Bristol Balloon Fiesta 12 August 2022

[plug]

A few photos from my first visit to the Balloon Fiesta. As you can see, it was perfect weather for an early morning mass launch. They were drifting in the general direction of Bristol airport, so I imagine they had to make a rapid descent once they'd got beyond the hill.

G-CIZM, G-CKCC, G-CKEG & G-HUBO by Dan Sprague, on Flickr

G-CIND by Dan Sprague, on Flickr

DSC_6318_1 by Dan Sprague, on Flickr

DSC_6320_1 by Dan Sprague, on Flickr

D-OHKT by Dan Sprague, on Flickr

G-INZZ & G-OFAA by Dan Sprague, on Flickr

DSC_4154_2 by Dan Sprague, on Flickr

G-GCCC, G-INZZ & G-OFAA by Dan Sprague, on Flickr

G-CHXS, G-UWEB G-JIMA by Dan Sprague, on Flickr

G-OEWE by Dan Sprague, on Flickr

DSC_6404_1 by Dan Sprague, on Flickr

G-JEMS & G-VBAG by Dan Sprague, on Flickr

G-WESS by Dan Sprague, on Flickr

G-LIPS by Dan Sprague, on Flickr

G-OWLY by Dan Sprague, on Flickr

G-CMOO by Dan Sprague, on Flickr

[acklington]

Great photos.

In my day at Bristol Airport any approaching balloon was instructed by ATC to climb and go OTT. Thus achieving the required separation from landing/departing traffic.

One day a balloon with a 'double-decker' basket became be-calmed directly over the runway and had to stay there for 20 minutes before being allowed to descend and find some surface wind. Hope that none of the passengers on the top deck of the basket became desperate for a leak!

[stemai]

I went in one about 9 years ago at Bristol and we drifted towards the airport and like Acklington said the pilot Clive Bailey was advised to climb higher out of the way. We had a klm pass by us then at a safe distance. This was one of the best aviation experiences I've had.

[liverpoolman1]

This brings back memories. I was involved in the first Bristol Balloon Fiesta over 40 years ago. It was great fun - but difficult to get the kids out of bed at 5.30 in the morning - but they did enjoy it when they were hands on. Great stories for school next day!
Did a flight north from the Ashton Court site and was glad to see the recovery vehicle turn up! Great memories. Thanks for the pics.

[ronturner]

Fine photos. Fond memories of previous festivals. Thanks.