US Hot Air Balloon...A Flight Into Hell *EDitor's suggestion *REBUTTAL

It's one thing to be a little wimpy with a robust outdoor sport such as hot air balloon rides, but hold on a minute. This response of 'go pound sand customer' is totally ridiculous and obviously the owners of this company could care a less once they collect their money regardless the experience. All I have to say is 'wow'. How in the world to you offer a service like this and react like a inconsiderate moron saying too bad if you got hurt or had a frightening experience? Obviously this is some locally owned operation and their approach to a good customer experience is extremely similar to riding an amusement park ride. Good luck US Hot Air Balloon! I hope my experience this weekend isn't going to reflect any of this! Good god-

Mandrake did not do his company any justice by being a jerk in the rebuttle. There are other companies out there to use, I would not use this company because of the unprofessional response. Most people realize that humans cannot control the weather but when people are injured in an unfortunate accident and it was not the passengers fault, something should be done to establish some good faith. Just because he is FAA certifed doesn't mean squat. How about all the airline pilots arrested recently for being drunk? Out here in AZ a few years ago there was a hot air balloon company making the news after the pilot (who was high on cocaine and cocaine was even found at the accident scene) seriously injured several passengers and even killed one or 2, if my memory serves me correctly.

When a first time experience upsets this many people, some better communication should get to your customers instead of the "not our fault". That doesn't get any repeat business.

I'm going on my first hot air balloon ride next month in Colorado I hope I have a better experience than this.

Sirs:



I have been a balloon pilot for over 50 years.



I have known the pilot involved in this report for almost half that time, but have never flown with him. He may be a little more adventurous than I am, but maybe not. He is certainly a well qualified pilot.



Ballooning is an athletic sport. The baskets obviously do not have wheels and do not generally land on airport runways. Note that the passengers are not seated and are not belted in.



The only way to stop a balloon is by dragging and developing ground friction. The more the wind, the longer the drag, thankfully. The alternative is to find a high and sturdy stone wall.



The only real problem in the case in point was either an inadequate preflight briefing or (as is most common - even in airline briefing) a lack of attention to the briefing. That is quite natural, given the excitement and anticipation of this delightful experience.



I do not ever have passengers sign a release.



LIGHTEN UP! (c)



Respectfully offered,

What a stupid complaint! What do you suggest the pilot should have done to smooth out the landing...Give you pillows? Order the wind to stop?



You never know how the landing is going to be. Any landing is a good landing! I happen to enjoy rough ones and look forward to winds that might pick up.



Quite whining and take up some girly activity.

This email is a rebuttal to RipOff #5531.

It was sent by Steve Wood at Mastamuva@aol.com.



US Hot Air Balloon...A Flight Into Hell *EDitor's suggestion *REBUTTAL (#5531)



They filed the following rebuttal to the above Rip-Off Report:



Their email: Mastamuva@aol.com

Their name: Steve Wood



Their relationship to the company: Consumer Suggestion



Rebuttal:

I read the chase crew guys comment and was shocked. If your cab driver drove head on into a semi truck what are the passengers supposed to say? "Lets just be glad the cabbie was there to provide us with this service". I do believe that passengers in any type of vehicle operated by a driver or pilot for money deserve to be able to assume they will return safely.

This email is a rebuttal to RipOff #5531.

It was sent by Chase Crew Chief at mandrake2001@aol.com.



US Hot Air Balloon...A Flight Into Hell *EDitor's suggestion (#5531)



They filed the following rebuttal to the above Rip-Off Report:



Their email: mandrake2001@aol.com

Their name: Chase Crew Chief



Their relationship to the company: Supporter



Rebuttal:

I am a crew chief for a balloon team and I can assure you,

the pilot was not under the influence of anything. The FAA

(Federal Aviation Administration) have a strict policy regarding

alcohol, and drugs. If you've used them, you license is revoked. Period.



As for your "bang-up" landing, ballooning is an experience based

purely on the weather. When you take off, you have an idea what

direction your going, but other than up and down, the pilot can't

control direction. Before the flight takes off, the pilot checks

the weather up to 4 times before actually flying. Occasionally,

a rough landing does occur. The wind could have built up while

in the air. You can't stop Mother Nature. Ever flown in an

airplane and not experienced some turbulence?



As for your "fill-in" certificates, its probably because they

don't want complaints from people about misspellings.

And, yes your right, that wasn't "standard" landing

procedure. THERE ISN'T A STANDARD!! They're all different. There are ideal landings, but no "standard" ones.

Some are soft landings and some are harder than others.



You got your flight. The landing was a little rough. So WHAT?

Quit complaining and be glad there are people who are willing

to provide this service to you in the first place.

Dear michael,



Even though you signed a paper, that might not mean you still cannot collect any damages.

If they were negligent, you should be able to collect damages. For instance, if they took you up into the air and it was too windy putting you at risk, or, if they were under the influence of drugs or alcohol they would be responsible. There are possibly many other situations that would allow you to collect damages if you are suffering from their negligence? All these balloon companies carry insurance and most likely required to carry insurance by your county or state who license them.



I remember a horse riding stable I worked for as a kid. They made people sign that same type of paper, releasing the horse stable from any liability. Not true. They paid out claims many times because they were negligent.



At minimum, if a strong letter were written to the company with threats of a law suit, publicity by the Internet and other media may cause them to change their position. Certainly you should get a full refund plus any doctor or hospital bill you may incur.



EDitor@badbusinessbureau.com



badbusinessbureau.com

Don't let them get away with it.

Make sure they make the Rip-off Report!



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