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The best times to fly are early morning (sunrise) and about 2 hours before sunset. The winds are usually the calmest then. Ballooning is a fair weather sport that can he enjoyed year ‘round. However, late spring through late fall provides the most enjoyable and scenic flights. Observing the colorful fall foliage from a hot air balloon is truly breathtaking. (back to top) Weather Conditions Balloons don't fly in rain, fog, snow or wind above 7 mph. Balloons don't fly when there is a threat of thunderstorms in the area. There are other conditions that can affect the decision to fly or not to fly. These are considered to ensure a safe flight. (back to top) Pilot Certification Balloon pilots are certified by the FAA, in the same manner as airplane pilots. They must take instruction, pass written and practical tests and be re-examined periodically. (back to top) Equipment Safety Balloons are aircraft and, as such, are regulated by the FAA. They must meet manufacturing standards and are subject to periodic inspections, just like a commercial jet liner. (back to top) Balloon Rides Are a perfect way to celebrate a special occasion, birthday, engagement, anniversary or just because. Details are available from any association member pilot. Refer to the rides section of this web site. (back to top) Tethers This operation involves attaching several strong ropes to the balloon and to points on the ground. The balloon can rise a limited distance and then return to the ground. Passengers can be taken "up" to experience the feeling of a balloon ride. Tethers are typically done at picnics, reunions and other outdoor celebration events. (back to top) What are Glows? A special crowd pleaser, this event involves several balloons being inflated at dusk. The balloons remain secured to the ground. In the dark, the burners will be "fired up" which illuminates the colorful fabric from within. This is quite spectacular; and the greater the number of balloons, the prettier the picture. (back to top) Festivals Usually held on weekends, these events bring together balloons, entertainment, food, craft vendors and many other fun things to do. Every festival is different in terms of number of balloons as well as other activities/events offered. The number of balloons can range from less than 10 to more than 700! Check our events page for some of the festivals being held. (back to top) What are they made of? A balloon system consists of three major parts: the envelope (the balloon’ part); the basket, or gondola; and the burner. The envelope is made of lightweight ripstop nylon or dacron which is coated with polyurethane to reduce porosity. It contains approximately 1,000 to 1,200 yards of fabric and more than 3 miles of thread. The basket, made of wicker or rattan, is both strong and flexible. The burner is the powerplant of the system. It is fueled by liquid propane carried onboard the balloon and generates up to 20 million BTU’s of hot air per hour. (back to top) How big are they? Hot air balloons range in size from small, one person systems to balloons that can carry 20 people. The most common sizes are from 65,000 to 105,000 cubic feet and carry 3-6 people. When fully inflated they vary from 60 to 90 feet high and 45 to 60 feet in diameter. The average size balloons carries 30 to 40 gallons of fuel and weighs anywhere from 400 to 700 pounds on the ground. In the air, the complete system, including the air inside the envelope, has a mass of 2-4 tons. (back to top) How do they work? Hot air rises. If the air inside the envelope is heated by the burner, the balloon will rise. If the air in the envelope is allowed to cool or if the hot air is ‘vented’ (allowed to escape) from the balloon, the balloon will descend. An altimeter, a rate-of-climb meter, and an envelope temperature gauge are instruments used in the balloon. (back to top) How are they steered? It is not possible to steer a balloon since it goes where the wind goes. However, wind conditions vary at different altitudes and provide the balloonist some limited ability to control the flight path. (back to top) How are they inflated? The basket is laid on its side and attached to the envelope which is then spread out on the ground. A portable (gasoline powered) fan pushes air into the envelope. When the envelope is almost filled with cold air, the propane burner is ignited and the air inside is heated enough for the balloon to rise to an upright position. With a small amount ot additional heat the balloon will become buoyant. The inflation usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes. (back to top) How many people does it take to fly one? It takes only one pilot to fly it, but the pilot needs 34 crew people to safely launch a balloon. Duties of the crew include launch preparation, following the balloon in the chase vehicle, obtaining permission from the landowner for landing, and retrieval of the balloon after the flight. Safety is the primary concern of both pilot and crew; followed closely by concern for the rights and protection of property owners on the ground. (back to top) How fast? How high? How long? Many variables in the weather influence a pilot’s decision to fly. Most pilots agree that a breeze of 4 to 8 miles per hour is acceptable. Balloons usually stay within 500-1500 feet of the ground, but can go much higher. A few have attained altitudes of well over 60,000 feet. The length of a balloon flight is determined by many factors, including the outside temperature and the weight carried. On a cold day, with only one person flying, a longer flight is possible. (back to top) Who can fly a balloon? Anyone who earns a balloon pilot rating from the FAA can fly a balloon. To get the rating, one has to fly a minimum number of hours with an instructor, make a solo flight, and pass written, oral and flight tests. There are two categories of license, Private and Commercial. (back to top) Where do they land? Since a balloon travels with the And, it is iv.t possible to determine an exact landing site before the flight. A pilots first concern is safety. A typical landing spot is cle~r of crops, livestock, small trees, powerlines, or other obstructions. Whenever possible, permission of the land-owner is obtained before landing. (back to top) How do you get home again? After the balloon is launched, the chase crew follows in a chase vehicle. Using maps, two-way radios, and visual contact, they try to be present when the balloon lands. The crew helps the pilot deflate and disassemble the balloon, and the balloon and all people are driven back to the launch site in the chase vehicle. (back to top) Must you be rich to fly a balloon? Absolutely not! Balloons are owned and flown by teachers, clerks, secretaries, engineers, farmers, construction workers, police and firemen; just to name a few. If you can afford a nice boat, a new car, or annual vacations, you can own a balloon. Or you may become a crew member for someone else who owns a balloon. Most crew members get to fly. (back to top) |