Hot Air Balloons need cool stable air so we aim to lift off at sunrise when
conditions are most suitable. Meeting times will vary throughout the year
but are approximately one hour before sunrise.
Wear casual clothes suitable for walking or hiking. Avoid light colours, as
you may get a little dusty or dirty in the paddocks. It will get warmer as
the day progresses so layers are ideal. The burners do generate a lot of
radiant heat and some passengers feel more comfortable with a hat or cap
on. Comfortable enclosed shoes, not thongs or high heels.
Bring your camera if you want to capture the fabulous views.
It should not be noticeably different to ground temperatures.
Ballooning is weather dependent but we schedule flights all year round.
It depends on conditions on the day but could be as high as 3000 to 4000
feet taking in the breathtaking far-reaching views. Your pilot will also do
some low level flying so that you can have a close look at what is going on
below.
We fly for approximately one hour but the tour lasts 4 to 5 hours.
Your pilot will select a launch site on the day taking into account wind
direction and speed. Distance flown will depend on wind speed.
Hot Air Balloons cannot be steered. However, wind flows in different
directions at different altitudes and your experienced pilot will use these
wind directions to manoeuvre the balloon to his intended landing site for
the flight.
The retrieve crew will follow us from below and your pilot remains in
constant radio contact with them. When we land we pack up and go in the
retrieve vehicle back to breakfast where you will have left your vehicles.
Yes, your Pilot holds a Commercial Balloon Licence issued by CASA
(Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority), which strictly regulates all
aspects of the aviation industry.
The balloon (envelope) is made from a combination of fabrics. Typically, a
silicon coated nylon at the top, a rip stop nylon below and Nomex, a more
fire retardant material at the bottom. The basket is made out of wicker,
flexible yet incredibly strong.
Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) the same gas as used for the BBQ.