what to wear and bring
What to wear
Passengers should wear long sleeved shirts and long
pants along with closed toe shoes. We suggest wearing light layers that can be
easily adjusted to temperature changes as the sun comes up.
Pilots and crew should also wear leather gloves and
tie hair back so it’s out of the way. Excessively loose clothing and jewelry
should be removed.
What to bring
Cameras with lots of film are recommended. Space in
the basket is limited, so we only carry the essentials. Snacks and
beverages are welcome while on the ground.
What to expect on the day
of the flight
Meet the pilot and crew. They will get you signed in.
A flight safety briefing will be given to everyone so you know where to go and
what to do.
You will get to help prepare and inflate the balloon.
When instructed by the pilot, you will board the balloon and take off.
During the ride, look around, take pictures and enjoy the flight of your life.
As you prepare for landing, the pilot will remind you how to stand and what to
where to hold on. Stay in the balloon until instructed otherwise by the
pilot.
After deflation, you get to help the crew pack the balloon.
Upon return to the launch point, we will have a champagne toast.
frequently asked
questions
Q: Why do we fly so early?
A: The winds are calmest just before sunrise and the temperature is the coolest.
This is ideal for ballooning. Balloons typically fly when winds are less
than 8mph.
Q: How does the balloon get inflated?
A: A fan is used to blow cool air into the balloon. Later the burners are used
to heat the air as the balloon lies on the ground. Gradually the balloon will
rise to an upright position.
Q: What fabric is used for the balloon?
A: The material used most frequently is Dacron or other rip-stop nylon.
Q: Where do we launch from?
A: We have several launch sites around Sacramento. Wind and fog can determine
where we may launch on any given day.
Q: How high do balloons fly?
A: Balloons generally fly between 500 and 3,000 feet above the ground depending
on the winds.
Q: How many balloons and balloonists are
there?
A: There are over 3,500 balloons and approximately 5,000 pilots licensed in the
United States. There are over 1,000 balloons registered in other countries
around the world.
Q: Who/when was the first balloon launched?
A: The first balloon was built by the Montgolfier Brothers and flown by Pilatre
de Rozier and the Marquis d’Arlandes on November 21, 1783, in France. That
was 120 years before the Wright Brothers flew the first airplane.
Web site and all contents © Copyright Learn2Balloon.com 2006, All rights reserved.
|
