Hot Air Balloon Review

Pilot Wanted in Wadi Rum, Jordan

2011-06-09T22:43:00.004-04:00

Ready for something exotic? The Royal Aerosports group in Jordan is looking for a balloon pilot for the spring and fall seasons. Here's the deal:

Balloon Pilot wanted to fly over the Beautiful Deserts of Wadi Rum; the home of the Incense trail and Lawrence of Arabia. We have two balloons, one 5 seat (Kubicek) and one 16 seat (Ultra-Magic). Must have at least 500 hours flight time. Great Pay, food and accommodation included. It is a seasonal position from March-June and Sept.-Dec.

Contact:
Basmah Bani Ahmad
bbaniahmad@aylaaviation.com
+962799193615
http://www.royalaerosports.com

Balloon Pilot Job in Kenya

2011-06-09T20:14:00.000-04:00

A Kenyan ballooning company is seeking Pilots for Kenya, East Africa, based passenger ride operations. Fly over beautiful terrain in Amboseli National Wildlife Park.

Here's the details:

East African, Kenyan ballooning company is seeking Pilots for passenger ride operations.

Here's your chance to fly a Cameron 315 over the stunning wildlife of Kenya's Amboseli National Park in the shadow of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Our flying season extends year round, thus it is a year round opportunity with preference for long-term relationship. Option for business partnership with the right person is open for discussion. Visit our web site at http://www.Kilimanjaroballooning.co.ke

This is a year round position with food and lodging. We will also obtain all necessary work permits.

Minimum of 500 hours logged in flight time required. Big balloon experience, demonstrable flying abilities, and sound decision making skills are an obvious requirement. Also important are attitude, personality, and the ability to consistently get the job done without oversight and without sacrificing safety. A pilot who is entertaining, creative and personable, with outstanding flying skills in showing our guests the best professional ballooning can offer. Pilot licensed in maintenance is an added advantage. Food and accommodation is provided. For additional information please contact:

Bhavisha Patel (917) 576-0148 (U.S.A) or email Bhavisha.H.Patel@gmail.com; or

Kirit Patel 0797-414-4928 (U.K)
Rommy 011-254-72218340 (Kenya) Solex@wananchi.com
Harp Bamrah : harpbamrah@yahoo.co.uk

All Inquiries will be treated confidentially.

Malaysia Balloon Festival

2008-04-09T17:28:00.000-04:00

The International Balloon Festival will be held from May 9 to May 11 at Dataran Bandaraya, Johor Baru. This event features 10 pilots with balloons from around the world. It is hoped that besides putting Johor on the world map, the festival would boost the state’s tourism industry.

Pilots are excited about coming to Johor as balloon festivals were previously held only in Kuala Lumpur. The attractions to watch for include a night display of illuminated hot air balloons and a race from Dataran Bandaraya to Bandar Nusajaya.

You can read about the event here, and find other balloon festivals in Asia.

Besides the balloon displays, other events include skydiving, paragliding, rock climbing, paintball and go-kart races.

New Weather Stations

2008-04-08T18:40:00.005-04:00

A new online learning option is Liberty Balloon School. Bill Hughes found how to tap into a giant network of government weather stations that aren't part of our aviation system. He put together a narrated course on how to find and use their data online. His free online course is at:

www.libertyballoonschool.com/ROMAN/

You'll have to decide which is more impressive, Bill's course sharing the subtleties of using the RAWS system, or the weather data itself. It does hint at what's possible for more online balloon training. It's pretty cool, adding hundreds of government weather reporting stations in most states.

Liberty Balloon School also has several additional free programs available, plus their online balloon ground school.

Skybound Balloon Gifts

2008-04-08T18:08:00.001-04:00

Balloonists love the clever model balloons from Skybound Balloons, so it was a surprise to learn they were discontinuing production. The founder is retiring and has sold the last of the stock to Full A Hotair creating an opportunity for collectors to complete their sets before they're all gone.

At this point most of the balloons are still available, plus the balloon ornaments and picture frames. Rumor is they may even have some items never sold to the public, serious collectors will have to call to inquire.

