Hot Air Balloning

[SamuiJens]

Was wondering if taking people up in hot-air ballons is legal, south of the airport and in KP? Anyone know about this and what kind of paper work is involed, and if its worth trying?

[John 1]

Where do you think you could land in the sea? no suitable areas available.

[Rooo]

The only Hot Air Ballooning allowed I think,is if the ballon is tied.That means you can rise but not drift.

I read somewhere about someone doing it around Phuket.

[Gatorade]

Was wondering if taking people up in hot-air ballons is legal, south of the airport and in KP? Anyone know about this and what kind of paper work is involed, and if its worth trying?

Without wishing to sound negative I think it is unlikely that you would succeed. In ajny case you would not be allowed within 5 Nautical Miles of Samui Airport. In any case you would need a VHF radio and probably a transponder. There are also height restrictions as Bangkok Radar controls the upper airspace around Samui. The Thai military will also have a view on such an operation.

The Thai Civil Aviation authority is not known for accepting anything that flies which is not Thai owned or operated in its airspace very easily. Anything that is unusual or too difficult will end in a refusal.If the idea is to operate commercially i.e. carry passengers on sight seeing flights then allow at least one/two years and a lot of outlay to try and obtain an Aircraft Operators Certificate.

Practically, it would seem that there are not very many places that you could land and walk away from on this island. Chances are you would end up in the sea.

Best of luck though, if you do intend to proceed, prepare your proposal thoroughly and carefully to the Authorities as their first reaction will be to say NO!

[SamuiJens]

Thanks for your advice, maybe when there are more trees cut down (bad news) but then it'll take most of the fun out of it. Too bad, since seeing the Island from above is very interesting, and would be a money maker.

[mafaso]

Thanks for your advice, maybe when there are more trees cut down (bad news) but then it'll take most of the fun out of it. Too bad, since seeing the Island from above is very interesting, and would be a money maker.

Even if they said yes to your idea it is not a wise idea. Main reason: wind. Samui has too high of winds for a hot air balloon. You would be blown out to sea within a matter of minutes.

[mosquitoman]

Where do you think you could land in the sea? no suitable areas available.

As the saying goes:

"Take off is optional, landing is mandatory"

MM

[Maizefarmer]

You will almost certainly not get permission to fly a hot air ballon around the island - but it's a different story on the mainland - where actually the oppisit is true in respect of getting permission to fly balloons as well as planes. The Thai authorities are keen to encourage it.

I know - been there done that (with a plane which has been here about a year now and is still has a foreign reg mark on the tinwork.

Tim