You can wear what you want. But we recommend you wear sturdy shoes that you don't mind getting a bit muddy. Full length trousers are a must, especially for the ladies. Long sleeves are best, but if not bring something warm to wear as it can get cold. In all cases try to wear natural fabrics rather than polyesters or other man-made fabrics.

Don't worry. We provide transport for all our trips. We can pick you up on Parry's Lane in Stoke Bishop, Whiteladies Road or the Students' Union. We'll drop you back at the same place after the flight.

The basic answer is that you will not be able to. We have a commitment to our members to get them flown as soon as possible and flying non-members will make this difficult for us. However, this situation may change during the university holidays as with so many students away, spaces become available. But don't see this as a chance to pester the pilots with such requests until we say that it is OK for you to bring a friend. If you know someone that is keen to get airborne, they should join BUHABS.

Or words to that effect! Be reassured that there are usually a few new members on most flights. Nobody expects you to be perfect at crewing or even know anything about it. When we get to the launch site you will learn about what jobs need to be done and will be briefed on how to do them. This occurs at a relaxed pace with time for pictures and questions.

The website is regularly updated with related news. In addition we send out regular emails so that you will find out what is happening in BUHABS - and also what has happened within the last term. You will also find out about flight reviews, social/training events and also a few very random things indeed!

Flights are operated on a crewing points system for members. All new members start off with 0 points; if you fly, you'll be deducted one point; if you retrieve, you'll gain a point. The more points you have, the more likely it is you'll get to fly. However the points system is only a guideline, and the pilot's decision is final. Generally speaking, priority is given to new members coming out for the first time, but again this is no guarantee, as especially towards the start of the year, there can be many first-timers coming out on each trip!

Don't be too disappointed if you don't get to fly on a particular trip. The retrieve is an essential part of any balloon flight, and the pilot and passengers will be very appreciative of your help. You'll get to drive around the countryside and exercise your map-reading skills, and you'll gain that all-important crewing point, meaning you're much more likely to be in the basket on the next trip. Additionally, if you retrieve enough times to get to +3 points, your next flight will be free!

The BUHABS retrieval vehicle carries eight people. One of those eight is the pilot and another is a driver. On some trips we may have a PUT (Pilot Under Training) come along. The driver must be over the age of 21 and approved by BUHABS to drive the van. See the page about driving the minibus to find out more information. We are always keen to hear from potential new drivers.

You must phone in at the time you have signed up for, even if you think the weather is bad (who knows, the pilot may have other ideas!). Failure to call will result in a loss of two crewing points and may render you very unpopular if a flight has to be cancelled through lack of crew. Last year we had some slots where we left in the dark and rain but the sun was beaming through when we arrived at the launch field. Remember: other people will be ringing at the same time so keep trying until you get through, don't leave the pilot a message.

We mainly fly in the Bristol/Bath and South Gloucestershire area. Hot air balloons go exactly where the wind takes them, so sometimes they even go over the River Severn to Wales. The van follows the balloon and arrives wherever the balloon lands to pick everyone up.

With around 120 members each year, we attempt to fly every slot available. Hot air balloons fly early in the morning or early evening as that is when the weather is generally calmer. So our slots are usually Saturday and Sunday, both morning and evening. This does involve early wake-ups for morning slots and sometimes late returns for the evening slots. When it is winter the phone in times will get later in the morning but earlier in the evening. However, when summer is upon us, be prepared to leave Bristol as early as 05:00 for morning flights and return as late as 22:00 on evening flights. We will sometimes offer up slots on a weekday, so check your e-mails regularly to make sure you're one of the first to put your name down. Please note that we cannot guarantee that you will be back in time for early lectures from a morning flight, so we trust you to use your own descretion if you want to sign up. We won't tell!

There is an active social life within the society; some of our committee are regular clubbers, so can not only advise you on ballooning - but which clubs in town offer the cheesiest music! All social events are advertised on the website and also via e-mail. These include both training activities and evenings down the pub.