BUHABS - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Please find frequently asked questions and their answers below. Still want to know more? Contact us by email or direct message us via our social media inboxes.
All about BUHABS flights
Q: How do I sign up to a flight?
Flights are finalised 2-3 days before they go ahead, at which point we email all members with a link to the event(s) on the SU site. Tickets can be reserved on a first-come-first-served basis, which gets you a seat in the van on the flight. Make sure to check the meet time and that you are able to attend, please do not sign up for a flight if you might cancel!
Q: Will I crew or fly? (Introduction to BUHABS crewing points)
In order to fly the BUHABS balloon a crew is needed to get the balloon in the air and to help retrieve the balloon from the landing field, otherwise the flight passengers end up stuck in a field! BUHABS operates a crewing point system so regular members get rewarded for their commitment. Each time you come ballooning and help on the ground rather than fly you will gain a crewing point. Every time you fly you will lose a crewing point. Everybody starts with 0 crewing points and they are carried forward each year. On the launch field priority is given to the members with the greatest number of accrued crewing points, ensuring that everyone gets to fly and retrieve an equal and fair number of times, and aims to ensure that everyone gets to fly on at least 50% of their trips.
All new BUHABS members start on zero, and crewing points are carried over each year. In cases where two or more people are on equal points, Dr Spellward's patented 'Shortest Blade of Grass' draw takes place on the launch field.
Q: What shall I wear?
- Sturdy footware - walking boots, trainers, or similar. Please no sandals or flipflops.
- Long sleeved top and trousers.
- Extra layer if you go in the basket (it is a little colder in the air!). Less important in Summer months, but to be considered!
Q: What should I bring?
- Bottle of water (full)
- Camera
- £45 cash for flight (if wanting to fly)
- Means to buy coffee/breakfast/drinks on way home (if desired)
Q: What costs are involved in flying?
If you have membership with BUHABS, you can sign up to flights as frequently as you like and be involved in crewing, inflating and retreiving the hot air balloon. When you fly in the basket as a passenger, there is an additional cost of £45 which you pay in cash on the day. Everyone in the basket pays the same amount towards the fuel and upkeep of the balloon, and this amount is calculated with a cost sharing model based on the expected number of flights throughout the year.
Q: Can I bring a 'plus-one'?
Unfortunately no. We have a commitment to our members to get them flown ASAP and flying nonmembers makes this more difficult. However, this situation may change during holidays as spaces become available when many students are away but please don't make such requests until we say it's OK. If you know someone who is keen to get airborne they should join BUHABS, it will not be possible to book places on our flights until you are a member, and can only do this for yourself.
Q: How safe is ballooning?
Were you aware that ballooning is one of the safest forms of aviation, and BUHABS has an excellent safety record? All BUHABS pilots are fully qualified, after rigorous training from some of the country's most experienced pilots. We only fly in good weather conditions and will not fly if conditions are 'marginal'; for this reason you may see other balloonists flying when BUHABS flights are cancelled. Passenger safety is our number one priority.
All about the society
Q: Who tends to join BUHABS?
We have traditionally had a great mixture of undergraduate, postgraduate and staff members join the society, all of whom are represented in our current committee. Our membership averages around 50 people annually.
Q: What social things does BUHABS do?
We regularly organise social events throughout the year. Often events are centred around engaging and educating members in some aspect of hot air ballooning, or more casual meet-ups for a drink or coffee. Get in touch for more information or if you would like to suggest ideas for future society socials.
Q: How do I keep in touch with what is happening in BUHABS?
If you are a member, you will receive all important communication by your university email. There is a private members' Facebook group where we will share photos from flights and encourage you members to do the same! Please also check out our social media on our Facebook page and on Instagram, where we post regularly with updates from the society.
