The Balloon Man

Balloon Questions and Answers 4

2010-08-11T10:11:00.000-07:00

How much lead time to book a reservation? This will vary according to the balloon company you select. I would allow at least 3 weeks in season. If it is a special occasion, example: engagement party or wedding allow 2 months minimum lead time.

How much time should we allow? Most balloon companies usually start around 30 minutes before sunrise. Completion of flight certificate ceremonies and brunch may conclude about 4.5 hours after sunrise. Obviously this will vary depending on what is offered, ask your balloon company.

What are High Wind Landings? If the weather changes during your flight the wind velocity may increase. Pilots are trained to do high wind landings if winds rise above 10 mph or as required. Your pilot will hold a safety meeting prior to lift-off to prepare the passengers for unforeseen possibilities and to answer your questions. Just like the airlines. In a high wind landing the balloon is traveling across the ground fast enough to have it stop its horizontal direction of travel on the first touch down is virtually impossible. Usually you will encounter several balloon basket bounces and the basket will tip over on its side. The envelope will also change to a horizontal position. The Pilot will open the vent to let the air out of the envelope and it will finally come to rest. But the basket will probably be resting on its side and all of the passengers will be laying down. It is more exciting than a predictable vertical stand up landing. How exciting!

Now, I have answered your questions and you may be thinking I would be willing to go out and see the balloons launching at sunrise, but I still have reservations about the whole idea. Why not make plans to have a look and see what you think, I'll bet you'll be ready to book a flight. If you still have questions I haven't addressed why not send me an email I will try to give you an answer. But when you are ready to schedule a flight be aware I have personally screened hundreds of balloon companies and selected only the best balloonists for you to select from. Not all balloon company's are created equal some have a more personal interest in your adventure than others. Schedule your flight today!

Happy landings! Capt'n Clyde
Come back soon changes are taking place.

Hot Air Balloon Questions and Answers 3

2010-08-10T12:49:00.000-07:00

How Much does it Cost? The typical average flight costs about $200 per person per hour. I have recently found balloon companies charging about $160 per person per hour. Obviously the costs will vary depending on your requests. Flying during the week costs less than on Holidays and weekends. If it is a private flight for two in a smaller basket it will cost more. Usually anniversaries, and birthdays with extras will be more costly. The area where you fly will dictate the costs. Example: a balloon flight over New York City can cost more than $7000. per person per hour. Be sure to ask your balloon company for the cost and check what is included and excluded. You don't want any surprises.

Can I get married in a Balloon? Yes, you may want flowers and banners, and a wedding cake. There are a lot of extras e.g. the in-flight-pastor, special invitations, a limo for the wedding party to the balloon field. Since the wedding will be held aloft will the wedding party want the limo to chase the balloon? Don't forget dinner after the wedding, all of your plans should be discussed with the balloon company.

What about an Engagement Party? Of course a hot air balloon flight makes your engagement a most memorable occasion. Like a wedding you will have many special requests. Flowers, banners, and a special meal. Ask your balloon company if they will provide all of your special requests.

More posts to follow: Capt'n Clyde

What to expect on a Hot Air Balloon Adventure 2

2010-08-10T12:06:00.000-07:00

Educate yourself and be prepared when booking a hot air balloon flight. Most launch either at dawn, or just before dusk, due to the winds being at their most favorable at those times of day. Dress comfortably in light layered fabrics, and bring a hat and sunglasses, as well as a light jacket. It can be very warm in the basket, but you will be surprised how much cooler the air is a few thousand feet off the ground! And don't forget your camera, to capture those magical panoramic views from high above the earth.

Most hot air balloon flights last about an hour, and you will be picked up by the "chase crew" who follow the balloon in a vehicle and meet the balloon upon landing to collect the equipment and passengers.
Because nobody can be absolutely sure where you will land in a hot air balloon, a side trip by car after the ride is often an added bonus. Most flights finish with a champagne toast, and you generally receive a flight certificate to commemorate the event.

If you've never been on a hot air balloon ride, you're in for a treat! Most flights are extremely smooth and gentle, balloon pilots must be FAA certified, and all equipment is examined and safety-checked thoroughly before passengers are ever taken aboard. Hot air ballooning is a safe, exciting, and fun activity for the entire family!

Freelance author John Stephens writes on a variety of topics related to recreation, hobbies, and home improvement. Learn more about hot air ballooning at =>hotairballoonstop.com, where he is a frequent contributor.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Stephens

Hot Air Balloon Questions and Answers 2

2010-08-10T11:58:00.000-07:00

Will other passengers fly with us? There are various size baskets and balloons carrying from 4 to 16 passengers or more. If you have a group of 2-couples and book with company that fly a 4 passenger balloon + the pilot no other passengers will fly with you. But if you fly with a company that owns larger baskets i.e. 6 or more passengers you will be flying with a group. Some balloon companies may offer a private flight for an additional charge.

Do all Balloon companies offer flight certificates? Each company may offer different options. Some may offer first flight certificates, others may give balloon pins, many companies offer a brunch or a luncheon. Most companies offer the champagne toast. If you have a special occasion many balloon companies are willing to accommodate your requests, i.e. flowers, banners, etc.

