Frequently Asked Questions

The principle behind hot air balloon physics is the Archimedes Principle. By heating the air inside the balloon with the burner, it becomes lighter than the cooler air on the outside. The hot air has lower density and it causes the balloon to float upwards easily. The pilot can increase the vertical speed by regulating the air inside the balloon with gas burner. Opening the balloon valve makes it possible to let the hot air out and land. Wind direction may vary at different heights. The pilot controls the direction of the flight by changing the height.

According to statistics, hot air balloon rides are safest of all existing transportation means. The balloon consists of very simple and solid details that ensure a high degree of safety and reliability. 

Generally, there is no need of parachutes in air balloons, except for flights at maximum height or the flights that set records.

To regulate the hot air balloon ride, one will need: 

• barometric altimeter,

• thermal indicator with digital index,

• variometer,

• GPS receivers.

Hot air balloons are used for the following purposes:

• Tourism-flight trips for passengers across cities and other scenes,

• Advertisement-commercial banners on balloons,

• Night shows-using the inner lightning of the balloon,

• Sport flights-parachute flights, flights to set records.

In summer and spring seasons, balloon rides  are carried out 2 times a day, in the morning and evening hours. In the afternoons, solar activity is significantly high. This causes uneven heating of the ground, which in return, results in strong upward and downward streams. The streams can create some obstacles for air balloon flights. In winter, flights are allowed at any hour of the day.

Generally, the weather is one of the most important factors for a safe flight. A flight may be delayed because of the rain, wind, thunder. As the saying goes, “A brave pilot does not fly in bad weather”.

For a hot air balloon close to the ground, the acceptable wind speed should not exceed 7 m/s, and for bound flights – 5m/s.

Balloons operate all year round. Winter flights are especially beautiful. You can enjoy the fresh air and admire the fantastic winter view. Just do not forget to get your warm clothes on. By the way, most hot air balloon records are set exactly in winter.

The special structure of balloons, such as Rosier balloon, make it possible to fly even around the world. However, hot air balloons are designed for a different purpose. Usually, it takes an hour for a balloon to fly from several to dozens of kilometers.

A hot air balloon,with all necessary equipment and fuel, weighs about 450 kg.

Usually, the maximum temperature is 90º-110°C. Yet, in winter 30º-50ºС is enough to take the balloon up. Note that, the temperature inside the envelope must not exceed 120°C, otherwise it will run out the envelope.

During the whole flight, an all-terrain vehicle is accompanies the hot air balloon. The balloon pilot passes their coordinates to the accompanying car, and the dater drives to the landing area. The accompanying  staff meets the balloon upon landing.

The duration of a free flight is about 4-5 hours. It includes:

•  the meeting with representatives of our club, 

• transportation to the flight destination, 

• the process of preparing the balloon for the flight, 

• the introduction of flight conditions,

•  the ceremony of awarding a certificate of the first flight,

• Treatment of champagne and brand sweets. 

The flight itself takes 1-1.5 hours.

In case of an organized teamwork, it will take 15-20 minutes to prepare the balloon for flight. The same amount of time is needed to collect it back.

As far as hot air ballooning is outdoor experience, we suggest to wear casual and convenient  clothes. Wearing waterproof boots is ideal for morning flights because of dew. For safety measures, natural fiber-made clothes are preferable over synthetic ones. Since the basket is small, we do not recommend taking big bags with you. You can leave the bags in the accompanying car.

Certainly, it is! This will be a unique, romantic and memorable moment for your beloved one. It is hard to think of a more original marriage proposal. Her answer will definitely be “I Do’’.

Usually hot air balloons can fly at a height of several kilometers. Without any oxygen equipment a flight at 3000-4000 meters is considered to be a safe one. During touristic flights the height depends on the will of the passengers, but it is limited by some rules. Hot air balloon records are set at a height of 8000m.

It depends on several conditions: 

• the volume of the envelope, 

• the weight of passengers, 

• fuel, 

• weather conditions.

The record belongs to a two-storey hot air balloon, carrying 35 passengers. The smallest of our balloons is designed for 2-3 passengers and 1 pilot, and the largest for 12 passengers and 1 pilot.

To land the balloon, we need a proper sized field that is located in the direction of the flight. The greater the surface wind speed is, the larger the field must be, in order to avoid causing any obstacles. Getting closer to the field, the heat inside the envelope is decreased to make the balloon land down. The air is let out through a special flap on the envelope. Landing during a strong wind, gives special thrills. Once it gets in contact with the ground,  the envelope takes a horizontal position. Meanwhile, it is necessary to hold onto the balloon’s basket until it stops.