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Welcome to the world of hot air ballooning, one of the fastest growing adventure activities in the world.
It is a unique aviation adventure that everyone can enjoy, from granny to grandson, 9 to 90. Besides the adventure side, it has a large romantic appeal.
Hot air ballooning invites many questions; we have tried to cover as many as we can and we sincerely hope this information will be helpful to you.
COMMON QUESTIONS
WHERE DO YOU FLY FROM?
We currently fly from The Cradle Game Reserve, Toadbury Hall and Clarens, and are happy to consider other venues on request. Space and landowner permission permitting, balloons can be launched from just about anywhere, however, prevailing weather conditions and suitable terrain for the recovery of balloons after the flight have to be considered.
WHERE DO YOU FLY TO? HOW DO YOU STEER THE BALLOON?
Destination unknown - wherever the wind takes us! As the winds sometimes blow at different directions at different altitudes, the pilot can find his way around the skies to a certain extent, but it is always subject to wind direction and he is unable to steer the balloon in the true sense of the word. Thus every flight is different, and this is one of the elements that makes this an exciting adventure. A vehicle and crew follow the balloon and hopefully find you!
HOW HIGH DO YOU FLY?
This depends on a number of factors:
When flying in controlled airspace, e.g., around Lanseria, the Air Traffic Controller will determine the maximum altitude that we can fly at in order to avoid conflict with other aircraft. Generally this up to 6000ft above sea level, or about 1500ft above the ground.
In uncontrolled airspace such as Clarens, we have flown as high as 9000ft. Balloons can fly as high as 12000ft without the need for oxygen. The altitude record in South Africa is a little over 30000ft.
In order to maximise passenger’s enjoyment, it is our policy to give an altitude as well as a treetop-height flying experience.
HOW LONG IS THE FLIGHT?
The entire experience lasts 3 to 4 hours. We generally try to be in the air for at least an hour, but this depends on various factors, such as weather conditions, wind speed and suitable places to land that allow crew and retrieve vehicle access. The rest of the time is taken up viewing the inflation, hopefully being found by the retrieve crew!, packing up the balloon, returning to the take off venue, and the champagne breakfast. Given the nature of some of the terrain we fly over, flights can last between 50 minutes and 1:30.
IS IT COLD? / WHAT TO WEAR
The temperature in the air is about the same as it is on the ground. You need to wear casual clothing like jeans and sturdy shoes. Shoes can get quite wet in the early morning dew, so bring an extra pair in summer. In winter, two pairs of socks can add to your comfort, plus a beanie, gloves and a scarf. In either season, wear clothing in layers as it is quite chilly before dawn but warms up after sunrise. A hat or cap and sunscreen are recommended.
WHY CHAMPAGNE AND OJ AFTER A FLIGHT?
This tradition came about after an angry mob with pitchforks attacked a French nobleman and his passengers when they landed. The nobleman managed to placate the angry mob by producing a bottle of champagne which he shared with them.
CAN ANYONE FLY?
Almost anyone can fly – our oldest passenger was 91 years old. You should be fit enough to be able to stand for the duration of the flight and be prepared to walk a short distance through the veld, depending on the landing.
Anyone with a pre-existing medical condition should confirm with their medical practitioner prior to booking; it is important to declare any medical conditions upon booking your flight. We do not recommend taking a balloon flight during pregnancy.
Children are welcome to fly provided they are accompanied by an adult. We do not recommend taking children younger than 5 years on a balloon flight. Children under 10 years old by arrangement.
WHY DO BALLOONS ONLY FLY EARLY IN THE MORNING?
Balloons are very weather sensitive and require cool, stable conditions in order to fly safely. These occur up to 2 hours after sunrise. This is why you will always find balloons flying early in the morning and just before sunset, before the warmth of the sun creates unstable conditions. Flying before sunset is not recommended as the twilight period is so short.
IS IT SAFE?
Hot Air Ballooning is one of the safest forms of aviation. Balloons are carefully inspected prior to each take off and undergo an annual inspection where it is issued with a Certificate of Airworthiness by the authorities.
Winds can pick up during flight which could lead to a ‘fast’ landing which could be interpreted as either exciting or uncomfortable, but provided you follow your pilot’s instructions on landing procedure, you will be safe.
WHAT IS A BALLOON MADE OF?
There are various components making up a complete hot air balloon:
Basket:
This is made from wicker so that if the landing is less than gentle, it can absorb the shock. It is fitted with rope handles to enable the crew to lift it in and out of the trailer, and to carry it out of a field if necessary. The inside of the basket is divided into compartments, one for the pilot and usually at least two for the passengers.
Burner:
The burner burns the propane which heats the air inside the envelope, which in turn causes the lift. The burner is attached to the basket and envelope by means of sturdy wires and carabiners. The pipes carrying the fuel from the cylinders of propane to the burner are enclosed in leather wrappings which are fixed around the poles which support the burner.
Envelope: This is the large material part that people associate with the balloon. It is made of rip-stop nylon and comes in various sizes, depending on the weight it needs to lift. It is fitted with a ‘parachute’ valve which seals the hot air in at the top of the envelope. This parachute also allows the hot air to escape when it is opened after the flight.
OUR COMPANY, OUR PILOTS
We have two very experienced pilots, Marc Nuthall and Warwick Cook, as partners in the business, each with over 8 years ballooning experience. Marc is the current South African National champion, and Warwick achieved second place; he is also the current Provincial champion - so rest assured, you are in good hands.
GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS
1. The cost is per person and is inclusive of VAT.
2. A 50% deposit is required upon booking, the balance to be paid 7 working days prior to the flight.
3. Hot Air Ballooning SA reserves the right to reschedule a booked date if less than 4 passengers from any source book for that particular date.
4. Should the flight be cancelled for safety reasons (eg. weather) the flight will be re-booked or you will be refunded, at your discretion.
5. Hot Air Ballooning SA reserves the right to launch from an alternate venue if necessary.
6. Should the passenger cancel the booking, the deposit will not be refunded.
In addition to the General Terms and Conditions, the following Terms and Conditions apply to the WINTER SPECIALS and ACCOMMODATION PACKAGES
1. Toadbury Hall accommodation Winter Special and is valid between 1 June and 31 August 2006 only; the cost is per person sharing
2. Drinks with dinner for own account.
3. Bookings are subject to accommodation availability.
4. Hot Air Ballooning SA reserves the right to reschedule a booked date if less than 4 passengers from any source book for that particular date.
5. Should the flight be cancelled for safety reasons (eg. weather) the morning after the accommodation portion of the offer has been utilised, only the balloon flight portion will be re-booked.
6. Hot Air Ballooning SA reserves the right to launch from an alternate venue if necessary.
7. Children under 10 years of age by prior arrangement and subject to adult accompaniment.
8. Passengers will be required to sign indemnity before a flight.
9. Passengers are required to declare their approximate weight and any pre-existing medical conditions upon booking.
10. Bookings will be considered as confirmed only upon receipt of payment in full.
11. Should the passenger cancel the booking, payment will be forfeit.
12. Hot Air Ballooning SA reserves the right to close this offer at their discretion.
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