If weather doesn't permit will we be canceled? Since balloonists are especially concerned about your safety your flight may be postponed and rescheduled if weather conditions don't permit. Each balloon company has its own policy, ask before scheduling your flight.

More questions and answers on a future post. Capt'n Clyde Stay tuned.

What to expect on a Hot Air Balloon Adventure

2010-08-10T11:46:00.000-07:00

Imagine drifting on the breeze, watching the world drift below in all its beauty and splendor, buildings and vehicles looking like toys. Imagine leaving all of life's problems behind as you spend the most fabulous morning or evening imaginable on a hot air balloon flight.

Begun in the 1700s by several Frenchmen, building and flying hot air balloons has really not changed that much over the years, except that hot air ballooning is safer and more popular than ever!

The basket is comfortable and the experience is exhilarating. No matter what terrain you fly over, or how many flights you've taken, each experience is a once in a lifetime event. You and nature seem to be one as the world glides beneath you.
If you think hot air balloon rides are expensive and hard to find, think again. In fact, it's very affordable, and hot air ballooning is becoming more and more prevalent all over the world. There's probably a hot air balloon flight provider close to you, just waiting to take you on the ride of your life.

To be continued: Capt'n Clyde

Why take a Balloon Flight?

2010-08-10T11:35:00.000-07:00

Why do people take a balloon flight I believe it is for many reasons. First it is extremely romantic. Whether a young couple or celebrating a 50th or 60th wedding anniversary a Hot Air Balloon Flight seems to be the gift of choice. Birthday celebrations are most popular for all ages, especially for the person who has everything.

You are floating through the sky with the wind as your engine, kind of like sailing. You are above everything on the ground including sounds and smells. You are suspended above all looking down on creation. No noise other than an occasional blast of the burner to keep you suspended aloft. It is totally silent, no cars or honking of horns, maybe an occasional bird will fly by. A very peaceful experience.

You may find Hot Air Balloon Festivals are a wonderful place to experience the joy and excitement of what ballooning is all about. Balloons launch at sunrise so you need to leave early to join in the preparation for launching a hot air balloon. You might be invited to assist as a crew member for a balloon company. Return again in the evening for a different experience the "balloon glow". Go to the blog page for photos of the "balloon glow". Whether early morning or evening, both offer spectacular photo opportunities.

"Balloon Glow's" are usually only available at hot air balloon festivals. The colors and images provided by the "balloon glow" would be impossible to match -- it is a very special occasion to get outstanding photos. Even novice photographers can take gallery quality photos. Try it yourself!

Everyone has the excuse at least once a year to treat themselves to more than dinner out or a weekend getaway. Maybe a family member is celebrating an anniversary soon, wouldn't it be fun to give a Balloon Ride as a gift from the entire family. Everyone can join in the celebration of the launch, the balloon chase and the deflation. Usually the balloon pilot and his crew will provide a champagne toast with brunch to follow. Even the photographers in the family will have an experience to remember.

Hot Air Balloon Questions and Answers

2009-11-24T11:11:00.000-08:00

I am afraid of heights can I still fly? This is probably the most asked question by passengers. Hot air ballooning is a very gentle sport which moves at the speed of the wind usually no more than five miles per hour. The only sensation of movement is when ascending or descending through various layers of air movement. At different altitudes winds may travel in different directions, this is how you steer the balloon. For a few seconds you feel a slight breeze on your cheek but then the balloon becomes the wind. There is no sway or movement of the basket. Most people who are afraid of heights completely loose their fear once we are in the air.

Will I get air sick? Standing in the basket is like standing on the kitchen floor at home, there is no feeling of movement. See the paragraph above for complete description of the sensation. If you are very sensitive the pilot may elect to land, and you will disembark and be picked up by the balloon crew.

Why start early in the morning? For safety reasons balloonists fly when the winds are the calmest. As the day heats up winds will increase which can make landing your hot air balloon more difficult. Balloonists are trained to do high wind landings and you will be thoroughly briefed before take off how to prepare for this type of landing should the weather conditions change. The experience of sunrise from a hot air balloon is worth getting up early. Some balloon companies offer flights just before sunset which provides little wind.

Where will we land? No one knows not even the pilot. The best we can do is judge from the other balloons flying around us which direction the wind is blowing at different altitudes. We decide the direction we want to head and go to that altitude. How far will we go? Again it depends on the wind speed and direction. How will we get back to the balloon launch site? That is one reason for the chase vehicle. Our crew follows us on the ground as we stay in radio contact with them we determine if our ground support crew has access to our landing site. If not, we may change our landing site several times for suitable access. After the balloon is deflated and packed up for transport we all load into the chase vehicle and drive back to the launch site.

On a personal note this blog is a take-off from my original "Full of Hot Air." Not only will I address ballooning questions I will also share balloon adventure stories. I love sharing some of my life's more interesting experiences including several major bicycling tours. Until my next post...

We will continue with more balloon questions on a future blog. Capt'n Clyde