Ballooning FAQ's

Frequently-Asked Questions
About
Hot-Air Ballooning

The following questions are some of the ones we answered most often when we were operating "Skylark Balloonport." We'd be happy to answer any other questions you might have. Just e-mail us & we'll be happy to respond, and will also add the most interesting questions here.

When do balloons fly?
Balloons generally launch at sunrise, or in the last couple hours before sunset. The primary reason for this is that winds through the middle part of the day are often unsuitable for safe flying. Additionally, the mid-day sun's ultraviolet rays can prematurely degrade the chemical coating which is applied to the envelope during manufacture.

How high do you fly?
While it's possible to go as high as 12,000 feet without carrying oxygen, the typical sport or commercial pilot usually flies anywhere from treetop height (over uncongested areas) to about 5000 feet. A typical "cruising altitude" might be 1500 feet... but this will vary from flight to flight, depending upon winds aloft, and what the passengers are interested in seeing. Over congested areas (towns, for example), balloons are required to fly at a minimum of 1000 feet, except when taking off or landing. On the other hand, over open countryside, it's fun to skim the surface of the landscape ("terrain following"), and to hear the "tick-tick-tick" of cornstalks on the underside of the basket as it crosses a field. For the record, there is a 500 foot minimum distance from any person, vehicle, or structure, but this doesn't include natural obstacles such as trees, or the surface terrain.

What kind of weather do you fly in?
While it is possible to fly in winds of 10 knots or more, it's not particularly safe to do so. Generally, we prefer to fly when surface winds are 10 knots or less. Winds of 5-8 mph are ideal. Another weather consideration is the speed of the winds aloft, up to about 9000 feet. If they are coming from varying directions at different altitudes, we have more "steering" capability, but again, speed is a factor, and we'd probably decline to fly if the winds aloft were in excess of 15-18 knots (about 20 mph). We need a minimum of three miles visibility, but seven or more is much preferable. Excessively hot days can make for uncomfortable flying, and also shorten the flight, since the warmer it is, the more quickly fuel is consumed.

Can you fly in the winter?
Yes indeed! As long as you're properly dressed (as you would if, for example, you'd be attending an outdoor football game), winter flying can be incredibly beautiful. The air is frequently clearer, and visibility much improved (25-50 mile visibility is often possible). Because trees are bare, it's also easier to spot wildlife. The only concern may be that access to landing sites may be more difficult if there is significant snow cover.

Is ballooning SAFE?
Statistics have shown ballooning to be the safest segment of general aviation. The two most significant hazards are poor pilot decisions, and contact with powerlines. Providing that the aircraft is properly maintained, and that the pilot is prudent in his/her decision-making process and proficient in piloting skills, the risk is minimal... you're probably safer in a balloon than in your own car on an interstate!

I'm afraid of heights... convince me that I'll be OK!
Because there is very little sense of motion in a balloon, many people are able to overcome their fear of height. Rather than looking down, the natural reaction is to look "out" at the horizon and, because the balloon is moving relatively slowly, you probably won't react the same way you would in an airplane (or even on a shaky stepstool!). It's always an option to sit down in the basket, which seems to solve any uneasiness for most people after just a few moments... In more than ten years of commercial flying, and many nervous passengers, we never had someone afraid of heights who was unable to continue (and enjoy) a full flight.

We look forward to answering YOUR questions.

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