Company Profile

Our Company was established in 1985 by Phil Dunnington, one of the World’s most widely experienced commercial balloon pilots who in the course of extensive ballooning activities has flown balloons in 101 countries to date (April 2010).

Gone-With-The-Wind aims to provide a unique source of advice and assistance for anybody considering a balloon-related event or operation anywhere in the world. We have unrivalled experience and contacts almost everywhere, can communicate in nearly 10 languages, and have visited a total of over 130 countries in the course of our careers.

We also offer a very specialised range of tours that includes Mongolia, Laos, Cambodia and Japan in 2010. With itineraries that are tailor-made we have set up the opportunity to go ballooning, horse riding or hiking. For those who just want to relax and enjoy countryside and culture there are intriguing side trips and visits which rarely occur on more structured itineraries.

The following pages of our site give some insight into what can be achieved to make a ballooning project operationally successful and they will also tell you more about our exciting journeys.

The Consultancy

We have the experience of over 30 years in tourism and aviation to help you with any project anywhere involving balloons:

• Basic training to UK standards
• Product promotion
• Incentive and VIP experiences
• Public events and aviation entertainment
• Long-term tourist-based sightseeing
• Adventure tours for individuals and small groups

Our recommendations

SITE VISITS

An initial visit to your proposed location(s) is recommended. This is best conducted using our specially designed lightweight world-portable trial balloon  (capable of carrying pilot plus one passenger).

Site visits encompass reviews of:

• Meteorology/climate conditions
• Civil aviation regulations and limitations
• Geographical suitability and contraints
• Tourist profile / seasonality
• Trial flights (where balloon is available)

as well as meetings, as appropriate, with local authorities and security officials.

We recommend 2-3 days per location, plus time for meetings in the administrative capital.

REPORT

This will include written analysis of viability from both operational and financial standpoints, plus recommendations on pilot and equipment selection, timescale, critical paths etc. It is normally available to principals within 30 days of completion of a site visit.

TURNKEY OPERATION

Following a satisfactory Report and decision by the principals to proceed, Gone-With-The-Wind Ltd can set up the following as required:

• Detail negotiation with relevant aviation and other authorities.
• Balloon equipment specification and purchase.
• Pilot selection and staffing.
• Tourist industry integration and launch.
• Initial (or long-term) training and operation.

PRESENTATIONS

The Company has an extensive transparency and digital photo collection and has provided lecture presentations to tour companies and academic institutions around the world, as well as high quality images for use in publications.