FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT BALLOONING
Why do flights take place so early in the morning?
Balloons need cool stable calm winds to operate effectively and the hours following sunrise are most suitable. As it is the only form of flight which moves with the wind, the weather is most important in deciding to fly. The pilot cannot directly steer but chooses heights carefully to utilize wind currents to sail towards a convenient landing site. If we tried operating balloons later in the day, strong breezes and thermals would make the activity more dangerous. Besides, it’s a great time to be up, and the mornings in Southern New Hampshire are spectacular.
What are balloons made of?
Balloons are made of ripstop nylon supported on a frame of kevlar ropes and high grade (Mill Spec.) webbings.
Why is the basket made of wicker?
The wicker basket has proven to be very strong for its weight and flexibility. It is by far the most resilient material for the task.
How is the balloon inflated?
The envelope is stretched out and attached to the basket. A powerful fan is used to inflate the envelope with cold air. Once inflated, the air is heated by the burner and the envelope rises above the basket. With further heating, there is sufficient lift for the balloon to fly.
What fuel is used for the burners?
Hot air provides lift. To heat the air, the burners are fueled by L.P.G. (Liquid Propane Gas) The burners do not run continuously, only to heat the air as required.
How tall are balloons?
....tall, from the bottom of the basket to the top of the envelope is about 85 feet.
How is the balloon steered?
Balloons cannot be steered! Some directional control is possible by ascending or descending into air currents going in a different direction, this information is checked prior to take off be releasing a small helium balloon and checking up-to-date weather reports. The pilot can raise or lower the balloon by controlling the temperature inside the balloon.
Are radios used?
Radios are used to contact the ground crew as well as Air Traffic Control and other aircraft flying in the vicinity.
How high do balloons fly?
Most balloonists enjoy low level flight as there is more to be seen close to the ground. We cross over some of the many lakes and ponds in the area, often observing local wildlife such as deer, blue herons, birds of prey and many forms of wildlife unique to the wetlands and forests of New England. The typical balloon flight would be anywhere from tree top level to approximately 3,000 ft. In Southern New Hampshire we fly balloons up to 7,500 feet.
How far does a balloon fly?
Anywhere from a few miles to 30 miles, depending on wind speed and flight duration. The take off location may vary depending on wind direction..
Is wind required to fly?
No, but most balloonists prefer about 2-6 miles per hour surface wind.Too little wind can cause the balloon to be stranded and unable to land where the chase crew can access us easily.
What do you hear while you’re flying?
You travel with the wind, so when the burner is off, it is completely quiet. It’s easy to hear sounds drifting up from below: dogs barking, birds singing, and many greetings from homeowners.
Are there regulations covering Hot Air Balloon Flights?
Balloons are fully registered aircraft by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and are subject to regular airworthiness checks by authorized personnel. Pilots need to have different levels of experience before they are allowed to progress to be commercial pilots ... this is carefully monitored by the FAA.
Can anyone be a passenger on a hot air balloon ride?
Whether you are eight or ninety-eight, you can go ballooning.
Do passengers get airsick?
No. The flight of a balloon is almost too smooth to describe. Often passengers have no sensation of even having left the ground.
I have a fear of heights.
Balloon flight is very gentle and stable and because you start from the ground and gently lift up, rather than looking off the edge of a building - there is quite a different sensation. We recommend you try it - and know you’ll be surprised at how comfortable and safe you’ll feel.
Are age and health a consideration?
Yes, our flight is not recommended for children under 8 years of age and adults in poor health. Some health exceptions are made with a written note from the passenger’s physician. Other considerations include: pregnant women, people with bones having metal pins that prevent good range of motion, and individuals with certain health and mobility problems. Passengers do stand during flight and need some agility to get in and out of the balloon basket. A bumpy landing is possible. Safety is our number one priority.
Balloons need cool stable calm winds to operate effectively and the hours following sunrise are most suitable. As it is the only form of flight which moves with the wind, the weather is most important in deciding to fly. The pilot cannot directly steer but chooses heights carefully to utilize wind currents to sail towards a convenient landing site. If we tried operating balloons later in the day, strong breezes and thermals would make the activity more dangerous. Besides, it’s a great time to be up, and the mornings in Southern New Hampshire are spectacular.
What are balloons made of?
Balloons are made of ripstop nylon supported on a frame of kevlar ropes and high grade (Mill Spec.) webbings.
Why is the basket made of wicker?
The wicker basket has proven to be very strong for its weight and flexibility. It is by far the most resilient material for the task.
How is the balloon inflated?
The envelope is stretched out and attached to the basket. A powerful fan is used to inflate the envelope with cold air. Once inflated, the air is heated by the burner and the envelope rises above the basket. With further heating, there is sufficient lift for the balloon to fly.
What fuel is used for the burners?
Hot air provides lift. To heat the air, the burners are fueled by L.P.G. (Liquid Propane Gas) The burners do not run continuously, only to heat the air as required.
How tall are balloons?
....tall, from the bottom of the basket to the top of the envelope is about 85 feet.
How is the balloon steered?
Balloons cannot be steered! Some directional control is possible by ascending or descending into air currents going in a different direction, this information is checked prior to take off be releasing a small helium balloon and checking up-to-date weather reports. The pilot can raise or lower the balloon by controlling the temperature inside the balloon.
Are radios used?
Radios are used to contact the ground crew as well as Air Traffic Control and other aircraft flying in the vicinity.
How high do balloons fly?
Most balloonists enjoy low level flight as there is more to be seen close to the ground. We cross over some of the many lakes and ponds in the area, often observing local wildlife such as deer, blue herons, birds of prey and many forms of wildlife unique to the wetlands and forests of New England. The typical balloon flight would be anywhere from tree top level to approximately 3,000 ft. In Southern New Hampshire we fly balloons up to 7,500 feet.
How far does a balloon fly?
Anywhere from a few miles to 30 miles, depending on wind speed and flight duration. The take off location may vary depending on wind direction..
Is wind required to fly?
No, but most balloonists prefer about 2-6 miles per hour surface wind.Too little wind can cause the balloon to be stranded and unable to land where the chase crew can access us easily.
What do you hear while you’re flying?
You travel with the wind, so when the burner is off, it is completely quiet. It’s easy to hear sounds drifting up from below: dogs barking, birds singing, and many greetings from homeowners.
Are there regulations covering Hot Air Balloon Flights?
Balloons are fully registered aircraft by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and are subject to regular airworthiness checks by authorized personnel. Pilots need to have different levels of experience before they are allowed to progress to be commercial pilots ... this is carefully monitored by the FAA.
Can anyone be a passenger on a hot air balloon ride?
Whether you are eight or ninety-eight, you can go ballooning.
Do passengers get airsick?
No. The flight of a balloon is almost too smooth to describe. Often passengers have no sensation of even having left the ground.
I have a fear of heights.
Balloon flight is very gentle and stable and because you start from the ground and gently lift up, rather than looking off the edge of a building - there is quite a different sensation. We recommend you try it - and know you’ll be surprised at how comfortable and safe you’ll feel.
Are age and health a consideration?
Yes, our flight is not recommended for children under 8 years of age and adults in poor health. Some health exceptions are made with a written note from the passenger’s physician. Other considerations include: pregnant women, people with bones having metal pins that prevent good range of motion, and individuals with certain health and mobility problems. Passengers do stand during flight and need some agility to get in and out of the balloon basket. A bumpy landing is possible. Safety is our number one priority.
What Should I Wear?
What Is The Flight Schedule?
How Do I Get To The Launch Site?
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bloonman@att.net