Ballooning

Who can fly? Ballooning is a sport that requires some agility. Most people can fly without a problem. We have flown people on their 80th birthday. Recent surgery or any health issues, including pregnancy, should be discussed prior to booking the flight. We recommend that a child be old enough to enjoy an hour of tranquility and is tall enough to see over the edge of the basket, which is approximately 4 feet.

How long is a typical flight and how far does the balloon fly? Flights last approximately one hour and end with the typical champagne celebration. Allow at least 3-4 hours for the entire adventure. The usual flight covers 5-10 miles, depending on wind speed.

Is it cold flying in a balloon and what should we wear? Not much colder than it is on the ground. The air temperature does not decrease significantly at the altitudes reached by most hot air balloon flights. Because the balloon travels with the wind, there is no wind chill factor. In winter flying, the heat from the burners helps to keep pilot and passengers warm.We recommend dressing in layers, as mornings are cool and with the sunrise it can become warm rather quickly. Sturdy shoes, no high heels please.

Can you steer a balloon? Not really, even though some early balloon designers went so far as to attach sails and rudders to the balloon. The pilot can change direction of the flight only by ascending or descending to a current of air moving in a different direction.

How high and fast can a balloon fly? The average hot air balloon can climb to an altitude of 12,000 feet above sea level. The altitude record for hot air balloons is over 65,000 feet. The same speed as the wind.

How large is an average balloon and how much does it cost? Inflated, it stands about 70 feet high, as tall as a seven-story building. The cost of a basic balloon begins at about $20,000. Large passenger balloons can nearly double that figure and special shapes can cost many times more and with proper care, a balloon envelope can last about 500 flight hours.

What is a balloon made of and what happens if the balloon gets a hole in it? The envelope is made of ripstop woven nylon, which will not tear easily, and because of their size, there is little pressure on the fabric when it is inflated. An envelope can tear on landing, by snagging on sharp objects, but the pilot or crew chief will detect any holes or tears during the next inflation. Small holes will not affect the performance of the aircraft. Punctures and tears can be repaired.

What sort of fuel is used to heat the air inside a balloon? Propane. Hot Air Balloons carry 40-50 gallons of fuel, which burns at 15-30 gallons per hour, depending on payload and temperature.

Do you need a license to fly a balloon? Yes. Balloons, like airplanes, are governed by the Federal Aviation Administration. Getting a balloon license is much like getting a fixed-wing license. To fly with paying passengers, the pilot must have a commercial license. The balloon also has airworthiness inspections every year, or after every 100 hours of flight time, whichever comes first.

How many people can fit in a balloon basket? The average balloon holds four adults. Some small balloon baskets have room for only a pilot, while large passenger balloons can carry 12 or more adults.

When is the best time of day to fly and can you fly if it's windy? Directly after sunrise or before sunset, when the weather is generally cool and calm. Balloons do not usually fly in the middle of the day because of heat, shifting winds, and thermals. Maximum wind speeds for a balloon inflation are 8 miles per hour. Winds aloft are as important as ground winds. It may be calm on the ground, however the winds aloft may make it unsafe to fly. Weather conditions are checked prior to the flight as well as on the launch site.

How many people does it take to set up a balloon? It depends on the size of the balloon. Small sport balloons only needs two crew, while a large passenger balloon can require a crew of four to five people. The task takes about 20 minutes from the time the crew unpacks the equipment until the balloon is fully inflated and ready to fly. Passengers are encouraged to participate in the fun of inflation and take down of the balloon.