Rules for Ballooning

Weather conditions for hot air ballooning
Balloon flight depends entirely on meteorological conditions: precipitation, cloudiness, wind speed and strength, thunderstorm activity, visibility, air temperature, etc. The balloon is the most sensitive aircraft to weather conditions.

At wind speeds greater than 4m/s and precipitation, the balloon does not fly.

Usually weather conditions are predicted in advance, but sometimes the preliminary forecast is inaccurate or incomplete, so that even after arrival at the launch site the flight may be cancelled for safety reasons. Sometimes the weather on the ground may differ from the weather conditions in the flight area.

Thermal balloons are flown from spring to fall:

• in the morning at sunrise (4.30-7.00), before the beginning of “thermals”, vertical air currents that appear from the warming of the ground
• in the evening until sunset (18.00-21.00) after they disappear.
• In winter a balloon flight is possible during the whole daylight hours.

The decision to conduct the flight according to weather conditions is made by the Pilots only:

Morning flight – after 8:00 p.m. the day before the flight.
Evening flight – after 14:00 on the day of the flight.
Length, altitude and speed of the balloon flight
A hot air balloon flight lasts from 40 to 60 minutes, but the whole procedure (together with preparation for the flight, briefing, balloon assembly, initiation, etc.) takes approximately 3.5-4 hours.

The altitude of the aircraft is limited by the flight services according to the region of the flight, but usually during the introductory balloon flight the altitude is from 600m to 1km above sea level. The altitude of the flight is controlled by the Pilot, depending on the weather conditions.

A hot air balloon (or simply a hot air balloon) is an aircraft propelled by warm air created by the process of burning gas and lifting it upward. The wind is the force that propels the balloon horizontally and therefore travels at wind speed and in the direction of the wind. This means that the balloon does not return to the starting point, so the exact flight speed and landing point are not known in advance.

During the flight it is possible to fly 10km as well as 1km, which does not spoil the general impression of the flight. The purpose of the balloon flight is not to overcome the distance, there is no engine to fly purposefully to the destination, but to feel the romance of flight and enjoy the views.

The pilot, to ensure safety, can interrupt the flight, guided by the weather conditions, and possible places to land the balloon.

Balloon flight procedure:
Meeting at the assembly point, getting to know the Crew Members
Briefing about safety and rules of behavior during the flight
Preparation of the hot air balloon for the flight (if desired, the flight participants can help to prepare the balloon. The crew members will tell what can be done).
Landing in the nacelle – only when instructed by the pilot
The flight itself – lasting from 40 to 60 minutes
Landing at a suitable site chosen by the Pilot
Disembarkation from nacelle – performed only on the pilot’s command
Balloon assembly (optional, flight participants can participate in balloon assembly. Crew members will tell you what you can do).
Return to assembly point (Flying balloon will be escorted by car with which there will be a constant radio contact. After the flight, the car takes the passengers to the assembly point).
Humorous initiation into balloonists with presentation of certificates, nobility titles and drinking champagne.
The whole procedure takes approximately 3.5-4 hours.

How to dress for a balloon flight
During the preparation for the flight and the flight itself, it is best to be in pants, a jacket or shirt with long sleeves, with low running sports shoes.

It is forbidden to wear shoes with heels, platforms and wedges.

In the morning the grass is usually wet, so rubber boots may be more comfortable. In the evenings there are many mosquitoes at the landing site, so you will be more comfortable in a long-sleeved shirt.

In preparation for the flight, during the flight, or after landing you may get a little dirty, so it is advisable not to dress up. And in flight it is recommended to have a headdress to protect your head from the heat of the burners.

What you can take with you on a hot air balloon flight:
Photo and video equipment, the safety of which you are responsible for yourself.
Bouquet of flowers and a ring – if you plan a romantic event.
Champagne and sweets can be taken on board, but you should drink them after the flight.
Do not take into the flight on a balloon:
bulky and heavy things
pets
Do not take overboard baskets.