Wheelchair-Accessible Balloon Rides Near Memphis

Candy B. Harrington June 8, 2022

If you’ve ever dreamed of riding in a hot air balloon, but assumed it was impossible because you use a wheelchair, then think again. It is indeed possible, as Bluff City Balloons (bluffcityballoons.com) has adaptive equipment that makes wheelchair-accessible balloon excursions a reality.

Wheelchair-Accessible Balloon Equipment

Inclusion was the theme of Bluff City Balloons from the beginning. Co-owners Skip and Toni Durham wanted to be able to accommodate as many people as possible. Says Skip, “We were shocked there are so few balloon companies that offer rides for the disabled or anyone who may not be able to stand for long periods, or feel they may hurt themselves if we have a bumpy landing.” So the husband-and-wife team went that extra mile and ordered adaptive ballooning equipment that could accommodate wheelchair-users and slow walkers from Ultramagic Balloons (ultramagic.com/hot-air-balloons/baskets/accessible-baskets) in Spain.

The accessible gondola features a door that swings open and locks shut. Not only can this unit accommodate a special seat that raises, but it’s also a good choice for slow walkers or others who can’t climb into a traditional gondola. Wheelchair-users transfer to the adapted seat, which is securely attached to the bottom of the gondola with aircraft grade hardware. The passenger is also secured in the chair by a four-point harness. And once the balloon takes off, the chair is elevated so everyone has a clear view. When it’s time to land, the chair is lowered back down.

Safety is of the utmost importance to Durham, and they only fly in calm weather. And of course, all of the adaptive equipment is FAA-approved.

Wheelchair-Accessible Ballooning

Bluff City Balloons offers wheelchair-accessible tethered and free flight balloon rides in the area surrounding Memphis. The departure point for the free flights is the Collierville Library, which is about a 40-minute drive from Memphis. The landing spot is wind dependent, but someone from Bluff City Balloons can drive a wheelchair-user’s accessible vehicle to the landing site.

The accessible gondola can accommodate one wheelchair-user, two companions and the pilot. Says Skip, “Our flights are usually over the countryside where we skim the tree tops, or go higher to see the Memphis skyline, or dip our feet in a pond (called a splash and dash).” And of course there’s the traditional champagne toast after the balloon touches down.

Tethered rides are also available in the wheelchair-accessible balloon. These rides use the same accessible equipment, except that the balloon is tied to the ground with tethers. After the passengers are loaded, the tethers are loosened and the balloon ascends about 50 feet. After folks have a few minutes to enjoy the view, the balloon is once again lowered to the ground. This is a good option for a large group gathering, as many people can give it a try at the same event.

For more information about accessible ballooning opportunities with Bluff City Balloons, contact Toni Durham at tonimdurham@gmail.com or (901) 481-7367.