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| Hot Air Balloon rides are one of life's most exciting experiences! The
ride itself is only part of the overall event. The launch and retrieval of a
balloon involves three phases:
Launch
First, the pilot and crew decide on a suitable launch site based on winds
and other factors. The team then arrives at the designated time at the
launch site. Everyone brings gloves and wears suitable clothing. The balloon
is unloaded and the pilot begins assembly of the system. The crew unpacks
and lays out the envelope taking care to not damage any balloon fabric.
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Once the system is hooked up and all systems are tested the cold air
inflation begins. During this step a large inflator fan blows air into the
balloon to pack it while laying on the ground. The pilot double checks all
cables and connections and seals the top of the balloon. When everything is
all set and the balloon is completely packed while on the ground, we are
ready to hot air inflate. |
| During hot air inflation the pilot lights the burner pilot lights, then
ignites one of the huge 18million BTU/HR burners. The balloon immediately
lifts up and begins to stand up right. One of the crew on the crown line
lets the balloon raise slowly and stops it once it reaches a vertical
position. The pilot checks all components, seals the top and turns the
instruments on. Once the passengers are loaded and a final check is done we are ready to
launch the balloon!
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| Flight After the balloon lifts off the pilot controls the ascent and descent by
making varying lengths of burns which shoot large amounts of heat into the
balloon. The wind takes the balloon in the direction of travel and every
flight is different. No one ever knows for sure which way the balloon will
go until it is in flight and at altitude.
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| The pilot must abide by FAA rules and stay certain heights above
congested areas. They also cannot take off and land at airports or fly in
controlled airspace. But other than those rules a hot air balloon can go
anywhere. A typical flight last approximately one hour. During the fall and winter
months balloons can fly as well and due to the cooler air, flights can be
extended to 2 or 3 hours. On a typical 80 degree day the temperature at the
top of the balloon might reach as high as 230 degrees! You could boil water
up there. It takes that much heat to lift the weight of the envelope,
basket, propane and passengers. On cooler winter days the balloon might only
reach 160 degrees with the exact same load.
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The flight continues sometimes low, sometimes high. At low altitudes you
can even be moving along as low as 10-20 feet above ground. Pilots really
enjoy contour flying which follows the up and downs of the landscape and
skimming along at the tops of the trees. Sometimes we even pick leaves off
the trees! |
| After flying over the countryside at various altitudes the pilot decides
where to land. A suitable field is picked which contains no crops, livestock
or other obstacles. The crew will get permission from the landowner to make
sure we can land the balloon there. The pilot gently brings the balloon
closer to the surface and at just the right time uses a vent line to release
large amounts of hot air allowing the balloon to descend and land. Once
settled back on earth the crew gathers around, the pilot grabs the 'red
line' and pulls out the top of the balloon. This lets all the hot air out
and as a crew member pulls on the crown line the balloon is gently put back
to the ground. Retrieval
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After the balloon lands the pack up process begins. Once
again help from 3-5 people is required as the balloon gets unassembled,
packed up and stowed back in the trailer or pickup. The envelope itself
weighs about 225 lbs and the basket with propane loaded weighs about 450
lbs. So it's a full time job lifting and carrying the equipment. The pilot
will usually land by a road and then deflate the balloon very close to the
trailer. if high winds exist that may not be possible. |
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The crew is instructed how to handle everything and in
just 20-30 minutes things are packed away and the post flight traditional
celebration begins. |
Lots of fun is had by all and
with all the spectators that drive by and crew members that come out new
friendships are made almost each and every flight! |
Cost
We're sure you're wondering how much it costs to go up in one of these big
beautiful balloons. Check out our ride information and cost on these pages:
Balloon Ride Costs
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| To purchase your special Hot Air Balloon ride simply click
the link below, fill out the form with
your name and phone number and a representative from Rochester
Balloon Company will contact you within 24 hours to discuss your request.
Balloon
Ride Request Form
You can also call or contact us at the address below.
Thanks for flying with Rochester Balloon Company, LLC!
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Contact Information
For more information or to book a hot air balloon ride or a hot air balloon
visit to your company or neighborhood picnic contact us at:
- Telephone:
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507-254-8343 (Doug) or 507-254-3777 (Chuck)
- Postal address:
- Rochester Balloon Company, LLC
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664 Itasca CT NW Rochester, MN 55901-8856
- Electronic mail:
- General Information:
rides@rochesterballoon.com
- Webmaster:
kyle@rochesterballoon.com
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Assistant Webmaster:
keith@rochesterballoon.com
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Last Updated
02/28/2008