Flights of discovery

Since man's earliest days on earth, he has been fascinated with flight. In the 16th Century Leonardo da Vinci invented a flying machine called the Ornithopter, a device that was the result of the artist's interest in birds.

Today, flight comprises mainly two categories, heavier-than-aircraft and lighter-than-aircraft, under which ballooning is grouped. The first successful balloon flight was in 1783 by French physicist Jean Francois Pilatre de Rozier, in Paris.
On January 8 the Gulf Balloon and Airship Company launched its hot-air balloon for the first time in the UAE.

Pilot Jon Nunns, a seasoned balloonist who holds a valid commercial pilot's licence from the National Civil Aviation Authorities in the United Kingdom, says: "We were the first company ever to be given permission by the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority to operate hot-air balloon passenger flights in the UAE."

Voyagers Xtreme, a division of PIVA Travel and Tourism, has acquired the exclusive booking rights for hot-air balloon passenger flights. Lee Turner, the president of the company, says: "With hot-air ballooning the thrill of anticipation is incredible, no ride is more thrilling, more beautiful or more peaceful."

The balloon measuring 24 metres in diameter and 25 metres in height was manufactured in the UK and is also being maintained there. It has a double burner and can carry a maximum of six passengers, depending on the weight of the passengers. The balloon rises by heating the air inside the balloon. As the air inside the balloon cools down, the balloon becomes heavier, and descends if the pilot does not add more heat. A hot-air balloon can reach a maximum height of 6,500 feet and can fly as low as four feet.

Ballooning is a convenient way of sightseeing. There is no pollution, no noise, it offers game viewing at its best, and it can take off and land almost anywhere.

Flights are available every day, with a minimum of three paying passengers. A regular flight will take one hour. Departure is at 6.30am and again two hours before sunset, from Fossil Rock near Jebel Mileiha. A flight costs Dhs780 and includes a collection service from Dubai and Sharjah hotels, refreshments before and breakfast after the flight, a free T-shirt, full passenger insurance and a pre-flight safety briefing. Passengers are reminded to wear comfortable clothing, a hat and to bring along camera and video equipment.

Additional options, such as an overnight stay in the desert can also be included with the package.
PIVA Travel and Tourism offer a competition for a free balloon ride monthly. They can be contacted at 04-3455770 or www. pivatravel.com.