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Proposed Operating Hours:
The Company proposes to be open for business during the following operating hours:
9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. - Sunday through Wednesday
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. - Thursday through Saturday
In order to ensure a safe and effective operation of the SkyLift, the Company will always have
sufficient, well -trained staff on location. The staff of the SkyLift will work in three different
shifts to accommodate the above -mentioned hours, which will, per shift consist of at least the
following:
• Shift Manager
• Ground Ride Conductor
• Balloon Operator/Guide
• Host/Hostess to assist in boarding process
• Ticket agent
The position of Shift Manager will be filled on a rotating basis by the General Manager, the
Operations Manager and the Assistant Manager. The Company will re -assess its personnel
requirements upon learning the exact hours of operation approved by BPMT. Capital
requirements for additional staff have been considered and reserved for in the Financial
Projections.
List of Proposed Positions:
General Manager: The General Manager (Mark A. Funnen) will be responsible for the overall
management of the SkyLift operation. This will include all financial aspects, human resources
and staffing requirements, purchasing of merchandise, advertising and marketing.
Operations Manager: The Operations Manager (Andreas J. Bahls) will be responsible for
managing the staff of the SkyLift, organizing ticket sales (including the development of Internet
sales), developing shuttle services to and from the SkyLift and continuing his present activities of
coordinating and planning shore excursions for the cruise lines to the SkyLift. Further, he will
continue to be the point person for all patrons of the SkyLift.
Assistant Manager: The Assistant Manager will perform as a Shift Manager and will report to
the Operations Manager.
Chief Balloon Operator: Mr. Matthew Monfredi will serve as Chief Balloon Operator and will
be responsible for training gondola and ground operators, implementing safety and maintenance
procedures to be followed by other operators, staff and patrons of the SkyLift, and determining if
the SkyLift is within safe operating parameters pursuant to the specifications and th.e maintenance
plan developed by Lindstrand Balloons, Ltd. and the FAA.
Ground Operator: The Balloon Operator will be responsible for the technical aspects regarding
the ascent and descent of the balloon and controlling the SkyLift from below.
Balloon Operator: The Balloon Operator will be responsible for the technical aspects regarding
the ascent and descent of the balloon, in addition to serving as the "tour guide" who will point out
landmarks and provide information about the greater Miami area.
Ticket Agent: The Ticket Agent will be responsible for all ticket sales on location. The ticket
agent will also assist patrons with the purchase of SkyLift vending items.
Host/Hostess: The Host/Hostess will be responsible for greeting patrons and assisting them with
the boarding process. Further, the Host/Hostess will assist the Ticket Agent with the sale of
merchandise.
The Miami SkyLift Ride Experience
The Company will implement comprehensive initiatives to assure that the SkyLift ride experience
is pleasant, exhilarating and most of all, memorable,
Ticket Purchase: Patrons will purchase their tickets at the Miami SkyLift ticket booth, through
the Internet, or at a proposed Bayside Marketplace booth. Every person/ family will receive a
foldout brochure with cultural and historic information about Miami and Bayfront Park, as well
the SkyLift. A large 360-degree picture of the view from above with information about the visible
points of interest will also be included.
Waiting Area: Once the tickets have been acquired, the guests will move to a designated waiting
area where they will watch an instructional and informative video about the upcoming ride. The
Company is planning to expose the impressive winch system as an additional part of the
attraction by using large windows in the winch encasement.
Boarding: Once the balloon has completed its descent from its previous ride and is secured to the
ground, friendly staff will direct the passengers through a walkway to the entrance of the balloon
gondola.
Ascent: The balloon operator will begin the ascent to a height of 500 ft. During this time
(approximately 2 minutes), a pleasant sounding, tape-recorded narration by Dr. Paul George will
be played, providing passengers with information about Miami's highlights, including its history
and culture. Dr. Paul George, a well- known local historian and professor at Miami -Dade
Community College, is recognized as a leading authority in Miami in the areas of local history
and tourism.
The View: Once the balloon has reached 500 ft., the passengers will be given approximately 10
minutes to enjoy the breathtaking view. The balloon operator will point out landmarks and other
points of interest. Throughout the ride, the operator will be available for questions.
Descent: During the descent, pleasant music will be played, followed by a brief announcement by
the operator, thanking the passengers, and inviting them to spend additional time at Bayfront
Park, the SkyLift vending/merchandising area, Bayside Marketplace and the other attractions
available at Bayfront Park.
Disembarkation: Once the balloon is on the ground and secured, the balloon operator will begin
the disembarkation of the gondola and passengers will have a chance to refresh themselves at
vending machines, and/or purchase memorabilia in the SkyLift shop.