Egypt's hot-air-balloon pilots must receive adequate training to navigate and control the dangerous equipment on board, while local aviation authorities inspect the balloon after every 100 hours of service, balloon operators in the country said yesterday.
The training covers emergency procedures, including for fire in the air, according to Egypt's aviation watchdog.
A manager from Magic Horizon Balloons Luxor, one of eight companies holding balloon tours over the city, said regular checks were carried out.
"The Civil Aviation Authority will inspect the balloons every 100 hours," he said. "They will check all the equipment, hoses, wires and the balloon. On top of that, individual companies have their own security checks as well.
"We also have experts from the UK check our balloons every three months. Before the flight, the pilot and the company staff also need to conduct a round of inspection, checking the wire and the basket."
A manager from SindBad Hot Air Balloons, another Luxor operator, said all pilots required licences and had to undergo proper training.