The colorful balloons make a great gift for pilots and crew, with prices ranging from $12 to $40. If you've always wanted one but never got around to it, now's the time.

Padded Tank Covers

2008-03-27T19:12:00.000-04:00

When the landings get fast, knees and other body parts are at risk of getting bruised banging into the metal fuel tanks in a balloon basket. So many pilots outfit their system with padded tank covers to protect themselves and their passengers. This works quite well.

Most balloon fuel tank covers have a sheet of foam padding against the tank, and a layer of cordura nylon on the outside. This is a tough, durable combination that stays clean and looks good.

Some balloon manufacturers supply tank covers as an extra cost item, or include them with fancier systems. These generally work fine, but tend to be rather bland. Aftermarket options have a little more sizzle and the builder can add extra touches like pockets or artwork to your specifications. As tieing the drawstrings at the top & bottom can be tough, look for ones with elastic at one end.

Check out the balloon accessories catalog at Stumpf Balloons where you'll find they have padded tank covers for any size balloon propane tank. Even lists the prices.

A little color coordination between the basket trim and tank covers can really make a basket look great.

If you want the ultimate in luxury, then you need to get padded leather tank covers. These look extremely classy and feel good too. You won't find them mentioned on the Stumpf website, but if you ask he'll build them. At an extra cost, of course. Ordering a new balloon? Have them ship some extra leather from the same die-batch as the basket trim to ensure a perfect color match.

Leather scuffs easier than cordura, but it's sooo much nicer!

New 3 day BalloonCast Option

2008-03-26T19:31:00.000-04:00

They've added a 3 day forecast option for ballooncasts. Shown graphically every 3 hours, it's focused on balloooning needs, so winds and dewpoint spread come first. It also shows ceiling, the odds of rain or snow, and a few other things.

At the bottom of the screen there are radar, winds, and weather map images, plus a cool local airspace map that you can click on and zoom about kind of like google earth.

Available now for all U.S. locations, just go to: 3day BalloonCast and click on any state. At the bottom of the state menu page you'll see a new option for the 3day 4cast. Choose your nearest airport, and click "Get 4cast".

This is most useful for planning a flight a few days out. The data is from the National Weather Services GFS MOS product. This webpage is heavy on graphics, so it might not be much fun on a dialup connection. But it's great as a quick picture of what the flying weather will be like the next few days.

Balloon Pilot Job in Pennsylvania

2007-12-02T21:32:00.000-05:00

A friend tells me of an opening with the company he flies for in Chester Springs, Pennsylvania, said to be a great flying area. He'd be a great guy to work and fly with. The job runs from May thru October of 2008.

The Company:

Commercial ride operator since 1987
Flies 2 Lindstrand 150K balloons
Also flies Aerostar 105, 90, and 77K balloons
New equipment on order for the 2008 season

Pilot Wanted:

Minimum flight time 1000 hours with 300 hours in 140K's or larger
A Professional working relationship with clients
Excellent salary. With room and vehicle if required. With days off.
May through October, 2008

If interested please contact Rick Schimpf at npole6@earthlink.net

Balloon Fiesta Photos

2006-11-17T20:38:00.000-05:00

Most photos we see of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta are taken on the ground, from the launch field. Here's a few looking back at the field from the air, as the balloon climbs away. You can click on the pictures for a larger view.

The magic is being up in the air with balloons rising up towards you at every altitude. A good box makes it possible to cycle around the field and enjoy the dramatic view for a couple hours.

My favorite spot is to be about a mile above the ground, a little northeast of the launch field. As the sun rises over the Sandia Mountains you're right where maximum light and color brilliance is reflected back towards you. Hundreds of balloons spread out below and before you, all shining their brightest.

The official balloon fiesta website has more pictures, plus find other balloon festivals and pictures of balloons. The biggest event in ballooning starts the first Saturday in October, and runs for 9 days. Don't miss it, and if you can't bring a balloon, be sure to crew for one.

Describe A Typical Balloon Ride?

2006-11-16T15:11:00.000-05:00

A quote from Dave Williams, primary pilot for Hudson Valley Enchanted Balloon Tours in New York on what it's like up there:

Describe a typical balloon ride? It can't be done!

