Frequently Asked Questions
How do balloons fly?
Hot air balloons fly because hot air is lighter than cool air and it rises. When the pilot heats the air inside the envelope, it becomes lighter, providing lift and the balloon floats up into the sky.
The pilot controls the balloon's height by controlling the temperature of the air inside the balloon. To make the balloon come down, the air inside the balloon is allowed to cool. To climb, more heat is added, increasing lift.
What are balloons made of?
The bag of air (the pretty coloured part), or envelope, is usually made of rip-stop nylon, although other fabrics such as Dacron or polyester are sometimes used. The material is usually coated on the inside to reduce porosity. The material is lightweight but very strong. The lower portions of the envelope, around the opening, are usually made from a fire resistant material like Nomex, similar to what race car drivers and firemen wear.
Baskets are usually woven out of wicker since it is strong, lightweight and flexible. It is also very easy to maintain and holds up well under the stress of repeated landings.
How many people can ride in your balloon?
Balloons come in all different sizes, from small one person balloons to very large balloons that can carry 15 or more passengers. Our balloon is a smaller variety of balloon and carries a pilot and two passengers. For bigger groups we fly with other balloonists so that all passengers get to ride and see other balloons in the sky too!
Other balloon ride companies operate a wide range of balloons that can accommodate more passengers in the same balloon.
How high do balloons fly?
Most balloonists enjoy low-level flight. The typical balloon flight would be anywhere from tree level to approximately 2,000 ft. The world record for altitude in a hot air balloon is about 20 kilometres (almost 13 miles).
How do you steer a balloon?
A balloon can not be "steered" in the conventional sense. The balloon moves with the direction of the wind. However, winds tend to go in different directions at different altitudes. We use these varying currents to guide the balloon to an appropriate landing site. The heat in the balloon is increased or decreased to ascend or descend to the desired altitude.
How fast does a balloon go?
Since a balloon does not have a propulsion system we only go as fast as the wind blows us. Because we are always concerned with safety most balloonists do not fly when it is too windy to be safe or when we think it will be too windy when we land.
What if I have to go to the bathroom?
Preplanning is key to not being caught having to "go" while in flight. Flights last about an hour, so you need to plan accordingly. There are no bathrooms on board the balloon.
How long can a balloon fly?
It depends. Factors like outside air temperature, weight being carried in the basket, availability of landing sites and weather determine the duration of the flight. Most flights last about an hour, however, most balloons also carry a large reserve of fuel.
What kind of fuel is used?
The fuel of choice for most balloons is propane, the same that is used in your gas barbeque. The propane is kept in pressurized tanks in the corners of the basket. Passing to the burners through flexible hoses when the valves are opened, the propane atomizes and is ignited by a pilot light in the burner. The flame may shoot up as much as ten or twenty feet, making a loud "whoosh".
I've tried to fly, but the flight keeps getting cancelled, sometimes at the last minute. What gives?
A safe balloon flight requires specific weather, and it is not uncommon to have to reschedule multiple times because of the weather. Balloons are like clouds that float on the air currents. Weather such as precipitation, too much wind, not enough wind or approaching weather can all result in a balloon flight being cancelled.
Please understand that weather related cancellations are for safety reasons. While they can be frustrating, once you are in the air it will all be worth it!
How old do you have to be before you can go for a ride?
While there is no legal age limit to fly in a balloon, most balloon ride companies will have their own age policies. Our policy has always been that they passengers need to be able to listen when the pilot is instructing them on what to do before and during the flight and they need to be able to see over the side of the basket.
Usually very young children (under 5 or 6 years old) are frightened by the noise of the burner. Another rather interesting thing we've noted is that young teens are sometimes bored with a balloon flight. We guess that since the flight doesn't have the excitement of a roller coaster ride, some youthful passengers lose interest pretty quickly.
Since each company has their own policy regarding minimum passenger age limits, you need to discuss this directly with them.
Do you need a license to fly a balloon?
Yes, you require a valid pilot's license with a hot air balloon designation to be allowed to fly a balloon. In Canada, attaining this license requires attending ground school, in-flight training with a licensed instructor, passing two Transport Canada exams, passing a medical and taking solo flights. Then, before you can become a commercial pilot or attend most balloon festivals with your balloon you must acquire a certain number of hours (usually 50) as Pilot-in-Command (or PIC) of your balloon.
Once you are licensed you must maintain your currency by flying, keeping up with changes to the Air Regulations and balloon requirements and passing a medical either every 2 or 5 years (depending on your age).
How long do balloons last?
Like any vehicle how long the balloon lasts depends on how well it is treated. Depending on the care it is given, a balloon envelope may last 500 or more flying hours. Considering that most recreational pilots fly from 35-50 hours a year, balloons can last a long time.
The envelope wears out before the basket and burners. With proper maintenance, a basket and burner system will last indefinitely.
How much do balloons cost?
Balloons cost about the same as a car or boat. For a sport size balloon such as the one we fly, the starting cost is about USD $25,000 or more. Options such as artwork, extra equipment, more Nomex, etc all add to the cost.
Support equipment (radios, fan, extra tanks, tools, repair kit, etc.) also adds to the cost as does buying and maintaining a trailer or truck to carry the equipment.
Many pilots buy used balloons and equipment to alleviate some of the costs.
How do we get back to where we started?
Since balloons don't land where they took off, a chase crew follows along in a van or truck. The chase crew is in radio contact with the pilot, so they can be there when the balloon lands (or soon afterwards). The main job of the crew is to talk to the landowner where the pilot is planning to land and get permission for landing the balloon on their property. After landing, the crew helps pack up the balloon, loads it back onto the chase vehicle, and everyone rides back to the launch site or other meeting point.
What should I wear for a balloon flight?
It is best to check with the company you are flying with but the following guidelines are a great place to start:
In general, dress like you were going for a nature hike for a couple hours. Wear closed full shoes, like sneakers or boots. Do not wear sandals, flip-flop, crocks, etc. The balloon may land in rough terrain and you want to protect your feet.
If the season is cool, dress in layers so you can add or remove clothing to insure your comfort. It is not colder in the balloon than on the ground.
Wear long pants even in summer. This helps protect your legs in case the balloon lands in an area with unfriendly vegetation like thistles or poison ivy.