After tragedy in SC, government wants to advance in regulatory ballooning
The Ministry of Tourism reported by note that it intends to advance this week, in a meeting with interested entities, in regulating the exploitation of ballooning for tourism purposes in the country.
The folder lamented the fall of a balloon that caught fire in the air and fell on Saturday (21) while taking a tourist tour with 21 people on board in the city of Praia Grande, Santa Catarina. Eight people died in the tragedy, charred or jumping to escape the flames.
“The expectation is that, next week, there will be a significant advance in this process, due to a meeting with the entities involved in the subject,” said the folder, who said discussing the matter since the beginning of the year.
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Today, ballooning is practiced in Brazil as “aerodesport activity”, clarified on Saturday (21) the National Civil Aviation Agency (Anac). Therefore, balloon flights are made “at the risk of those involved.”
There is no technical qualification in the country for hot air balloon pilots or certification to certify the safety of aircraft.
Who were the eight people who died in the tragedy with balloon in Santa Catarina
Hot air balloon accident left eight dead and 17 injured in Santa Catarina. Police investigate whether fire started by failure at the aircraft torch
Accident survivors jumped from balloon on fire in Praia Grande (SC)
Passengers who stayed in the balloon died charred
According to the ministry, the government’s objective is to make the country “have a specific and clear regulation for the operation of balloon flights in tourist activities, aiming to ensure the safety of practitioners and boost the development of this segment in Brazil.”
The Brazilian Micro and Small Business Support Service (Sebrae) is involved in discussions to regulate tourism ballooning in the country.
The municipalities of Praia Grande (SC) and neighboring Torres (RS), recognized as Brazilian Ballooning Capital, say they have been looking for a regulation and greater professionalization of the activity for years, in view of the increase in practice and the impact of tourist walks on the regional economy in recent years.
The two cities are in a region with canyons of great scenic beauty, such as those located in the national parks of Aparados da Serra and Serra Geral, and have geographical and meteorological conditions conducive to ballooning.
Still on Saturday, the Brazilian Balloon Confederation issued a note that clarifies to have as its objective to foster the sports of ballooning, but without any competence to regulate or oversee sightseeing tours in hot air balloons.
“At this delicate moment, we come together in respect and feeling to the bereaved families. Who find strength to cross this irreparable moment. We will follow the care of the case and available to support what is within our reach, within the attributions that fit us legally,” says the text signed by the president of the Confederation, by Johny Alvarez.
