About Ballooning

THIS PASSAGE HAS BEEN LIFTED FROM A SOURCE WHOSE PERMISSION OR CONSENT HAS NOT BEEN SOUGHT. IT IS MEANT TO BE USED STRICTLY FOR PRACTICE AND NOT FOR SPREADING IN THE "TRUE WIKIEDUCATION . . ."

Why do balloon flights take place so early?

Where does Balloons Over Africa operate?

What are the regulations governing commercial ballooning?

Are you licenced?

Are you insured?

Why are balloon flights so expensive?

Is it cold up there?

What should I wear on a balloon flight?

What do I bring on a balloon trip?

What are balloons made of?

How is the balloon inflated?

How big are balloons?

How do you steer a balloon?

How high do balloons fly?

How far do you travel in a balloon?

What do you see and hear while flying?

Can anyone fly in a balloon?

Learning Devices

Why do balloon flights take place so early?

We need stable and cool conditions for the balloon to fly. Once the sun comes up it gets hot here very quickly, and as the temperature rises the air becomes increasingly unstable, and eventually dangerous.

We do not offer late afternoon flights because by the time the temperature has dropped enough for the air to be stable, there is very little daylight time left.

Where does Balloons Over Africa operate?

We operate in the beautiful Lowveld region in the province of Mpumalanga, South Africa. Our launch site is approximately 10 km outside the town of Hazyview and flights take place in the spectacular Sabie River valley. Our flights begin in the foothills of the majestic Northern Drakensberg mountains to the west and the plains of the world famous Kruger National Park to the east.

What are the regulations governing commercial ballooning?

Commercial Ballooning in South Africa is controlled by the South African Civil Aviation Authority, and all commercial balloons are subject to regular airworthiness checks by authorised personnel. In order to operate as commercial ballooning company in South Africa you need to be registered as a non-scheduled airline and have a valid licence and operating certificate issued by the SACAA.

Are you licenced?

Yes. We are a Non-Scheduled Airline, and are licensed by the South African Civil Aviation Authority, to provide commercial Hot Air Balloon flights. This means that we have to comply with the Civil Aviation regulations, and are subject to regular inspections. We are also obliged to use a Civil Aviation licensed maintenance organisation for regular equipment inspections and any repairs.

Are you insured?

Yes. In terms of our Air Service Licence we are required to carry both passenger and public liability insurance.

Because we offer transfers should passengers not have their own vehicle, and because passengers are transported from the landing site back to the launch site by road, our vehicles carry road transport permits, and our drivers have PDP's. We carry passenger liability insurance on all vehicles.

Why are balloon flights so expensive?

For several reasonsItalic text:

Commercial Hot Air Balloons are imported, mostly from the UK. Because of the nature of the materials used in the construction of balloons, they have a limited useful life before requiring major refurbishing or complete replacement.

Hot Air Balloons use propane as fuel. The cost of propane is linked to the fuel price, but is much more expensive than petrol.

Being a legal operator is expensive – we carry insurance, use approved and certified aircraft, use the services of approved maintenance officers, and conform to all Civil Aviation requirements, including the payment of various licensing fees.

Is it cold up there?

The balloon does not fly high enough for passengers to feel a significant drop in temperature. Radiated warmth from the burner helps to make the flight temperature comfortable.

What should I wear on a balloon flight?

Casual clothes are the most comfortable, dress as for a walk in the bush. A warm jersey or jacket may be needed for the early morning, but these can be taken off as the day warms up. Closed sensible shoes and a cap/hat are also recommended.

What do I bring on a balloon trip? A camera or video camera is a “must” and binoculars are also useful. Remember additional film and batteries, if you run out of film or batteries during the flight you might miss out on filming something special!

What are balloons made of?

The balloon envelope is constructed from ripstop nylon (new high strength long life fabrics are also being used) with load bearing webbing tapes and stainless steel flying wires to attach it to the basket. The basket is made of wicker in the traditional manner

How is the balloon inflated? The balloon envelope is spread out on the ground and attached to the basket and burner frame. A powerful inflation fan is then used to partially fill the envelope with cold air until there is sufficient volume to use the burners to heat the air inside the envelope. Continued heating causes the envelope to rise above the basket and bring it upright.

How big are balloons? Balloons range in size from one man balloons to balloons which stand 30 metres tall. Balloons Over Africa operates 180000 cubic feet balloons capable of carrying up to a maximum of eight people.

How do you steer a balloon?

Balloons cannot be steered! However limited directional control is achieved by ascending or descending into differing air currents at different altitudes and thus using these currents to navigate to a landing site. It is a bit like 3 dimensional sailing. By controlling the temperature inside the balloon the pilot can make the balloon rise or descend.

How high do balloons fly?

Generally balloonists like to fly at low level as more can be seen, small antelope species and rabbits are often spotted. However a balloon flight can be anywhere from treetop level up to several thousand feet high. The altitude reached is governed by the wind currents on the day.

How far do you travel in a balloon? Most flights are from 5 to 15 km, however as balloons travel at wind speed and direction, this can vary. It is occasionally even possible to be able to return to the launch site should the winds allow.

What do you see and hear while flying?

The oldest form of flying, ballooning is seen as a graceful and romantic way to look down on the earth. Moving along at wind speed the balloon is part of the climate of the day and the ride is calm - the view of things earthbound surprisingly detailed. The view from above shows old structures and differences in terrain not visible from ground level. The wraparound view of the earth and sky is one which can be experienced in no other way. You can hear dogs barking and birds chirping and even talk to people on the ground in the fields below you, with only the occasional blast of propane from the burners to disturb the silence.

Can anyone fly in a balloon? We have flown passengers whose ages range from 9 to 90 years old, however please see our conditions page for specific conditions. Passengers need to be fit enough to stand for the duration of the flight, and to climb in and out of the basket.