I've tried many times, but have finally given up trying to describe the experience of a hot air balloon ride. That is why there are so many adjectives used in trying to describe a balloon flight: exhilarating, beautiful, amazing, breathtaking, spectacular, etc. Unfortunately, these words come way short, and still don't capture the essence of a hot air balloon ride. As a pilot, I have been up hundreds of times and those words don't work for me and don't begin to describe the wonder of hot air ballooning.. You never get bored or take flying for granted no matter how many times you've been up...

What actually happens during a balloon ride is that the pilot and crew inflate the balloon, the passengers get in the gondola as the pilot brings the balloon to flight temperature. The balloon gently lifts off of the grass, but if your eyes were not open, you would not be aware that you have lifted off of the ground. Many times a passenger will be talking or fiddling with a camera and remark: "Oh, we are off the ground." A balloon ride is not like flying a plane, glider, hang-glider, or skydiving. It is serene and quiet and slow, an experience unlike any other. Fly with us and experience your hot air balloon ride for yourself. --Dave

You can find more on Dave's website, arrange a flight with him, or look over his Why Take Your Balloon Ride With Us page. Or, here are additional options for balloon rides in New York.

There's nothing else like it.

2006-11-08T19:32:00.000-05:00

Pat Muir, a reporter for the Yakima Herald Republic wrote a charming article titled: Hot air balloon ride is a stunner for first-timer after flying at the Great Prosser Balloon Rally.

There's a certain quirky sense of humor, and no shying away from sensational details. The opening and closing sums up the challenge of describing the magic of a balloon flight:

Everyone I ask about riding hot air balloons says the same thing: "There's nothing else like it."
"Whatever," I think.

As if balloonists are privy to something so wonderful it can't even be reasonably compared to anything else.
......So, the reporter takes a balloon ride as part of the event. After all the details of the flight he explains:
I start thinking about what I'll write. I don't really know how to describe ballooning's simultaneous sensations of serenity and excitement. The feeling of floating around in a hot air balloon is unique.

There's nothing else like it.

If you decide to go too, the Great Prosser Balloon Rally is held at the end of September in Washington State. Or try any of these other balloon festivals around the USA or a local balloon ride nearer home. There's nothing else like it.

Also check out what makes balloon flight special.

Edmonton Balloon Club

2006-10-24T16:47:00.000-04:00

There's a great article in the Ottawa Citizen and The Edmonton Journal newspapers on the joys of a good balloon club. Titled It Takes More Than Hot Air to get Balloon Club Off the Ground it's about the club's role in training lots of local pilots, general requirements for learning to fly, the typical conditions need for flight, and the thrill of the chase for the crew.

Wondering what role a good club can play in the ballooning community? This gives a pretty good idea, and we could use more clubs like Edmonton's, where passing the torch plays a big role.

Here are the direct links for the Edmonton Balloon Club's website, and a directory of balloon clubs around the world. Check out your local group. It's great fun and you can learn a lot.

Unusual Chase Vehicles

2006-05-17T19:30:00.000-04:00

Today we'll consider some exciting new options to "Pimp your Chase Vehicle" which should really excite your crew. So here's the top ten list:

10. The Short Bus goes anywhere and carries everyone from a 210. No worries about a little mud or snow. Designed for winter balloon retrieves in Antarctica. Really.

[click photos to zoom]

9. This full-tracked chase vehicle zips through water 4 feet deep. If your pilot has a little trouble landing on islands or in swamps this could be just the ticket. Not good enough? Get the full amphibious option and she'll float.

8. And now for something purple. If you're from Ohio, have a sunny disposition and are, well, quite shapely, this has your name all over it.

Recommended accessory: Tommy Lift, in purple.

7. The Jetson's will be jealous when you pull up to the launch field in this futuristic chase commander. Streamlined, powerful, fuel cell powered. The good news is no more calls to the authorities reporting a "balloon crash" as all the lines are jammed with reports of UFOs & an alien invasion.

Bonus: the bug eyes let the crew see in every direction including up.

