IT'S UP, UP AND AWAY (READING FCE)

You are going to read an article about hot air balloons. Choose the most suitable heading from the list A-I for each part (1-7) of the article. There is one extra heading which you do not need to use. There is an example at the beginning (O)

A.        Involving balloon passengers

B.         Qualifying as a balloon flyer

C.         The price of balloons

D.        Balloons for special occasions

E.         The joy of achievement

F.         Restrictions on passengers

G.        Flying your balloons: practical considerations

H.        The superiority of balloons

I.           The inventors' expectations

IT’S UP, UP AND AWAY

Eileen Shaw on the joys of ballooning

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Mostly it's about hot air - for without that, balloons are Just big empty bags with baskets on
the bottom. The Monlgolfier brothers had great hopes when they made the first manned flight. They thought balloons would take off as a viable means of commercial flight. Instead, they have remained the province of sport, adventure and enjoyment.

1. _______________________________

Modern balloons are a lot more sophisticated than their ancestors, but they still retain the essential characteristics which makes them so attractive. A plane is claustrophobic and very noisy. Balloons are so gentle and majestic and silent when the burner's not working. 'It's the most marvellous form of aviation,' says Chris Boyd, managing director of Hot Air Balloons.

2. _______________________________

Hot Air Balloons offers balloon trips suited to the requirements of customers, with unlimited possibilities. Celebrations are high on the list of reasons for booking a balloon flight. 'Birthdays, anniversaries, we even had a couple who wanted to get married during the flight, but we told them that wouldn't be allowed,' says Chris.

3. _______________________________

He takes parties of four to twelve, the maximum number allowed, and there is no age limit at the upper end - he has had a 92-year-old customer. The only other rule is that you have to be at least one metre tall, so small children are not allowed on board. This is because the side of the baskets is adult chest height and youngsters might be tempted to climb up to look out.

4. _______________________________

An ordinary flight lasts about on hour and a half and can reach over 1,000 metres. The cost of a flight covers four hours and includes a certificate for first-time flyers. The important point is that you don't just tum up and climb on board. You are invited to lake on active part, so before the flight you spend about 45 minutes helping to inflate the balloon and getting to know it.

5. _______________________________

At the end of the trip, passengers are served with champagne and nibbles. Champagne is traditional after balloon flights. 'Most people are very happy that they hove done it because they might have been a bit anxious before they set out, so they are glad to celebrate the experience,' he say.

6. _______________________________

So, taking a trip is one pleasure, but who t if you fancy owning your own balloon? First, you will need a balloon licence. To get a licence you can train with a company like Hot Air Balloons and do 16 hours' flying with on instructor. Then you have to lake written exams in the technical aspects of the balloon and other subjects.

7. _______________________________

When you own aba110on, you will need a trailer to store it and tow It to the launch site and someone to follow you to pick you up when you land. You may need a landowner's permission to start your flight, but it is possible to start from a very large garden. You can read 011obout how to get started in a new quarterly magazine for balloon enthusiasts published by the Balloon and Airship Club.

ANSWER KEY

1. H

2. D

3. F

4. A

5. E

6. B

7.G