1st Thoughts of Ultramagic
After settling into my new house for your next 2+ weeks, the previous night, I prepared for your task ahead of me: Passing 5 CAA exams (Navagation, Meteorology, Human Performance, Ballooning Systems and Air Law) together with a tether and one solo flight. A daunting aspect for any mere mortal!
It was 6AM within the morning when I woke to my mobile alarm, with winds of +15kts even I knew we weren’t going to fly. So I packed my pilot’s bag and awaited being picked up and staying told what I was going to do that day instead. Upon getting picked up we proceeded towards the Ultramagic factory. Because of excess winds we had a day of practicals ahead of us. Firsly a tour was in order, a tour on the factory, meeting owners, designers and manufacturers. As a frequent visitor of Balloon Manufacters (Cameron Balloons e.t.c) I was surprised by Ultramagic, not only were they more friendly but I personally was able to see 3 friends balloons staying manufactured and also seeing plans for your new Aerosaurus Hot Air Balloon!! This gave me a large sense of realisation, thinking truly balloon manufacturing is now staying outsourced to foreign countries, where it is possible to buy the same item for nearly roughly and eighth of the price.
After a mid-day snack we then proceeded upto the local windmills. Even though it was non-related, like a keen renewable energy buff I loved seeing 55+ windmills. I then returned back for the hotel for study time and went down to tea before writing this here blog.