How high, how fast, and how far will we fly?
Hot air balloons travel with the wind at an approximate altitude of 1,000 feet above ground, generally not much faster than 8 - 10 MPH. The distance the balloon will travel depends on the speed of the wind as well as the duration of the flight.
Where will I land?
Balloons travel with the wind and cannot be steered. Pilots may, however, change directions by ascending or descending to pick up varying wind directions at different altitudes. Crew members that assisted with setting up the balloon will follow your journey on the ground; this is called a balloon chase.
How does a balloon work?
Hot air balloons fly because the air inside of the balloon is hotter than the outside air. By using propane fueled burners the air is heated causing the balloon to ascend. To descend, the air inside the balloon must be cooled by either letting the envelope cool on its own or by opening the vent at the top of the envelope to let some of the hot air out. Throughout a flight, the pilot will use a combination of heating and cooling the balloon to ascend and descend. When it is time to land the top of the envelope is opened completely to let all the air out and deflate the balloon.
Dress appropriately for expected weather conditions. The temperature during flight will be similar to the temperature on the group. Hats and sunglasses are recommended.