6. On a budget? This classic Iranian interpretation of an ancient Citroen has high miles and is well broken in. Mechanical skills and metric tools a plus, but no need to worry about scraping the paint. Buyer pays shipping from Iran.

5. If you're crew is always horsing around while your flying instead of tracking the balloon, and then has to gallop off to the landing site, this fuel efficient chase vehicle should help them jockeying for position with the other crews.

A crowd favorite at balloon festivals.

4. Per Lindstrand could have used one of these balloon-tired, all wheel drive, insulated trucks after flying the Pacific. They're like an articulated bus, with passengers riding in the box and bouncing around. Reports are that the box is quite cozy, the windows small and easily fogged so you never see out. Snowy tundra no obstacle.

Those riding in the back may want to consider bringing dramamine, as many get seasick. There are sick bags in the box for such occasions.

3. You can't beat a name like Ivan the Terra Bus. Huge wheels, unlimited crew carrying capacity, go anywhere capability, and a ride smoother than your landings. If you fly special shape balloons, this is your rig.

A minor quibble: fuel efficiency is not Ivan's middle name.

2. Real men have always preferred Pickups. Best invention since the quarter horse and hot air balloon, pick up trucks carry any load and look good doing it. Traditionally they went almost anywhere. These clever tracks mean there's no more almost.

Best of all, it's easy to convert your current ride.

1. In the age of OPEC and pricey gas, the chase vehicle of the future is all about fuel efficiency without sacrificing go-anywhere flexibility. This self-refueling recovery vehicle is not easily cowed by any sheikh, and that's no bull.

Bonus: never get yelled at by the crew for leaving the tank on E, she'll refuel on the field while you inflate.

Ok, you're sold on one of these sexy new chase vehicles. Where can you get one? Talk to Barry DiLibero who's done a lot stranger things with paint.

Honorable Mention:
Ok, now the crew won't be seen in public with you anymore, time to get a steam powered bicycle. Strap it to the outside of the basket, fire it up from the burner after landing, and you're on your way home.

Coastal Maine Ballooning Business Opportunity

2006-05-12T18:13:00.000-04:00

A friend who's been running a successful ride business for the last 20 years has contacted me with an interesting opportunity. He's very respected, has earned corporate and celebrity contracts, and kept his friends along the way. He's thinking he won't be young forever, so he's interested in finding a good person to pass the business on to. Here's his thoughts:

Interested in relocating to a less hectic area of the northeastern United States with an attractive quality of life? Alluring, coastal Maine! If you are a commercially or privately rated balloon pilot and want to “take over” an established flight service, I’d be interested in talking to you.

For over twenty years I have built this “ride” business into a viable, seasonal entity. I’d like to see the right aeronaut challenged and rewarded with its’ operations. We would gradually change ownership of this “S” corporation, financially and operationally.

If you know anything about the seasonal balloon flight business, unless you are financially independent, you understand the need for other types of income streams.

Relocation and buying a small business is, of course, a major move. Think about it and if there is interest I invite you to contact me!

207-799-0193 or balloon@maine.rr.com

Balloonists' Weather Service

2006-04-28T20:27:00.000-04:00

A new option for preflight weather planning is available at BalloonCast - Balloon Pilot Weather.

BalloonCast provides side-by-side comparisons for 3 weather stations with current conditions, forecasts, and winds aloft. Sunrise & set are also shown, plus a pilot can check the 24 hour trend to see how conditions have developed. Data updates hourly.

Meteorological codes are translated into English and organized similarly to how weather briefers deliver them over the phone, but here they're easy to print and compare.

Additional features include radar, wind profilers, and a thunderstorm locator . There are options to shift time zones between local and zulu, and temperatures and dewpoint in degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit. Graphics for local radar, national radar, and a surface windcast give an overview at a glance.

Best of all, it's real easy to use. Just a few clicks to pick favorite weather stations and when you're flying, and eveything is displayed quickly.

Check the local balloon weather and see how accurate it is in your flying area.

Paper Lantern Hot Air Balloons

2006-04-27T19:23:00.002-04:00

A new ballooning related gift catalog is offering 7 different designs of paper lanterns shaped like hot air balloons. The company is called FullaHotAir.com and is expanding from a longterm balloon festival vendor on the east coast into a web merchant. The proprietor, Paul Veilleux, is also a student balloon pilot.

