|
 |  |
|
A Typical Flight
WE DRESS FOR THE OCCASION
Part of the adventure of ballooning is the uncertainty of where we will land. It depends on where the winds take us and sometimes we need to deal with wet or slippery surfaces and rough terrain.
We usually wear jeans, long sleeves, a hat, sunglasses, gloves, and hiking shoes or boots. We do not wear synthetic fabrics because they can produce static electricity which can cause a spark. We dress in layers because it will get warmer as the sun rises. The temperature in the basket will be a little cooler in the air than on the ground, but there will be no wind-chill factor.
Cell phones are not permitted in the balloon, but we bring our cameras because there are always plenty of "photo ops"!
BEFORE THE FLIGHT
You must be willing to get up early in the morning (we lift off at sunrise). If you do not live near the launch site, you may want to stay at The Balloon Bed & Breakfast the night before.
Before flying, you must receive a safety briefing and sign an Assumption of Risk and Release of Liability Agreement. Then we are ready to set up.
The basket, envelop, burners, tarps, fans, and various other equipment is taken out of the van. We may spread a tarp before removing the envelop from its bag. The burners are mounted over the basket and various checks are performed. The envelop is attached and filled with cold air using a fan. The air in the envelop is heated by burning propane until the envelop lifts off the ground.
Flying a balloon is a team effort. Under the guidance of the crew chief and/or pilot, you may help with the set up.
Passengers are now asked to climb into the basket. The air is heated further until the balloon is lighter than air. Some people are not even be aware of when the balloon lifts off the ground.
DURING THE FLIGHT
We will fly for an hour more or less, depending on the weights of the passengers and whether the air stays calm or the wind picks up.
While we are enjoying the ride, the crew in the van goes to the landing site to meet us. Before we land the pilot asks the passengers to watch for power lines and other obstacles and will give instructions on how to prepare for the landing. Passengers remain in the basket until specifically told by the pilot to get out.
AFTER THE FLIGHT
When the balloon is on the ground the tarps may be laid out to protect the envelop when it comes down to the ground. We squeeze the air out of the envelop and stuff it into its bag. Everything needs to be disassembled and put back into the van.
As with the setup, under the guidance of the crew chief and/or pilot, you may help with the pack up.
When we are done, we ride in the van back to the launch site and may even be able to get to work on time!
If you have time, there are many more things to do in the area. |
 |
|
| |
|
 |
|
|
