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What are balloons made of?
The envelope, the "balloon" part, is made of reinforced fabric called ripstop nylon. It is very light weight, but very strong. The fabric is coated on the inside with a polyurethane coating to prevent leaks. The basket is made from wicker rattan and they used to be woven by hand!
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How big are Hot Air Balloons?
They come in many sizes and just about every shape you can imagine! The average balloon ranges in size from 65,000 to 105,000 cubic feet in volume and stands around 5-7 stories tall! Our balloons range from small balloons we use in competition at 56,000 cubic feet to our large passenger balloons at 140,000 cubic feet. The largest in the state!
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How to you steer it and how fast does it go?
The balloon goes where the wind takes it, however, winds blow in different directions at different altitudes, much like currents in the ocean. So we may ascend or descend to find a wind blowing in the direction we want to go! Balloons go as fast, or as slow, as the wind.
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Why do you fly so early?
The air is the most stable and usually the calmesst within the first hour or two after sunrise and before sunset. These are the times of the day the balloons will fly.
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How does the balloon get back?
All balloons require a "chase crew" to help inflate and, as they are appropriately called, "chase" the balloon with the recovery vehicle by following closely as they can, the route of the balloon during flight. Once the balloon lands, they help pack it up and celebrate another wonderful flight!
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How high do you go and how far do you go?
The altitude varies, but most of our flights take place between 500 and 2500 feet above the ground. We will fly high to give you a super view or to clear an obstacle like a tower or you might find yourself skimming the treetops and perhaps picking leaves! If you are really lucky we might touch down on the smooth surface of a pond or lake for a little "splash and dash"! We fly approximately one hour and you will go as far as the winds will take you during that time!
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What do I wear?
Wear comfortable outdoor clothing appropriate for the weather. Sunglasses or a hat is recommended and please wear sturdy shoes, no high heels, no sandals and no open toed shoes. Sunscreen is recommended during the summer months. During those spring or fall days, layering is recommended. And, don't forget to bring your camera!
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How many people can you take?
The number of people we can take depends on the size of the balloon. We have different balloons that can carry 2,4,6 or 8 people at a time! In our fleet of balloons we can comforatably handle groups of 30 or more.
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How old to children have to be to fly in the balloons?
Children need to be able to see over the edge of the basket to feel comfortable. Also remember that you will be in the air for approximately one hour and the total experience takes around three hours so your child needs to be able to handle this. We recommend your child be 6 years or older to really enjoy their first balloon flight experience!
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Are there any health requirements?
You should be in good physical health, able to climb in and out of the balloon basket and to stand for an hour or so. You should be able to jump and land flat footed. While our landings are mainly gentle, there are occasions where you might be jostled. You may not fly while you are pregnant and please do not book a flight when you are recovering from strained or broken bones. If you have any questions regarding a health condition, please ask!
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Does the pilot need a license to fly a balloon?
Absolutely! Balloons are aircraft and governed by the Federal Aviation Administration. Balloon pilots must receive the training and pass the same tests as any pilot does. One must pass an FAA written exam, have a certain number of flight hours in a balloon, make a solo flight, and make a flight to altitude. Then you must pass an oral exam and a flight checkride. Balloon pilots must have a biennial flight review every two years.
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How is the balloon inflated?
The balloon envelope is laid out and spread on the ground and the cables are connected to the basket which is laid on its side. Crew members hold the mouth of the balloon open as an inflator fan blows cold air into the balloon. When the balloon is just about full of cold air, the pilot lights the propane burners at the basket and heats up this air which causes the balloon to stand upright. The passengers then board and the balloon is heated up until you are rising gently into the sky! This process takes about 15-20 minutes depending upon the size of the balloon.
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