Hot Air Balloon Ride Questions

Aerogelic Ballooning

Frequently Asked Questions About

Hot Air Ballooning

Where Do You Launch on a Hot Air Balloon Ride?

Aerogelic is proud to say we fly from all over the Phoenix, Arizona area and as far north as Show Low, AZ.

Some of the more popular locations to fly out of are Phoenix, Chandler, Payson, Heber/Overgaard and

Show Low. The two most common launch sites in the Phoenix Metro area are the Chandler Tumbleweed

Launch Site and the Deer Valley Airport in Phoenix. However, a hot air balloon can launch almost

anywhere if there isn't much wind.

What Am I Likely to See on My Hot Air Balloon Ride?

Wind conditions determine the exact sights you'll see, but some of the favorite sights are the Phoenix

Skyline, the Sonoran Desert, the Scottsdale Arizona businesses, the Superstitions Mountains, the San

Tan Mtns., the gorgeous landscapes around Scottsdale and some of the lakes and waterways scattered

around the area. (Ask Shane about taking a dip in a balloon! It's a BLAST!)

How Do You Steer a Hot Air Balloon?

The balloon goes where the wind takes it. However, the winds at varying altitudes may blow in different

directions and at different speeds, so the trick is to climb or descend to an altitude where the wind is

blowing in the direction you want to go.

Do You Need a License to Pilot a Hot Air Balloon?

Yes. A Balloon Pilot Certificate is required by the Federal Aviation Administration. You must pass an

FAA written exam, have a prescribed number of hours of flight instruction in a balloon, make a solo flight

and a flight to altitude, pass a flight test and oral exam with a designated fight examiner and submit a

medical statement.

(Read the FAA's Balloon Flying Handbook for more information)

How big are hot air balloons?

The typical sport balloons range in size from 65,000 to 105,000 cubic feet in volume and stand about 70

feet tall.

How can I Reserve a Hot Air Balloon Flight?

Simply contact Aerogelic Hot Air Balloon Ride Service, and you'll soon be experiencing flight for

yourself!

How Do You Get Back After a Hot Air Balloon Flight?

With the help of a "chase crew" who drive a "recovery vehicle". The chase crew follows the flight of the

balloon trying to stay parallel or ahead of the balloon and try be on hand to make the recovery when the

balloon touches down.

How fast does a Hot Air Balloon go?

As fast as the wind. Or as slow, Since the balloon has no forward propulsion system, its speed is

determined entirely by the speed of the wind. That's why balloon races are strictly races of accuracy not

speed.

How High do Hot Air Balloons Fly?

Most balloon flights occur between 500 and 1,000 feet above the ground. But balloons can fly at just above

the ground or go much higher. The world record for altitude in a hot air balloon is 64,997 feet.

(Set your own Hot Air Balloon altitude record... Book a Flight Today!)

How is a Hot Air Balloon Inflated?

First the balloon (or "envelope") is stretched out on the ground and attached to the basket, which is lying

on its side. A small gasoline-powered fan blows air into the balloon. Then the burner is turned on, and the

air in the balloon is heated. The hot air rises, lifting the balloon upright. Since a balloon is quite unwieldy on

the ground, especially in gusty winds, it takes about four people to get the balloon inflated. Of course, the

more people there are, the more fun you can have.

(Yup! The Passengers frequently are allowed to help launch as part of their adventure! join the fun...

Book your flight today!)

How Long Can You Stay Up on a Hot Air Balloon Ride?

Normally, the balloon carries enough fuel to remain aloft for about 2 hours. Factors like outside air

temperature, weight being carried in the basket and weather determine the duration of the flight. In the

winter, hot air balloon flights are a little shorter, and summer hot air balloon flights last longer.

(Want a Longer Hot Air Balloon Ride? Email Shane to plan your own hot air ballon trip!)

What are Hot Air Balloons Made of?

The envelope of a hot air balloon is usually made of a reinforced fabric called "rip-stop nylon"*. Even

though the material is light weight and extremely strong, the fabric is coated on the inside to prevent leaks.

The baskets are made from rattan and each one is individually woven by hand.

(* some balloons are made of acron)

(With Shane's attention to passenger safety, he has made sure all the parts of his balloons are the safest

and of the highest quality available.)

What kind of fuel is used to heat the Hot Air Balloon?

Hot Air Balloons use propane, kept in pressurized tanks in the basket. The tanks are connected to special

burners with flexible, aircraft-grade hoses. One thrilling thing to experience is when the burner shoots out a

flame as long as 10-20 feet, making a loud "whoosh." Generally balloons carries 30-40 gallons of liquid

propane, which will keep your hot air balloon ride going for about 2 hours.

When is the best time to fly a balloon?

Although my passengers will tell you "anytime, with Aerogelic!", I can't really say that. Usually the best

times to take a hot air balloon ride is just after sunrise and one or two hours before sunset. This is when

winds are calmest, the air most stable and the scenery most breathtaking!.

Reserve Your Hot Air Balloon Flight Today!