Hot air ballooning in Ballymahon County Longford.
Hot air ballooning clubs from England and Ireland have gathered in the Longford town of Ballymahon for the annual event. Participants are briefed in a Longford hotel in preparation for the Irish Hot Air Championships.
Started in 1969, the Dublin Ballooning Club has a membership of 25 people. With two balloons to their credit they are hopeful of gaining new members. In Britain, there are already over 500 members with a growing interest in the sport.
A task is set for each flight and can vary from landing in a particular place to travelling the longest or shortest distance in a given time to collecting something on route. The task this time is to travel straight across Lough Rea and land at a specific place on the other side.
Lots are drawn to decide on the order of the ascent of each balloon. The weather is checked for wind direction and flight time can be ascertained.
There is a mixture of serious professional pride about the whole operation coupled with a certain whimsicality.
Ballooning is not a cheap sport. Membership costs two pounds a year plus three pounds for each flight. Many enthusiasts view the sport from the ground working as crew but still get a thrill from it.
Your balloon is at the mercy of the wind.
As they prepare for takeoff, one of the ground crew, affectionately known as "Crematorium Charlie" stands inside the balloon to keep the opening free for hot air. As the air fills the space, the balloon gradually takes shape. As it fills, other crew need to hold the balloon in place with ropes until they are ready for takeoff. Once in flight, the pilot cannot navigate as they are at the mercy of the wind. Navigation involves identifying landmarks on the ground to find out which way the wind is taking the balloon. The job of the ground crew is now to chase the balloon by car.
In the end, it is the wind that dictates to the earth bound balloons and hot air is no match if nature decides otherwise.
This episode of 'Tangents' was broadcast on 12 October 1972.