The lanterns are in the oriental style, made from rice paper on a wire frame. They pack flat and open easily. Because of their light weight they'll hang almost anywhere.

Inexpensive lanterns are a great way to give a balloon theme to a party or a room. They're bright, cheerful, and shout "Balloons!" Designs include rainbows, penguins, kites flying, geometric patterns, dolphins leaping, sailboats, and even carousel horses.

Coolest feature? Get the (optional) light kit that goes inside, converting the lantern into an instant balloon lamp. Adds a glow to the room.

The light kit includes a 15 foot cord, switch, and a compact fluorescent light bulb that's equal to a standard 100watt bulb, but without the heat. Or use your own 20 watt (or less) incandescent bulb for a soft, nightlight glow.

These are the hot air balloon paper lanterns, or take a look at Paul's balloon gift catalog.

What's your favorite design?

Artwork tops off a good Balloon

2006-04-24T15:11:00.000-04:00

A new site explores the decorative world of hot air balloon parachute tops. Creator Keith Sproul feels that "Balloon parachutes should not be 'plain' They should have a design of some sorts."

So he's set out to document and show off the artwork atop balloons. A 'parachute top' is the round vent at the very top of a hot air balloon that can be opened and closed to adjust altitude. They are usually large, say a dozen feet across or more, and visible throughout a flight from the basket, but not from the ground.

So parachute top artwork is best enjoyed from the basket, or when a balloon is inflating or deflating. Of course, if you have the option, flying over is even better.

Some of the balloon top artwork shows off smiley faces, a roulette wheel, geometric designs, a clock, wizard's hat, and even animals.

This is a really fun site with a simple premise. Be sure to check it out, and if you know of a balloon with a cool top that's not shown, send Keith a picture.

For other sites with pictures of balloons or to learn about the hot air balloon manufacturers who build these beauties, try these listings. And Kudos to Keith for coming up with an original idea for a good ballooning website.

Pilot Jobs in Turkey

2006-04-23T17:19:00.000-04:00

A few years ago I spent a magical 2 weeks flying in Cappadoccia, Turkey, living with the local pilots and crew. The scenery was stunning, flying conditions as close to perfect as anywhere, a large stream of passengers, and the food was good. The area was hot and dry, full of history. Don't ask about the belly dancer in the basket, I'd thought they were just kidding... When I got back, I'd had such a good time my family was afraid I'd move there.

So, imagine my surprise to see this offer come to me. If flying for a living in an exotic (but civilized) location appeals to you, check it out, there's room for several:

For the 2006 - 2007 season we are currently looking for pilots with experience of minimum 300 hours to fly passenger balloons in the best region of the world: Kapadokya - Turkey!!! 300 flying days and soft winds will allow you to land straight on the trailer in 90% of the flights! Spectacular scenery and nice people.
Housing, salary, food, paperwork will be provided by the company and 7 brand new Lindstrand balloons are waiting for you + more than 15 new full option vehicles.

Do not miss this chance of a lifetime to start flying abroad! Send your CV (resume) now to geertballooning@hotmail.com

If this sounds intriguing, please respond directly to the email address above.

Christmas Cards for Balloonists

2005-11-01T19:40:00.000-05:00

Just in time for the Holidays, here are a couple of holiday cards featuring Saint Nick in a hot air balloon over vineyards. Maybe he'll leave some good Champagne in good balloonists' stockings?

The cards are from Americards and cost a dollar apiece, with volume discounts available.

The first shows Santa high over wine country waving with the Northern Lights in the background. It's called Card #07 - Santa Hot Air Ballooning in Wine Country. You can see it above or order it here.

The other card has the jolly old elf swooping low over crimson colored vines, holding out a gift in a balloon decorated like the classic montgolfiere of old. It's Card #20 - Wine Country, Classic Balloon, Harvest Time with Santa, shown at right and available here.

Card size is 5"x7" and includes a white envelope. They're printed on heavy card stock, coated face side. Custom imprints are available. You can call AmeriCards at 800-860-3417.

