Organisers of Hot Air Ballooning Championships criticise unauthorised drone activity
The giant flying suitcase that took to the sky over Boyle on Sunday evening as part of a Guinness World Record attempt. The Irish Hot Air Ballooning Championships are being held at Lough Key Forest Park in Boyle this week. Pic: Gerry Faughnan
Unauthorised drone activity over Lough Key Forest Park in Boyle this evening as hot air balloons were taking to the skies, as part of the Irish Hot Air Ballooning Championships, has been criticised by the organisers.
They have warned that such activity could cause a serious accident and have appealed to those involved not to ruin such a fabulous event for the thousands of people who are showing up at the park to watch the balloons take to the skies.
"Tonight, we had unauthorised drone activity over the launch field; with one drone actually hitting a balloon as it was flying over the public, just after takeoff," said a statement from the organisers.
"To be clear, even the rotors on a small drone when in contact with the highly pressurised fabric of the balloon envelope could cause a very serious accident with damage to not only the balloon/ pilot but also those on the ground below.
"Per the event information, both the IBA and Lough Key do NOT PERMIT unauthorised drone activity in the park during this event. In the event that any drones are seen in the park/ around the balloons during future launches, all activity will be stopped immediately, regardless of any favourable flyable conditions, by Lough Key, on the grounds of safety - with a zero tolerance approach being taken to those flying them," the organisers added.
"Please do not let the actions of a few ruin such a fabulous event for the masses. If drones are spotted, please make a member of Lough Key staff or a balloonist aware immediately so I can be advised and take the necessary action."
