Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear?
Dress to be comfortable just as
you would if you were on the ground. Wind chill factors are
eliminated because a hot air balloon travels at the same speed as
the air around it is typically a bit warmer in the basket. Do not
overdress particularly in the summer.
F ootwear:
Please DO NOT wear sandals. Where comfortable shoes that cover
your entire foot.
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Balloon riders must
be at least 42" in height
and be at least age 6 or older. For safety reasons we cannot allow
children to be lifted up to see outside the basket during the
flight. T here is no
height or age restriction for tethered rides.
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If you're comfortable, then
we're comfortable. You should be of sound mental and physical
condition and you will be required to sign a waiver of release
indicating as such before boarding the balloon. Women who are
pregnant are not permitted to take balloon rides.
Click
here to view our waiver.
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How do balloons fly?
Balloons operate through the basic principles of gravity and heat
transfer. As air inside the balloon is heated, it rises. As the air
inside the balloon cools, it descends. To make the balloon fly, an
inflator fan fills it with air, which is then heated.
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Can
you steer a balloon?
Winds determine a balloon’s direction. Balloonists can steer a balloon,
to a limited extent, by adjusting the balloon’s altitude to make use of
different wind speeds and directions.
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How long does a balloon
flight last?
The actual flight time averages about an hour. The entire ballooning
experience, including pre-flight preparation, flight and post-flight
celebration, may take three to four hours.
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What fuel do balloons use?
Our hot air balloons carries 30 gallons of propane in stainless steel
fuel tanks.
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Why
do balloons fly in the early morning and late evening?
Winds are generally most favorable the first hours after sunrise and the
last hours before sunset. The sun’s uneven heating of the earth’s
surface causes strong, variable winds. In the morning, it takes a few
hours for the sun to heat the earth’s surface enough to generate the
thermal activity that creates wind. In the evening, the sun’s intensity
has diminished enough to reduce winds to acceptable flight levels. Ideal
winds are 3 to 6 mph.
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How high do balloons fly?
Balloons typically fly from treetop level all the way up to several
thousand feet, depending on what the pilot is trying to accomplish. The
world record in a stock Aerostar hot air balloon is over 32,000 feet!
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Who
can be a balloonist?
Balloon pilots come from all walks of life. Anyone with the desire to
learn to fly a balloon can become a pilot.
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Do you need a pilot's license?
Yes. There are two levels of balloon pilot ratings. The first is a
private pilot. The pilot must have at least 10 hours of flight time in
free balloons, which must include six flights under the supervision of
an instructor. The private pilot must pass a written test, oral test and
flight check prior to being issued a private pilot’s license. The second
rating is a commercial pilot. The commercial pilot must have at least 35
hours of flight time, of which at least 20 must be in balloons (the
remaining 15 hours may be in other aircraft). The commercial pilot must
pass an additional written, oral and flight check prior to being issued
a commercial pilot’s license. The holder of a commercial pilot’s license
may operate a balloon for hire and may give flight instruction. (For
additional requirements on both ratings, please consult FAA Regulation
Part 61 for details.)
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How can I be involved without buying a balloon or becoming a pilot?
Many people start in ballooning as a crew person. In most areas, you can
join a local club that organizes races and community functions. You can
also join the Balloon Federation of America, which is the national
sanctioning body for the National Championships and is dedicated to
promotion of the sport. In addition, you can check the local yellow
pages for balloonists in your area and offer your services. Or, the next
time you see a balloon flying in your area, follow it and offer to help
when it lands.
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What equipment is
required for balloons?
Balloons include several parts: the envelope (the fabric portion of the
balloon), the basket, burners and fuel systems. The material for
Aerostar balloon envelopes is made of an exclusive Aerostar Diamond
Weave™ ripstop nylon with tough, durable coatings for heat and air
retention. The basket is made of wicker, which is strong, yet flexible
and is aesthetically pleasing. Burners can come in either single, dual,
or triple. Our balloon has double burners.
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How much does a balloon cost?
Like cars and boats, new balloons can vary in size and amenities. You
can start with a smaller sport model for around $27,000. These balloons
typically carry a pilot and one additional person. The larger balloons
that can carry two or three passengers in addition to the pilot will
range between $27,000 and $60,000. There are many good used balloons on
the market that vary in price due to size, age and flight hours.
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