A copy free feature of a Hot Air Balloon Flight over mid-Kent

A copy free feature as we fly with a Merlin Balloons

Land Rover & balloon trailer arrive

Off loading basket at Hamstreet Recreation Ground

Ground Crew Member Andy preparing the eight man basket which is already loaded with gas cylinders

Fitted to flexible mounts it's protected by padded sleeves

Testing burners

GPS Navigation & radio communication also tested

Balloon envelope of "Jaffa" being laid out as Land Rover slowly drives forward

Passengers lay out the rough balloon shape

Ready for inflation

First cold air is forced into the envelope

This is accomplished a petrol driven fan

Balloon envelope begins to take shape in evening sunshine

At this stage, two "volunteers" lie flat in the basket to act as ballast

Andy hangs onto the cap line

Whilst burners continue heating the cold air

Passengers climb aboard ready to embark as the balloon comes upright

To be quickly free of the ground

Some tree hopping

Low stuff over Hamstreet

Another burn to assist the climb

The Lush Kent Countryside looking across the Channel & the French Coast

Small aircraft passes alongside slightly below us as the breeze takes us back over Hamstreet

Climbing through low cloud

Into glorious sunshine

Some breeze & sun rays

Matthew checks GPS & Altimeter before making flight adjustments

A couple of passengers clearly enjoying the experience

Over the marshland towards Dungeness

A shot of everyone before descending

Over the single line South East Network railway track

Dungeness Power station on the horizon centre left

To land in fields close to Appledore Village

Matthew pours the champaign

To toast a successful & enjoyable flight

And landing for the "ballast" girls