Hot air balloon Christmas cards from other vendors are also available.

Mass Balloon Wedding in China

2005-11-01T19:07:00.000-05:00

28 couples in Nantong, in eastern China's Jiangsu Province, took off in hot air balloons and had a romantic group wedding ceremony in the sky. The weddings took place on On Wednesday, October 26, 2005.

Most couples were newlyweds, but one was an older couple celebrating their golden anniversary.

The ballooning was part of an ongoing airsports competition held in the city of Nantong. All of the events, which also include flying ultralights and microlights, take place in the air.

While getting engaged in a hot air balloon is relatively common, hot air balloon weddings are rare as the limited size of a wedding party and dependence on good weather limits this to couples with a real sense of adventure.

Yemen's First Balloon

2005-11-01T18:48:00.000-05:00

A Yemeni has imported a custom designed Firefly balloon to introduce the sport to this middle-eastern country. Mohammed Al-Maqaleh, already known as the king of hang-gliding in Yemen, is keen on expanding his country's participation in airsports. After receiving training in Florence, Italy last month he purchased the balloon himself. Ideally he'd like to start a national airsports club, but needs government support to accomplish it.

The hot air balloon features a giant photo of Yemen's president, writing in English and Arabic, and Yemen's flag. Al-Maqaleh is convinced that airsports will attract tourism and entertainment opportunities.

He'll be flying solo until he's comfortable he's got the feel for it. “Ballooning is certainly spectacular,” he enthuses. “The views it offers are unique, and the prospect of looking down on the Old City of Sana’a or the green mountains of Ibb is mouth-watering.”

Read more in the Yemen Observer, find information on flight training or balloon manufacturers, get links to flight instructors or look up the type of national balloon associations Al-Maqaleh would like to establish. Here's hoping he succeeds. If you're planning a trip, here's a few places offering balloon rides in asia.

Balloons Highlight World Wonders

2005-10-31T16:50:00.000-05:00

Hot air balloons are often used to highlight a photo of an area as they add beauty and a sense of wonder, making everything seem larger than life. Even places dramatic enough to inspire Walt Disney use balloons to attract attention to themselves. Consider this Reuters photo of a famous German castle which is competing in a contest to be named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World:

"Two hot air balloons pass the southern Bavarian castle Neuschwanstein during a sunny autumn day in Schwangau, about 75 miles south of Munich, October 28, 2005. The castle is one of six German and 200 worldwide candidates for The New Seven Wonders of the World awards. (Michaela Rehle/Reuters)"

The balloons add a sense of drama and uniqueness to the scene. Promoters and advertisers have long understood this, leading to a host of balloon sponsorships, balloons in advertising, and tourist brochures and maps featuring hot air balloons as a way of making the destination seem like an exciting place. Taking a balloon ride in Germany here would certainly be exciting!

It's good to see the modern wonder of ballooning being used to showcase the Wonders of the World. For balloons, one of our wonders are the Special Shape Balloons flying at balloon festivals and grand openings.

Young Balloon Pilots Making Mark

2005-10-26T17:53:00.000-04:00

There's a new generation of balloon pilots coming of age, and we're going to take a look at several of them over the next few weeks. First up is Colin Graham of Roanoke, Virginia.

Now a seasoned 22 years old, Colin was a BFA Junior Balloonist who graduated to being a commercial balloon pilot owning his own balloon ride company, Endeavor Ballooning. He's flown in 17 states, made lots of friends in ballooning, and earned a living for several years flying.

The local CBS TV station recently made a video for their "Beyond the Forecast" weather series, starring Colin as "one of the youngest commercial balloon operators in the world." Appearing young, confident, and professional, he tells his tale while flying the camera crew. There are some very interesting graphics that show how a balloon rises and descends to change direction that will actually help the clueless to finally get it. This is tied into how these same winds also steer clouds and storms. Clever, and Colin does a good job representing ballooning. Officially about "air parcel buoyancy and steering currents" the balloon flight steals the show. Overall a very positive piece.

It's exciting to see fresh faces bringing new enthusiasm into ballooning. You can learn more about ballooning youth programs, and ideas for teaching balloons in schools, and if you'd like to join Colin and learn to fly, here's how.

