Enchanted Balloon Rides
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FAQ
° WHEN DO BALLOON FLIGHTS OCCUR?
The best weather conditions for ballooning exists near sunrise, and a few hours before sunset. Flight times vary as the flying season progresses. Generally, your gondola ride is either an hour after sunrise, or an hour before sunset.
° HOW LONG DOES A FLIGHT LAST?
A typical flight is about an hour, but can be slightly shorter or longer depending on the availability of suitable landing sites. Plan to allow 2-3 hours for your ballooning experience. Remember, it takes time to set-up, to fly, to pack-up, and to celebrate with a champagne toast!
° IS AGE OR HEALTH A CONCERN?
Yes. Minimum age to fly is 10 years old, and while there is no maximum age, all passengers must be able to enter/exit the gondola basket on their own. Also, pregnant women, and those persons with heart, back, or joint problems are discouraged from flying.
° DO PILOTS NEED ANY SPECIAL TRAINING?
Yes, all pilots must pass several written, oral, and practical tests in order to receive a license from the FAA. They must keep their skills current and have periodic flight reviews with another commercially licensed pilot.
° DOES THE WEATHER MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN A BALLOON FLIGHT?
Absolutely! The pilot is extremely aware of the local weather. Balloons tend to fly in winds under 12 mph.
° HOW DO YOU GET THE HOT AIR INTO THE BALLOON?
First, the envelope is packed with cold air that is blown in by a powerful fan. When it is full of cold air, the pilot will then heat the air with the burner, causing the balloon to rise.
° HOW BIG IS THE BALLOON?
Balloons range from 15,000 cu. ft. to over 400,000 cu. ft. in volume; and from about 4 to 7 1/2 stories tall.
FAQ
° HOW HIGH DO BALLOONS FLY?
They can fly just above the treetops or go to a maximum height of 12,500 feet. On an average flight, altitude of the balloon will probably go as high as 2,000 feet.
° CAN YOU STEER A BALLOON?
Steering a balloon is dependent completely upon change in wind direction at different altitudes. Balloon pilots use the wind currents to navigate.
° WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
Plan to dress comfortably for the weather of the day. Tall people may also want to wear a hat to protect their head from the heat of the burners. Long pants and closed-toe shoes are recommended.
° CAN I BRING A CAMERA?
Yes. Cameras and video recorders are a great way to remember your flight. Be sure to have enough film and batteries. Passengers are solely responsible for safety of their camera equipment.
(left) In July of 2004, we rose to hights over 1 mile up into the sky, just for fun.
