FAQ

When is the best time to fly?
The best time to fly is at sunrise, when the air is calm and stable.

Can a balloon be steered?
A balloon drifts with the wind just like a cloud. The pilot can only control height/altitude and by using local air currents and prevailing winds will be able to navigate the balloon to a suitable landing spot.

How safe is Hot-Air Ballooning?
Ballooning is one of the safest forms of air travel. Balloon pilots study the weather carefully and only fly when conditions are favourable. A hot air balloon is a registered aircraft and undergoes a stringent inspection annually or every 100 hours. The equipment is tested thoroughly to ensure safe flying.

How high and far does a balloon fly?
Ballooning is best enjoyed at heights between 50 to 2000 feet (17 to 700 meters) above ground level. The flight distance can be anywhere between 2 to 20 kilometers long, this being determined by the wind speed.

What is the size of a Hot-Air Balloon?
This depends on the carrying capacity of the balloon. We have a fleet of balloons and cater for small groups of 4 up to large corporate groups of 76 people. Our largest balloon carries 12 passengers and stands approximately 6 stories high with an air volume capacity of 330 000 cubic feet.

What are Hot-Air Balloons made of?
Balloons are made of lightweight reinforced fabric that looks and feels very similar to parachute material. The inside of the balloon has a protective coating to contain the heat and prevent leaks. The baskets are made of cane or wicker, which are individually woven by hand.

What type of fuel is used?
Propane is used which is kept in pressurized tanks in the basket. The tanks are connected by hoses to the burner. The burner is the engine of the balloon. When the valve is opened the propane is ignited by a pilot light which releases a flame as much as 15 feet into the balloon.

The Balloonists Prayer
May the wind welcome you with softness
May the sun bless you with it's warm hands
May you fly so high and so well that your God joins you in laughter
and may he set you gently back again into the loving arms of Mother Earth

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