BALLOON RIDES
 How many flights are there?
There are 6 flights: 2 flights in the morning 7:00 - 8:00 am on the 8th and 10th December and 4 flights in the afternoon 5:00 - 5:30 pm during the 8th,9th,10th,11th December.
Do I need reservations?
Yes, we recommend making reservations in advance or as soon as possible at Command Center.
What if you have to go to the bathroom?
Pre-planning is the key! Since flights average about an hour or so, pre-planning pays off in this regard. There are no bathrooms aboard the balloon.
Should I bring a camera?
Yes, Yes, Yes bring your camera, video camera and lots of film if you are fond of manual camera.
Can I smoke in or around a hot air balloon?
It's not advisable because of the possibility of propane fires or explosions from leaks, although leaks are extremely rare. The balloon fabric can also be damaged by a stray spark or hot ash. There is a strict non-smoking rule at most balloon festivals.
I am afraid of heights; should I go?
Unless heights put you in a state of panic, the answer is YES! We get many passengers who are uncomfortable with heights, and it does not bother them. Because they leave the ground so gradually and gently, they are often 1000 feet up and comfortable before they realize they have left the ground. Most passengers with a fear of heights feel a sense of accomplishment and say they would do it again.
So, what's it like to ride in a hot air balloon?
It is a remarkably serene, peaceful experience. Since the balloon moves with the wind, you don't feel any breeze at all.
Without the rushing winds you normally associate with high altitudes, the experience of flying seems very safe and calming -- you simply lift off the ground and move with the air in the atmosphere.
How do you steer a balloon?
Balloons simply float with the wind. The pilot can control the balloon's altitude to find a wind going in the desired direction, but you cannot fly upwind or crosswind. Preflight planning insures the pilot knows which way the balloon will be traveling, and the pilot makes sure there are plenty of suitable landing sites downwind.
How long does it take to inflate and deflate the balloon?
A good ground crew can inflate and launch a balloon in fifteen minutes or less. It takes about the same amount of time to deflate and pack up the balloon after the flight.
Why don't balloons fly in the middle of the day?
Balloons fly early in the morning, right after sunrise and late in the day, right before sunset. This is when the wind is calmest since the sun is low in the sky.
Why is the angle of the sun important?
The sun is the source of wind, because it heats the earth unevenly. Sunlight falls directly on the equator, for example. The North Pole receives weaker, slanted rays of sunlight. Clouds may keep one area cool while another heats up. Water and land heat up at different rates. Hot air is lighter than cool air, so it rises. As hot air rises, cool air slides in to replace it. The result: wind. It isn't safe to fly during the daytime when different pockets of air are rising and falling.
Can balloons fly at night?
Yes, although balloonists seldom do because of decreased visibility and the requirement for instruments and lights. Most balloons are certified for day flying only.
How do you get back to where you started?
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).
What are envelopes made of?
Rip-stop nylon is the most common material. Polyester and other fabrics are sometimes used. The lower portions around the opening are usually made from a fire resistant material like Nomex, similar to what race car drivers and firemen wear.
What fuel do hot air balloons use, and where is it carried?
Propane is used for fuel. It is carried in aluminum or stainless steel tanks that range from 10 to 20 gallons in size. Average fuel consumption is about 15 gallons an hour.
How long do balloons last?
Depending on the care it is given, a balloon envelope may last 500 or more flying hours. Considering that most sport pilots fly from 35-75 hours a year, balloons do last a long time.
How many people fit in a balloon?
Balloons come in all different sizes, from small one person balloons to very large balloons that can carry 15 or more passengers. Balloon ride companies operate a wide range of balloons so check with the company you want to fly with to see how many people will be aboard during your flight.
What is a balloon basket made of?
Woven wicker is used because it is lightweight, flexible and easily repaired. It also looks nice!
What are the differences between gas and hot air balloons?
A gas balloon is completely enclosed and is filled with helium or hydrogen. A hot air balloon gets its lift from heating the air within it. The Breitling Orbiter, which flew non-stop around the world in 1999, was a combination gas and hot air balloon.
What happens if a bird flys into a balloon?
It would likely bounce off! The envelope fabric is much tougher than it might appear. It is possible to fly a balloon with a hole large enough for a man to go through as long as the hole is not at the top of the envelope.
Are all hot air balloons alike?
All hot air balloons consist of a burner system, a basket and an envelope. The differences are in the shape and size of the envelope, the deflation system, the basket shape and design and the configuration, design, and number of burners.
How do you light the burners?
Usually with a striker similar to that used by welders to light their welding torches. Some burners have built-in piezo-electric ignitors. Once lit, a pilot light keeps the fuel burning.
What are the ropes for?
The crown line on top of the balloon is used to stabilize the balloon during inflation. "Tether lines" are used to tie the balloon down for display purposes. A "drop line" is sometimes released by the pilot just before landing so the ground crew can pull the balloon to a desired location.
Can balloons fly over mountains?
Yes. However, there are some special problems: If you come down in an area where there are no roads it is difficult to get the balloon out Also, mountain winds are sometimes very turbulent.
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