2007 Saga International Balloon Fiesta

A workshop to train observers was held in Saga City.
An observer is a person who make correct records in a balloon competition. Every pilot is accompanied by an observer to make records of the time and spot of the pilot's taking off and landing. An oserver also records the time and spot of the pilot's dropping the marker and the goal point declared by him / her. An observer is required to bring his / her records to the operation staff room. The role of an observer is so important in a balloon competition. Those who came to Saga last year probably notied thoses observers in a gray-colored jacket accompaying pilots.

Every year in Saga nearly 90 balloons take part in the competitions. As a result we must have a little more than 90 observers.
Therefore, we hold a workshop to train observers this time every year. About 30 people joined us today. Some of them have already joined a balloon team in Saga and have some knowledge of ballooning, while some others attended it for the first time, with no knowledge about ballooning. We think it important to hold this workshop to transmit the tradition of ballooning in Saga to the young generation.


Today's workhsop started at 10:00 a.m. and came to an end 16:00 p.m. Some of the trainees will probably make a debut as an observer this year!

An observer is required to accompany a new pilot each time so as not to become too attached to the pilot.
It means that an observer has a chance to watch how each pilot makes a plan to fly and how he / she supervises his / her crew as well. Nearly 30 pilots come from foreign countries, so you also have a chance to talk with them in English. Of couse, it is not always necessary to be able to speak good English. Once you have mastered a procedure to follow as an observer, you can work all right as one.

If you are lucky enough, you will have an offer from the pilot to fly up with him / her in the gondola! Then you can make some records in the sky and watch the technique of the pilot close by. It is true that an observer has a lot of obligations but is also blessed with joy exclusively to him / her. Some observers do not want to obtain certificates other than an observer. They seem to be satisfied with his / her role and have had a lot of experiences as an observer. Some of them are playing an active part internationally. We are looking forward to your attending our workshop to train observers.



Reported by T.Nakashima