamant about jumping is breaking the law and can be sued for destroying everyone else’s good time.

What Is the American Law on Skydiving

In the United States, skydiving is a self-regulated sport, which means skydivers voluntarily follow a set of basic safety requirements established by the U.S. Parachute Association. The Federal Aviation Regulations contain federal requirements. Most of the regulations concern the aircraft, pilot, and rules of flight. 

However, 14 CFR Part 105, “Parachute Operations,” regulates when and where jumps may be made and designates the requirements for parachute equipment and packing. 

For example, 14 CFR Part 105 (subpart C) requires the person packing either the main chute or the reserve parachute to be a certificated rigger, which means he or she has taken an FAA-approved training course and has passed rigorous FAA testing.

14 CFR Part 105 is based on the assumption that any individual who chooses to skydive has assessed the dangers involved and assumes personal responsibility for his or her safety. Safety assurance is intended by the regulations in Part 105. They cover non-participants’ safety.

Encouragement is given to the skydiving community to adopt good practices and programs. This helps avoid additional FAA regulations.

Can a Newbie Jump From a Hot Air Balloon

As already mentioned, you must possess the appropriate hot air balloon skydiving license and be a licensed skydiver with at least 50 skydives under your belt to jump from a hot air balloon. You should also be very skilled at parachute flying and have precise landing techniques. Also, you must be comfortable with jumping from lower altitudes, usually around 3,000 feet. 

Don’t forget that you will need permission from your commercial pilot before jumping. Naturally, there will be a cost associated with it. Set aside at least $100 to pay for the ride and leap. So if you are an amateur you should go for tandem skydive because it is the first step towards increasing your jump count.

What Is the Difference Between Jumping From a Plane and a Hot Air Balloon?

The speed is one of the main distinctions between jumping out of a hot air balloon and skydiving from an aircraft. In contrast to airplanes, which fly at very fast rates, hot air balloons usually cruise around 4 to 6 mph. So when you jump out of a hot air balloon, you will get the typical “stomach-drop” feeling which is similar to riding a roller coaster. 

Once your hot air balloon skydiving equipment, which includes two parachutes, is safely connected, you have to open your parachute and locate a secure landing area. However, the landing spot is always a mystery, because you can land anywhere since hot air balloons rely on the wind. For example, you can land on a field, a school backyard, and so on.

What Time of the Day Is Best for a Hot Air Balloon Jump?

The weather is a major factor in hot air balloon jumps. For the jump to be both safe and pleasant, the wind must be calm or almost steady. Because wind conditions are better in the mornings or late afternoons, hot air balloon jumps are usually scheduled around these times. If circumstances allow, many loads of skydivers may be able to jump at once in some instances.

The first load departs from a designated spot; the second load has to follow the balloon and get on board wherever it lands. This excitingly enhances the experience by introducing unpredictability and adventure. It mixes the exhilaration of freefalling through the skies with the serenity of floating in a hot air balloon. 

Hot air balloon skydiving offers an unparalleled thrill and sense of accomplishment, even though it does require a certain level of skydiving expertise. Thus, seize the chance to engage in this amazing experience whenever it presents itself and get ready for a whole lot of excitement!