Envelope
The fabric that holds the hot air.
Parts of a Balloon
Get to know the key components.
Burner Unit
Heats the air to lift the balloon.
Basket
Where passengers and pilot stand.
Instruments
Tools for navigation and safety.
Team on Ground
How we support your flight.
Ground Team Role
- Inflates and deflates balloons
- Assists with passenger safety
Coordination
- Chase vehicles track the balloon
- Communicates landing site
How It Rises
The science behind the lift.
Lift Principle
Warm air inside the envelope is less dense than the cooler air outside, creating upward buoyancy that gently carries the basket aloft.
Balance with Ballast
Weight planning keeps ascent smooth. Sandbags and careful passenger placement help maintain a comfortable balance throughout the flight.
Vent & Temperature Control
Pilots modulate heat with brief burner pulses to climb, then ease off or open top vents to level or descend—small adjustments, steady results.
Pilot’s Tools
How pilots guide the journey.
Burners
Control heat to adjust altitude with brief, steady pulses for smooth climbs.
Vents
Release hot air from the crown for gentle descents and level flight corrections.
Rotation Vent
Turn the envelope selectively so everyone gets the view, using side lines for calm, controlled rotation.
Instruments & Radio
Altimeter, variometer, envelope thermometer, GPS, and clear radio calls keep the flight precise and coordinated with the chase crew.
Ideal Conditions
What makes a perfect flight day.
Wind
Best below 15 km/h.
Thermals
Avoid strong midday heat.
Visibility
Clear skies enhance views.
Rainfall
No flights in heavy rain.
Team on Ground
How we support your flight.
Ground Team Role
- Inflates and deflates balloons
- Assists with passenger safety
Coordination
- Chase vehicles track the balloon
- Communicates landing site
Flight Journey
Step through a typical flight.
Inflation
Crew fills the envelope with air.
Takeoff
Gentle rise into the sky.
Cruise
Enjoy the scenic float.
Approach
Pilot prepares for landing.
Landing
Smooth touchdown with crew support.
Clearing the Air
Separating truth from tall tales so you can enjoy the view with confidence.
Reality: Thorough planning makes incidents rare
Licensed pilots launch only in gentle conditions, typically at sunrise when winds are calm and predictable. Each flight starts with a checklist covering weather, equipment, and airspace.
Routes are chosen for open fields and good access so the chase team can meet the basket promptly after landing.
- Weather first: If it’s not suitable, we reschedule. Comfort > schedule.
- Well-kept equipment: Regular inspections and maintenance logs.
- Experienced crew: Ground support tracks the flight and prepares the landing site.
Reality: Pilots “steer” by choosing wind layers
At different heights, wind can drift in slightly different directions. Pilots climb or descend to ride a layer that heads toward open, safe areas.
During approach, the pilot fine-tunes height to align with a suitable landing field the chase crew can reach.
- Vertical choice: Heat to rise, vent to descend, read the layers.
- Route window: Select open countryside and avoid obstacles.
- Coordination: Radio updates between pilot and ground team.
Reality: It’s usually cool, not freezing
Sunrise air is crisp, but brief burner use and calm winds keep things comfortable. Most guests are fine with light layers and closed shoes.
Dress like an early-morning walk: a hat or cap for radiant heat, no dangling scarves, and bring water for after landing.
- Layers win: Lightweight jacket or fleece; remove as the sun rises.
- Footwear: Closed shoes for fields and gentle terrain.
- Smart extras: Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a small daypack.