How to join the 3-4-40 Region

You do not need your own balloon or even any previous experience of ballooning to join the 3·4·40. The club welcomes individual or family members, and the membership includes those who enjoy the social side of ballooning as well as crew members and pilots, both private and commercial. Many pilots and balloon owners have become involved in the sport as ground crew, before learning to fly and buying a new or second-hand balloon of their own. Being involved as a retrieve crew is an essential and immensely enjoyable part of ballooning, and there is a constant demand for willing crew members.

Membership of 3·4·40 Region includes a monthly copy of the club newsletter Flying Wires, which includes general news about ballooning both locally and further afield.

Members also receive a copy of the Regional Handbook, which is packed with useful information, including airfield and launch site details, meteorological services, membership and balloon lists, technical data and safety guidelines. The handbook is regularly updated as information changes.

Members are also welcome at the monthly meeting, which usually features a speaker on some aviation-related subject. Recent guests have entertained the audience on a wide range of topics, and have included a Concorde pilot, the Breitling Round-the-World flight project manager, a Special Shape balloon designer, the Chief Meteorologist from the Met Office, Per Lindstrand who has flown with Richard Branson on many record-breaking attempts, a lady pilot who flew the Atlantic single-handed, and many more.

Annual membership is £9 for individuals or £12 for families, plus a £2 joining fee (waived if you pay by Standing Order). Full-time student membership is £5. To apply, contact the Membership Secretary on 01635 200147, or complete an application form and post it together with your remittance. You can pay your subscription by Standing Order using the form supplied.

We also encourage members to join the British Balloon and Airship Club (BBAC). You can find a BBAC membership application form on the BBAC web site.