How Do You Steer a Balloon
To steer a balloon one must use the wind currents at different altitudes. Just as we have many roads on the ground that will take us to different locations, there are wind currents going in more than one direction at different altitudes. To get to these different altitudes you put hot-air in the balloon to go higher, vent hot-air out of the balloon, or let the air in the balloon naturally cool to go lower.
Changes in altitude are made by simply adding heat from the burner or
allowing the air in the balloon to cool slightly.
How High Do You Fly?
Most balloon flights with paid passengers are conducted between the surface and 3000 feet. An altitude of 10,000 feet requires oxygen on board.
It is not much colder in the gondola than it is on the ground. Only about 3 degrees cooler per thousand feet of altitude.
What are Balloons Made Of?
The balloon, also called the envelope, is made of a special material which is light weight and very strong, nylon and polyester. The material has a special coating to protect it from heat.
How Long Does It Take To Inflate the Balloon?
Some balloons can be assembled and inflated in about fifteen minutes. There are several reasons that it may take longer:
- Some balloons are totally disassembled after each flight, and therefore must be carefully reassembled. This may take up to thirty minutes.
- Speed is not our major concern. Safety is our number one consideration. The pilot is responsible to check and recheck the balloon as it is put together. The crew and pilot work in harmony to create a safe inflation and launch.
How Long is the Flight?
An average flight takes between 50 minutes to an hour. The flight is smooth and quiet except for the times when the pilot must put a blast of hot air in the balloon to ascend, slow or control a descent, or maintain the altitude of the balloon. It is very quiet and serene when you are floating along on the wind currents.
What Should I Bring ?
- Ballooning is an outdoor sport activity, so you should wear whatever you feel comfortable in and the type of clothing that you would expect to wear for a walk in the countryside on the day you fly. For women, climbing into the gondola will be very awkward in a dress or skirt. There really is no need to over-dress during the summer months.
- It is strongly recommended that all shoes worn should have flat soles.
- High heels and platforms will be very difficult to walk in over rough terrain. We often land on farms and in open undeveloped country. You will not have to walk far, but open toe and high-heeled shoes are an invitation for a thorn or twisted ankle.
- It also helps if the majority of upper and outer clothing is made of cotton rather than man-made fibers. Taller passengers may find a hat useful during the summer months.
Can I Bring a Camera?
Absolutely, there is always plenty to photograph both prior to the flight, during and afterwards. You may bring a video camera also. We recommend that you have a suitable soft case, including carry strap, with you to stow and protect the camera during the landing, since you will have both hands on the padded gondola rails. Bring plenty of film. Panoramic cameras are nice for scenery, but not so good for close-up people shots. If in doubt, bring both types and a multi-view camera.
Additional Information (links to other Ballooning web sites.)