Dropping Hang Gliders From Balloons

2005-10-25T20:45:00.000-04:00

Dan Buchanan's photos of carrying hang gliders aloft under a balloon and launching the hang glider in a free-fall drop from the balloon. This was done at a Santa Rosa, California balloon festival. First flight was solo, then a tandem flight.

Includes a dramatic picture of Dan weightless in free-fall from the balloon, while the hang glider spews smoke from the rear. The shot must be from the balloon, and it looks like they're a long way up.

Another site, by John Heiney, discusses a Balloon Drop Seminar for hang gliders. This took place in Perris, California and included 4 hang gliding pilots.

Then consider the case of Judy Leden who was lifted to 12,000 feet over Dover and flew across the English Channel landing at Calais. That wasn't high enough, so she broke the world hang gliding altitude record, being released from a balloon at 41,307 feet and experiencing a wind chill factor of -87C in the process.

Look here for more record setting flights and other extreme balloon adventures.

Balloon Chasing Video

2005-10-25T20:15:00.000-04:00

Here's a nice little video with commentary called Funny the Vlog: Up, Up and Away! about a woman who spots a few balloons flying in California and spontaneously goes chasing them with her camcorder. Along the way whe works in a discussion (& balloon photos) of the time she took a balloon ride. Includes the thoughts of one of those silent balloon chasers that we see, but never meet:

"This being a flat area dotted by cities, but with a lot of bare space inbetween (alas, now being filled up), it's a great place for hot air balloons and frequently on a calm day you'll look up in the sky and see one or more floating overhead. I don't know what it is--the mystique or something. But I've always loved watching hot air balloons."

This Video-Logging technique, or vlog with free hosting could be a clever sales tool to show off balloon rides, balloon safety techniques, or other good ballooning ideas.

Indian Balloonists help Pakistan Quake Victims

2005-10-22T11:28:00.000-04:00

The Balloon Club of India is offering hot air balloon rides to benefit victims of the massive earthquake in Pakistan. Compassionate Indians can take a flight from Damdama Lake near Sohna in Haryana, India.

Vishwa Bandhu Gupta, honorary secretary of the Balloon Club of India says flights will be held daily in the morning. They are in contact with the Adventure Foundation of Pakistan, which handles ballooning in Pakistan. All proceeds will be sent to the Pakistan earthquake victims.

Tin Can Balloon Ornament

2005-10-22T09:42:00.000-04:00

The British company Tin Can Models produces these cool miniature balloons in two sizes from brand name beer and soda cans. Choose from 6.5 inches and 9 inch models. Larger sizes may be available by special order.

Currently offered in your favorite brand: Coca-cola, Pepsi, Schweppes, Tiger Beer, Carlsberg Beer (shown), and Heineken.

These sleek numbers would make good pilot gifts or Christmas tree ornaments. Prices are in Pounds but should work out between $13 to $20 depending on size. Order directly from Tin Can Models. You can find more model balloons and balloon gift ideas here.

Getting Good Inflight Photos

2005-10-21T18:23:00.000-04:00

Sharp inflight photos are used by balloon ride operators to convey the astonishing position a flight actually puts people in. There's no way for the passengers to get a shot anything like this. Some companies provide these pictures as a value added service, and many sell them after the flight. Much in demand, they make a nice little profit center - there's nothing better to show the folks back home just what you did.

So, how's it done? Several methods are used: some pilots have a telescoping pole the camera is mounted on. Others mount a small camera on a gooseneck attached to the burner frame. This can be adjusted inflight to point wherever is desired. The best photos seem to come from suspending the camera from the balloon by small cords and using a remote control to activate the shutter. See the inflight balloon photo above.

Malcolm White, of Irish Balloon Flights, describes this system as having D-rings sewn onto the balloon's load tapes about 20 feet up, from which are hung 2 elastic cords, tied together at the bottom with loops 4 inches apart. On the loops are spring clips which attach to tie-wraps on the camera strap fittings. This gives the ideal angle for the shot, and keeps the camera far enough from the basket for a dramatic photo. A thin black nylon thread is used from the bottom of the cords to the basket to recover the camera before landing. The thread is essentially invisible.

