By Joe Hizul

At the media launch of the 2nd Putrajaya International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta 2010, TOKL had the good fortune of chatting up with some of the pilots taking part in the event.

Finally, we talked to the Chairman of the 2nd Putrajaya Hot Air balloon Fiesta himself, Captain Khairudin Abdul Rani.

Can hot air balloon be considered a dangerous sport?
Comparatively it’s like flying an aeroplane. Not dangerous because balloon pilots need to adhere to the conventional regulations and maintenance. With hot air balloons, we don’t need to fly really high – about 1 ft above water – and if anything happens we will be able to land safely.

Steering is not possible with hot air balloon but entirely up to the wind direction?
Yes, it follows nature. Wherever the wind blows, we follow along with its speed. So we take off, follow the wind and land somewhere.

Why do you need a license to be a hot air balloon pilot?
Hot air balloon is a registered air craft. A qualified balloon pilot will have to go through tests and examinations, and a certain amount of flying hours in order to obtain a license.

Do you agree that the majority of pilot is male and why?
Yes, because it is indeed a challenging task to set, control and navigate the balloon due to its heavy weight. However, the number of female becoming pilots is promising and this year, we have one lady pilot from Japan.

Is the vicinity of the fiesta being close to KLIA a problem?
We had a long discussion with the Department of Civil Aviation and the Air Traffic Control, and also studied the Putrajaya area. We are given a clearance of not flying more than 1,000 feet and within the radius of 3km. As long as we fly within the limits and not across Cyberjaya, this will not affect the airport’s daily operation.

How long have you been a pilot?
More than 15 fifteen years.

Which is the best place you have flown to?
In terms of good organization, Philippine is good. This year, they will be having their 15th International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta.

The best thing about hot air balloon?
The feeling of flying on a hot air balloon and to drift along with the wind and nature – not against it – and a soft landing. In the Philippine, we landed in a village and children with happy smiles on their faces started running toward us and helped to pack the balloon.