Hot Air Balloons at Hood Aerodrome

The Times-Age today asked a series of questions relating to ballooning at Hood Aerodrome. The following response were provided, attributable to Corin Haines, Manager Community Facilities and Activities:

1. Why did MDC refuse the ground lease of a hot air balloon operator at Hood Aerodrome?

This is not the case. The operator was offered a ground lease on the condition that hot-air ballooning did not occur from the aerodrome.

2. What are MDC’s concerns with hot air ballooning at Hood Aerodrome?

Hood Aerodrome is a complex flying environment, with a range of aeronautical activities taking place, including WW1 era aircraft, some without radios. In order to manage safety obligations, a decision has been made not to introduce ballooning as a regular activity at Hood.

3. Why did MDC delete the balloon landing fees from the Hood Aerodrome web page?

In light of this decision, it was considered misleading to have this reference to landing fees on the website.

4. What is the future of hot air ballooning at Hood Aerodrome in the future?

As indicated above, the Council does not intend to introduce ballooning as a regular activity at Hood. This does not preclude one-off events, where safety issues can be carefully managed.

Comment was also sought on a letter from the Hood Users’ Group provided to the Times-Age which referenced the Council’s approach to operational issues at Hood. The following comment was provided:

Masterton District Council is responsible for safety at Hood Aerodrome. We work closely with operators and CAA to ensure safety remains paramount at all times.