Wheelchair-Accessible Balloon Flights Over Northeast Oklahoma
A hot air balloonist since 1984, Martin Philpott purchased an accessible gondola (basket) to accommodate wheelchair-users and slow walkers in 2012. Today he and his wife operate Auspicious Balloon Flights near Tulsa, and they provide local balloon flights and tethered events to folks who can’t board a traditional gondola. They also travel to as many 16 events each year. Says Martin, “Almost half of those invite us to their event because of our ability to provide wheelchair- accessible balloon flights.”
How it All Began
Philpott’s entry into wheelchair-accessible balloon flights began while perusing some literature from Ultramagic Balloons. He was in the market for a new racer — a high performance balloon for racing enthusiasts — and he noticed a gondola that had a door and a seat inside. He immediately thought of his own father who could not get into his balloon because he couldn’t climb over the gondola, and a little light went off in his head.
So he did some further research and discovered that the attachment points for the seat were all made with parts and equipment used on commercial aircraft, so he knew it was strong — and safe. “My wife and I decided together that we’d rather have the ability to provide flights to our family and friends more than have a racer. And the rest is history, as the say,” recalls Martin.
Wheelchair-Accessible Balloon Flights
Philpott touts his accessible gondola as “the only one of its kind west of the Mississippi and east of the Rockies.” Wheelchair-users can easily transfer to the gondola seat, which is equipped with a restraint harness. The seat is wheelchair-height for optimal transfers, but after the balloon has been safely launched, it can be raised with a hydraulic pump for optimal viewing. And when it comes time to land, the seat is again lowered.
The seat is also removable, so folks who can’t climb into a standard gondola can just walk in and remain standing for the flight. Of course if they need to be seated, arrangements can be made for that too. When the seat is installed, the balloon can accommodate one seated person and two companions. The charge for a single passenger is $350, but with multiple passengers the per-passenger price lowers “When we fly someone that needs the seat, we work out a special price for them, depending on their needs,” Martin adds.
Tethered Rides
Besides wheelchair-accessible balloon flights, Auspicious Balloon also offers tethered rides. Tethered rides differ from free flight rides in that the balloon remains tied (tethered) to the ground during the entire flight. Passengers board the balloon, go up, stay a few minutes at the desired height, then are pulled back down with the ropes. It’s a good way to get a taste of hot air ballooning and a fun addition to any event or celebration.
It should be noted that a considerable amount of space is needed to set up a tethered ride. A large open area that measures at least 150 feet X 150 feet is the minimum space required; or as Martin puts it, “something the size of a little league baseball field or half a football field.” Martin’s rates vary for local tethers. He either charges a flat rate of $750 to $1,000, or a per-person fee if it’s a large event. He can also travel out of the area for an additional fee.
And if you like to try a tethered flight but don’t live in Northeast Oklahoma, then check out the Auspicious Balloon Flights Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Auspicious-Balloon-Flights-160892513932313 to see if Martin and his crew will be at an event near you. For more information about Martins offerings, call (918) 695-1731 or e-mail silentlysoaring@oldnslow.com.
Finally, Martin points out that flexibility is a key component in hot air ballooning, as Mother Nature is ultimately in charge of the schedule. With that in mind, it’s a good idea to have a few back-up dates in mind when you book your flight.
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