FAQ’s

For more information contact info@BalloonAdventuresUSA.com

Q: How qualified is my pilot?

A: Very Qualified. 47 years experience, 3,600 hours as pilot, level VIII Master Pilot (the highest), Ed Yost 40 Year Safety Award, Montgolfier Diploma (highest international award), former FAA examiner, Shields-Trauger Award, BFA President’s Award, Member of PRO (Professional Ride Operators), FAA Wright Bros. 50-year Master Pilot Award, Fixed-Wind Multi-engine, Commercial and Instrument Rated.

Q: How high can the Hot Air Balloon fly?

A: As high as you like. The typical balloon flight ranges from just above the treetops to about 2,000 feet. However, we can go higher if the customer requests to. The absolute world record for a hot air balloon at altitude is 65,000 feet or almost 12 miles high! Sometimes, at least here in Texas, balloons float instead of fly!

Q: How do you steer the Hot Air Balloon?

A: Balloons float with the wind. Part of the beauty of ballooning is that no two flights are the same, we never know exactly where we are going. However, by adjusting our altitude we can find currents of air moving in different directions that allows us to “steer” the balloon to a target or landing site. (The degree of change in wind direction is called steerage)

Q: What is the Hot Air Balloon made of?

A: The envelope (the fabric bag portion that holds the air) is made of either rip-stop nylon or polyester. The basket is built in old world style from wicker and bamboo trimmed with leather. The floor is a multi-ply marine plywood.

Q: What kind of fuel do you use?

A: Plain-old garden variety propane. Each of the burners on our balloons is rated at about 11 million btu’s of power. That’s a lot of heat.

Q: Is it cold up in the balloon?

A: While it’s true that the air temperature cools with altitude balloons do not usually fly high enough for this effect to be noticed. Generally it will be no warmer or cooler in the balloon than the outside air temperature on the ground.

Q: Can we bring cameras?

A: Absolutely! Bring as much film or video tape as you think you will use – and then bring that much more! It’s not unusual for passengers to get so excited they shoot up all their film or tape before the balloon has even left the ground! However, for your safety we do require that all cameras be stowed just prior to landing.

Q: What should I wear?

A: Ballooning is a casual encounter, no need to worry about making a fashion statement (in spite of the picture seen here!). Jeans, shorts, t-shirts and sturdy athletic shoes are the norm. Dress comfortably.

Q: May others share in my adventure?

A: Certainly. Friends or family are always welcome to come along. While space in the balloon is limited to scheduled passengers only, others are welcome to participate in the ground chase, following in there own vehicle — sometimes more challenging than the flight!

Q: Why do Hot Air Balloons fly only early in the morning or late in the afternoon?

A: Despite the intimidating size, balloons are very gentle aircraft, indeed they are sometimes referred to as Gentle Giants. Balloons need fair weather for flying, with light winds and stable air. These conditions are most often found in the first few hours after sunrise and the last few hours of daylight before sunset.

Q: Do you need a license to fly balloons?

A: Yes. Balloon pilots are licensed by the Federal Aviation Administration just like the pilots who fly for the airlines. You must be at least 16 years old to earn a pilot’s license and you must pass both a written and flight test. All equipment flown by Balloon Adventures is also certified by the FAA and subject to annual inspections. The pilot must complete biannual flight reviews.

Q: What flight instruments are in the Hot Air Balloons?

A: The standard instrument array for a hot air balloon includes an altimeter (to measure our height above ground), a variometer that tells the pilot the balloon’s rate of climb or descent and a pyrometer to measure the temperature at the top of the balloon. Today many pilots also carry the very popular handheld GPS or Global Positioning Satellite instrument that measures and records the balloon’s exact position over the earth by latitude and longitude.

Q: Why is it important to know the temperature of the Hot Air Balloons?

A: In hot air balloons the primary lifting force is hot air. The amount of lift generated by the balloon depends on the difference between the temperature inside the balloon’s envelope and the surrounding or ambient air temperature. The higher that temperature difference, the more lift. However, most balloons have a maximum operating temperature of 250 degrees.

Q: What’s all this I’ve heard about a post-flight champagne toast?

A: When ballooning became popular in France in the late 1700’s, balloons often landed on farms. Because many farmers of the time had never seen a balloon they would attack the craft with pitchforks, etc. In France each region of the country produces its own liqueur, so balloonists began carrying a bottle from their region to prove that they too were mere mortals and nothing to be afraid of. Presenting a bottle to the farmer served as a means of identification, much like we today would show a driver’s license or passport. France being famous for champagne, as the sport grew worldwide champagne became the universal identifier for balloonists. Thus the champagne toast is a tradition carried on for more than 200 years and has earned ballooning the title of The Champagne Sport! (Non-alcoholic beverages are always available too!)