You can see the full size photo, one from another angle, or additional pictures of balloons of all sorts.

Ballooning Trip to Sicily

2005-10-20T18:38:00.000-04:00

Here's your chance to explore Sicily, Italy by balloon. Mario Di Stefano of the Bella Via Balloon company is leading 2 more trips in the spring of 2006 to his homeland. Based out of his hometown of Grotte, you'll be guided around the island by local family members.

Of course, the cool part of the trip will be hot air balloon flights featuring Mario as the pilot. Travellers will take turns flying and crewing. Last year's trip generated a lot of great photos. Arrangements have been made to launch directly from the hotel grounds.

Trip dates are March 23 to April 3, 2006 for the first flights, and April 6 to 18th for the second group. If you're interested in some exotic balloon flying and seeing Sicily from a unique local perspective, you'll find trip details, prices, and references at Ballooning In Sicily website.

Looking for something a little different? Here's a spot for other balloon travel ideas.

A First Balloon Ride

2005-10-20T17:41:00.000-04:00

Here's a blog entry detailing a typical experience of a first balloon ride at a small balloon festival. The event is the High Hopes Balloon Festival in Milford, NH. Held in late June, it benefits the High Hopes charity providing special wishes to sick children.

The narrator does a great job describing what goes on throughout the flight, and every step is illustrated with clear photos. Her favorite part was the reflection of the balloon in a pond flown over.

Ironically the first photo includes her sister unpacking the balloon, and later they fly right over the sister's house. It's yellow with a large yard and picnic table. Would have made a nice place to land.

Clicking on the photos brings up a larger version. Check out the kaleidoscopic view looking up into the balloon. The pilot is Dan Morin of Manchester, NH. He and his wife Sue offer hot air balloon rides in New Hampshire year round. Here are more balloon ride stories and a list of balloon festivals around the country, organized by region.

Live Balloon Flight Concert for Peace

2005-10-20T14:25:00.000-04:00

An enterprising group of balloonists, artists, and musicians staged a live concert from a giant tie-dyed hot air balloon at the recent Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Led by artist and pilot Jonathan Wolfe, musicians Seth & Todd played a live rock concert from the balloon which used giant speakers on the chase vehicles to broadcast the music.

Here's a photo of them taking off with Seth & Jacob playing the wireless rock show from the sky, while proudly flying the peace-flower banner for the huge Fiesta crowd below.

For additional photos, or to learn more about tie-dying on a dramatic scale, see the SkyDyes website. Also, see additional pictures of hot air balloons of all types and the official Albuquerque website. There were a total of 3 full-sized tied-dyed hot air balloons flying as part of the balloon fiesta. Approximately 700 balloons launched as part of the event.

What makes balloon flight special?

2005-10-19T16:45:00.000-04:00

Setting out on a journey by hot air balloon is entering a realm of joy, wonder, and awe. It's quiet, peaceful, and gentle. Punctuated by the roar of the burner, you lift off and glide over the world.

Moving slowly across the landscape, you can observe everything from a new perspective, not just because you are above, but because movement is slow enough to be on a human scale. The full richness of detail is absorbed. Like walking through a neighborhood you usually drive, each new view is a revelation.

Magic is the word most often used to describe flying in a balloon. Magic in how it seems to move without effort. The excitement inspired by the giant colorful balloons is magical. The wondrous responses and good people met along the way are known as balloon magic. Defying ordinary description, magic explains it all.

An astonishing sense of oneness with the atmosphere, exploring its complexity stands at contrast with a feeling of being motionless while the earth moves below you. It's not like you go up high, it's like the world gets further away.

People who ordinarily fear heights are invariably surprised to discover a flight in a balloon doesn't bother them. "Oh. This isn't what I expected!" is uttered so often it's a cliche. With no direct reference to connect the balloon to the earth, no sense of motion, and a secure basket wall around you, it's just not like being on a roof or ladder. People soon relax, enjoy the flight, and forget aobut height.

When you're offered a chance to fly, say "yes" without hesitating. A few minutes later, you'll know why.