|
Frequently Asked Questions
|
| |
|
Why are we Park City's Premier Hot Air Balloon Company?
|
|
We exceed all our guest expectations. Daily we put on a first class
hot air balloon experience. Our large number of repeat guests as
well as the tremendous word of mouth support that we receive has
been more than we could have ever hoped for. As the preferred provider
for the many exclusive and luxurious resorts in Park City we have
quickly become the Hot Air Balloon company of choice. Many of the
resorts include, Stein Erikson Lodge, The Lodges at Deer Valley,
The Chateaux at Silver Lake (Deer Valley), The Miners Club, and
Westgate Park City resort and spa. Check out our free digital photograph
gallery to see our guests smiles.
|
| |
|
When is the best time to fly?
|
|
The best time to fly is early morning (sunrise). That is when the
winds are calmest and the air is coolest. We use a self imposed
three hour window of flight. Beyond three hours, the sun has been
up long enough that it starts heating up the earth and atmosphere.
At that point the winds and thermals start to pick up and safety
can become a concern. Ballooning is a fair weather sport that can
be enjoyed year round.
|
| |
|
What are they made of?
|
|
A balloon system consists of three major parts: the envelope
(the 'balloon' Part); the basket or gondola; and the burner.
The envelope is made of lightweight ripstop nylon or dacron which
is coated with polyurethane to reduce porosity. It contains approximately
1,000 to 1,200 yards of fabric and more than three miles of thread.
The basket, made of wicker or rattan, is both strong and flexible.
The burner is the powerplant of the system. It is fueled by liquid propane
carried onboard the balloon and generates up to 20 million BTU's of hot air
per hour.
|
| |
|
What do I wear?
|
|
This is one of the most frequentyly asked questions. The misconception is that
it gets much colder the higher we go. While that notion is true, balloons generally
do not go high enough to feel that effect. You are going to be coolest on the
groud before you go up. The combined heat of sunrise along with the balloon burners
generally will raise the temperature in the basket 10-15 degrees above outside temps.
We ask that you wear closed toed shoes (not sandles or slippers), long pants, and
layers on your upper body. As the flight goes on, the temp will rise and you may find
yourself too warm at times. In the summer a hat is recommended to keep the heat off
your head.
|
| |
|
|
Do I need a reservation?
|
|
Yes. Due to the limited avialability in the basket we must use a reservation
system to be fair to everyone. Reservations are taken on a first come first
serve basis. It is best to schedule your flight as soon as you know when you
want to go. This ensures you get the date you are interested in. If you decide
at the last minute please still call. With our fleet of balloons and the number
of passengers we can carry you just might get lucky. Schedule your ride with us
early in your vacation. Ballooning is a fair weather sport, if safety concerns
keep us from flying on your scheduled day it helps to have a few days left in
your vacation to move your ride to a safer day. Larger groups may need more
advanced notice to ensure availability for your entire group.
|
| |
|
|
How big are they?
|
|
Hot air balloons range in size from small, one person systems to balloons
that can carry 20 people. The most common sizes are from 65,000 to 105,000
cubic feet and carry 3 to 6 people. When fully inflated they vary from 60 to
90 feet high and 45 to 60 feet in diameter. The average size balloon carries
30 to 40 gallons of fuel and weighs anywhere from 400 to 700 pounds on the
ground. Our systems are 245,000 cubic feet and can carry up to 12 passengers
comfortably. In the air, the complete system, including the air inside the
envelope, has a mass of 2 to 4 tons.
|
| |
|
How do they work?
|
|
Hot air rises. If the air inside the envelope is heated by the burner,
the balloon will rise. If the air in the envelope is allowed to cool or if
the hot air is 'vented' (allowed to escape) from the balloon, the balloon
will descend . An altimeter, a rate- of-climb meter, and an envelope
temperature gauge are instruments used in the balloon.
|
| |
|
How are they steered?
|
|
It is not possible to directly steer a balloon since it follows the wind.
However, wind directions vary at different altitudes and provide the
balloonist some limited ability to control the flight path. A pilot will
use the varying wind directions at different alititudes to steer the balloon.
|
| |
|
How are they inflated?
|
|
The basket is laid on its side and attached to the envelope which is then
spread out on the ground. A portable (gasoline powered) fan pushes air into
the envelope. When the envelope is almost filled with cold air, the propane
burner is ignited and the air inside is heated enough for the balloon to rise
to an upright position. With a small amount of additional heat the balloon
will become buoyant. The inflation usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
|
| |
|
How many people does it take to fly one?
|
|
It takes only one pilot to fly it, but the pilot needs 2-3 crew to
launch a balloon. Duties of the crew include launch preparation,
following the balloon in the chase vehicle, obtaining permission from the
landowner for landing, and retrieval of the balloon after the flight.
Safety is the primary concern of both pilot and crew; followed closely by
concern for the rights and protection of property owners on the ground.
|
| |
|
How fast? How high? How long?
|
|
Many variables in the weather influence a pilot's decision to fly.
Most pilots agree that a breeze of 4 to 8 miles per hour is acceptable.
Balloons usually stay within 500-1500 feet of the ground, but can go much
higher. A few attained altitudes of well over 60,000 feet. The length of
a balloon flight is determined by many factors, including the outside
temperature and the weight carried. On a cold day, with only one person
flying, a longer flight is possible.
|
| |
|
Who can fly a balloon?
|
|
Anyone who earns a balloon pilot rating from the FAA can fly a balloon.
To get the rating, one has to fly a minimum number of hours with an
instructor, make a solo flight, and pass written, oral and flight tests.
There are two categories of license, Private and Commercial.
|
| |
Where do they land?
|
|
Since a balloon travels with the wind, it is not possible to determine an
exact landing site before the flight. A pilot's first concern is safety.
A typical landing spot is clear of crops, livestock, small trees, power
lines or other obstructions. Whenever possible, permission of the landowner
is obtained before landing.
|
| |
|
How do you get home again?
|
|
After the balloon is launched, the chase crew follows in a chase vehicle.
Using maps, two-way radios, and visual contact, they try to be present
when the balloon lands. The crew helps the pilot deflate and disassemble
the balloon, and the balloon and all the people are driven back to the
launch site in the chase vehicle.
|
| |
|
Must you be rich to fly a balloon?
|
|
Absolutely not! Balloons are owned and flown by teachers, clerks,
secretaries, engineers, farmers, construction workers, police and firemen,
just to name a few. If you can afford a nice boat, a new car, or annual
vacations, you can own a balloon. Or you may become a crew member for
someone else who owns a balloon. Most crew members get to fly.
|
| |
|
Is there a corporate side to or a business application for ballooning?
|
|
Very much so! Hundreds of companies world-wide have adopted this
"floating billboard" as a major part of their advertising campaigns.
Whether attending one of the many balloon festivals held around the country
(27 million visitors estimated in 1996) or store front grand openings,
or even company picnics, the hot air balloon is a big draw. As one
corporate balloon pilot said, "I've never seen anyone pull their car over
to the side of the road to take a picture of a billboard, but I've had
that happen many times while flying my company balloon."
|
