Hot Air Balloon - Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance do I need to book to fly in your Hot Air Balloon?
If you have a large group or would like to fly in the hot air balloon on a weekend you may need to book two weeks in advance. If you have a predetermined date it makes good sense to book early to avoid disappointment.
Which season represents the best weather for flying in a Hot Air Balloon?
Your Hot Air Balloon Pilots continually check weather patterns throughout the day and are directly linked to the Bureau of Meteorology to determine flight conditions. Generally Hot Air Balloon flights are operated all year round thanks to the beautiful Gold Coast weather.
How does a balloon fly?
Hot air balloons fly as hot air rises. Hot air rises because it is less dense than the cooler air around it and so it tends to 'float' on the cooler air. We use a burner to heat the air in the balloon until it is hotter than the air outside the balloon. Once this is effected the balloon will rise, carrying us with it. If we were to allow the balloon to cool it would begin do descend as it becomes the same temperature as the external air. If we were to let some of the hot air out of the balloon the same thing would happen because there would no longer be enough hot air in the balloon to lift us. Gas balloons work on a similar principle except that they use helium gas, which is less dense, and therefore lighter than air to achieve the same effect.
How high do you fly in a hot air balloon?
How high we fly depends on the wind patterns on the day. At different heights there are different wind layers in which the wind has different speeds and directions. On an average hot air balloon flight we go from tree-top level up to between one and three thousand feet.
How much does the balloon cost?
The cost of a balloon varies depending on the size and average from between $70,000 to $120,000 per carrier.
Do you need a license to fly a hot air balloon?
Yes, our hot air balloon pilots have Commercial Pilot licenses, we are just like any other aviation charter business and the same rules and regulations apply.
How big is a balloon?
There are many different balloon sizes from small one person balloons to very large ones that can carry twenty people or more. Balloon Aloft currently have in our fleet a 20 passenger carrier, 2 x 16 passenger carriers and a 10 passenger carrier.
Why do you fly so early in the morning?
Although we need some wind to fly the balloon we can't fly if there is too much wind. We fly early morning because the winds are at their calmest. Also, a lower ambient temperature means that it is easier to get the balloon off the ground and keep it in the air and we don't need to heat it to such a high temperature. This in turn means we don't use so much gas and can fly longer and also no passenger should miss the spectacular Gold Coast sunrise.
How is a hot air balloon inflated?
We begin by laying the basket on its side and then laying out the envelope (the balloon) and attaching it by very strong wires to the basket. We then inflate the balloon with cold air using a portable petrol-powered fan. When the envelope is almost completely inflated with cold air we turn on the burners and begin to heat the air inside. This will make the balloon begin to rise to an up-right position. Then we just keep heating the air until it is hot enough to take us skyward.
What is the balloon made of?
The material is rip-stop nylon which is coated with polyurethane. The first three panels of the balloon are made of Nomex which is extremely fire-retardant.
Where are the sandbags?
We do not need sand bags. If we want to go higher we just heat the air in the balloon. If we want to go down we let the balloon cool or let the hot air out. Gas, (helium), balloons use sandbags.
Why do you still use wicker for the baskets on the hot air balloon?
Wicker is light in weight, flexible and very strong - and besides they look great...... Have a look at some of our images in our hot air ballooning gallery!
How much does the balloon weigh?
This depends on the size of the balloon. Our largest balloon weighs around 900 kilos.
What type of gas do you use?
LPG - liquid propane gas, the same fuel you might use in your gas BBQ.
How many people can you carry?
Our largest balloon can carry up to twenty passengers plus the pilot.
How long can you fly for?
Flights generally last an hour, however the balloon can remain airborne subject to fuel supplies
Can you steer the balloon?
We go where the wind goes. However, the wind does go in different directions at different altitudes and so by ascending and descending we can take advantage and select a wind direction that is consistent with our predetermined flight path
What should I expect to happen on a flight?
You can expect an unrivalled feeling of freedom and exhilaration as you gently float above the magnificent Gold Coast skyline
Is it colder during flight?
Generally it doesn't get much colder than what it is on the ground. You don't feel any wind because you are moving at the same speed as the wind. We also find that the burner acts as an excellent provider of heat
