What do i wear when going for a balloon ride?
SunKiss Ballooning suggests dressing as if you were going for a light hike in the weather just outside your door. That’s right, the temperature is no different in the balloon than it is on the ground. You should wear proper footwear, no dress shoes or flip flops and comfort clothes, no dresses or suits, for your safety and comfort. Always bring layers in case the temperature changes. The burner gives off radiant heat so some people prefer to wear a hat.
Should i wear a hat?
Yes, We encourage you to wear a hat as the burner can be quite warm at times. The burner is needed to lift the weight of the basket allowing everyone to float through the air.
Why don’t balloons fly in the middle of the day?
SunKiss Hot Air Balloons fly early in the morning, right after sunrise and late in the day, right before sunset. This is when the wind is calmest since the sun is low in the sky.
How do you get back to where you started?
SunKiss Ballooning’s chase crew (usually Dave or Rob White) follows along in a van or truck. The chase crew is in radio/cell phone contact with the pilot, so they can be there when the balloon lands (or soon afterwards).
Are all hot air balloons alike?
All hot air balloons consist of a burner system, a basket and an envelope. The differences are in the shape and size of the envelope, the deflation system, the basket shape and design and the configuration, design, and number of burners. SunKiss Ballooning has multiple baskets and balloons to match the number of passengers.
Can i smoke in or around a hot air balloon?
SunKiss Ballooning has a clean record when it comes to SAFETY so it’s not advisable due to the possibility of propane fires or explosions from leaks, although leaks are extremely rare. The balloon fabric can also be damaged by a stray spark or hot ash. There is a strict non-smoking rule at most balloon festivals as well as with our company.
What are envelopes made of?
Rip-stop nylon is the most common material. Polyester and other fabrics are sometimes used. The lower portions around the opening are usually made from a fire resistant material like Nomex, similar to what race car drivers and firemen wear.
Do you need a license to fly a balloon?
Yes. A Balloon Pilot Certificate is issued by the Federal Aviation Administration in the USA. You must pass an FAA written exam, obtain a prescribed number of hours of instruction, make a solo flight, a flight to a specific altitude and pass a flight test. You don’t have to be able to fly an airplane since it is a completely different type of aircraft, although many balloon pilots also fly other types of aircraft like airplanes and helicopters. All of SunKiss Ballooning’s pilots are FAA Commercially Licensed.
What if you have to go to the bathroom?
Pre-planning is the key! Since flights average about an hour or so, pre-planning pays off in this regard. There are no bathrooms aboard the balloon.
Can balloons fly over mountains?
Yes. However, there are some special concerns: If you come down in an area where there are no roads it is difficult to retrieve the balloon. Also, mountain winds can be difficult for the pilot to maneuver the balloon.
How do you steer a balloon?
Hot Air Balloons simply float gliding with the wind. The pilot can control the balloon’s altitude allowing the pilot to find a wind direction going in the desired location, Hot Air Balloons are not able to fly upwind or crosswind. Preflight planning insures the pilot knows which way the balloon will be traveling, and the pilot makes sure there are plenty of suitable landing sites downwind.
