Hot air balloon pilot surprises children by landing at their school

Two Hertfordshire children recently became the talk of their school, as their dad’s hot air balloon landed in the school grounds. Adrian Brown, aged 47, was enjoying a spot of ballooning when the wind direction changed. As a result, the pilot had to change course and land somewhere different to the planned route. Rather than land in a sheep-filled field, Brown chose to land in Bassingbourn Village Primary school next to the secondary school which his kids attend. His daughter was one of the first to spot the dramatic arrival of her father and went across to say hello. The headmistress of the primary school also went along to speak to Brown, stating that the event was “so exciting.” Brown flies the balloon on a regular basis, and has been flying for 25 years. He often takes to the skies in Litlington, Cambridgeshire. One of the parents was at the school after dropping her children off, and filmed the balloon landing. As the pupils in years three and four are studying the well-known book ‘Around the World in 80 Days’, they believed the hot air balloon had been organised especially for them. The co-ordinator for special education needs said:

“It was a special touch to an otherwise dull Tuesday morning. It started the day off really nicely and gave everyone a bit of a treat.”

Hot air balloon flights are often presented as a treat to someone as a surprise gift, including birthdays, wedding proposals and other occasions.