Aballoon flight is an unforgettable adventure that combines excitement, tranquility and breathtaking views. Each balloon trip begins before sunrise, when the sky is just waking up. The entire adventure usually lasts about 3.5-4 hours, of which the flight itself takes about an hour. The remaining time is spent on preparation, transportation and celebration after landing.
A balloon expedition is not just the flight itself – it is a whole ritual. It begins with choosing a suitable launch site, unfolding the basket, installing the burner and unfurling the balloon canopy. Then the balloon is first filled with cold air using a fan, and then heated with a burner until it majestically rises to an upright position.
After takeoff, passengers experience the incredible sensation of floating through the air. There are no sudden movements or noise – just peace and quiet. The balloon moves with the wind, which makes each flight different and unique. The pilot can only control the balloon’s altitude, finding air currents to help direct the balloon in the desired direction.
Landing requires precision and skill on the part of the pilot, who must find the right spot. After landing, a traditional champagne toast awaits – a custom dating back to the first balloon flights in the 18th century. The whole trip ends with a return to the launch site and memories that remain for a lifetime.
Preparations for a hot air balloon flight
Preparing for a balloon flight is a fascinating process that begins long before the launch. Every element must be carefully checked to ensure a safe and enjoyable flight.
Choosing the right place and time
Balloon flights usually take place at dawn or before sunset. These times of day offer the best weather conditions – stable air with minimal turbulence. The balloon crew arrives at the launch site early in the morning, often when it is still dark. The pilot checks the weather conditions, releases a small helium-filled balloon to check the wind direction and assess whether conditions are suitable for flight.
The launch site must meet certain criteria. An open space of at least 50m x 50m, without obstructions, preferably grassy, is needed. The area must be easily accessible to the vehicle transporting the balloon equipment.
Unloading and installation of equipment
Upon arrival at the launch site, the team unloads the equipment from the trailer. The balloon preparation process consists of several steps:
- Setting up the car with the trailer at the launch site
- Unloading the basket from the trailer
- Mounting the torch on top of four nylon rods
- Attaching the burner to the lines of the basket with carabiners
- Connecting the burner’s gas hoses to the propane cylinder inside the basket
- Checking the correct operation of the burner
Steps of preparing the balloon canopy:
- Unloading the bag containing the canopy
- Partial removal of the canopy from the bag and attaching it to the carabiners of the basket
- Complete unrolling of the canopy on the ground
- Preparing the fan to fill the canopy with cold air
- Checking the parachute valve on top of the balloon
The entire process of preparing the equipment takes between 20 and 40 minutes, depending on the size of the balloon and the efficiency of the team.
Checking the equipment and weather conditions
Before each flight, the pilot carefully checks all the components of the balloon. He checks the condition of the canopy, lines, basket and burner. He checks the fuel level in the propane cylinders. He also verifies the operation of onboard instruments, such as the altimeter, variometer (climb/descent speed indicator) and GPS.
Weather conditions are crucial to the safety of a balloon flight. The pilot analyzes weather forecasts and checks wind speed and direction at various altitudes. The flight can be canceled if the wind speed exceeds safe limits (usually about 7-10 km/h at takeoff) or if there is a risk of thunderstorms.
Tip: It’s a good idea to dress in layers for a balloon flight, with comfortable clothes and flat field shoes. Despite popular belief, it is not colder at altitude – the heat from the burner and the sun’s rays provide a comfortable temperature.
Safety briefing and balloon inflation process
Safety briefing and balloon inflation are key steps before any flight. These processes ensure passenger safety and that the balloon is properly prepared for ascent.
Safety briefing for passengers
Before the flight, the pilot conducts a detailed safety briefing. Passengers receive instructions on how to behave during the flight, takeoff and landing. The pilot explains how to stand in the basket, hold on to the handles and assume the landing position.
Emergency procedures are also discussed during the briefing. Passengers learn what to do in rare situations, such as a hard landing or fire. The pilot also informs about the prohibition of smoking near the balloon due to the flammable propane used to heat the air.
Instruction also covers rules for taking photos and filming during the flight. Passengers learn how to use cameras and phones safely so as not to drop them outside the basket.
The process of filling the canopy with cold air
Filling the balloon begins with spreading the canopy on the ground. Two people hold the opening of the canopy while a fan fills it with cold air. Meanwhile, another team member holds the crown rope to control the filling.
- Spreading the canopy on the ground in the direction of the wind
- Attaching the canopy to the basket with carabiners
- Positioning the fan at the canopy opening
- Filling the canopy with cold air
- Controlling the process with a corona rope
This step takes about 10-15 minutes, depending on the size of the balloon and the strength of the fan. The canopy gradually takes shape and stretches on the ground.
Heating the air and ascending the balloon
After filling the canopy with cold air, the pilot starts the burner. The flames it produces, up to 6 meters long, heat the air inside the canopy. According to Archimedes’ law, warm air is lighter than cold air, which causes the balloon to start rising.
The heating process is gradual and controlled. The pilot runs the burner in short bursts, watching the balloon’s response. As the canopy begins to rise, the assistant continues to hold the corona rope to control the rate of ascent.
Once the balloon stands upright, passengers can enter the basket. Entry into the basket can be through a special door or through the edge of the basket with the help of the crew.
Final preparations before launch
Just before takeoff, the pilot performs a final check of all systems. He checks the operation of the burner, parachute valve and onboard instruments. He makes sure all passengers are properly positioned in the basket for balance.
The pilot informs the ground team of the planned flight direction and approximate landing location. The car with the trailer will follow the balloon, maintaining radio contact with the pilot.
Tip: It’s a good idea to use the restroom before entering the basket, as the flight can last more than an hour, and there are no such facilities in the balloon. It’s also a good idea to eat a light breakfast to avoid dizziness during the flight.
Professional balloon flights with ProBallooning
ProBallooning is a reputable company specializing in organizing professional hot air balloon flights. With extensive experience and qualified staff, the company provides an unforgettable experience for all lovers of sky adventures.
ProBallooning company – history and experience
ProBallooning has been operating in the balloon flight market for many years, earning the recognition of customers and building a solid reputation. The company was born out of a passion for ballooning and a desire to share this unique experience with others. The team consists of experienced pilots with the appropriate licenses and certificates, who have completed thousands of hours of flights.
The company has a modern fleet of balloons of various sizes, which are regularly serviced and maintained in excellent technical condition. Safety is an absolute priority – each balloon undergoes rigorous inspections before each flight.
ProBallooning organizes flights in scenic locations, offering breathtaking views and unforgettable experiences. The company takes care of every detail, from the professional pre-flight service, to the flight itself, to the traditional post-landing ceremony.
Balloon flights on offer
ProBallooning offers a wide range of balloon flights to suit different needs and occasions:
Types of flights available:
- Standard flights – for individuals and small groups
- Private flights – an exclusive experience for couples or families
- Group flights – ideal for companies and larger groups
- Special occasion flights – special occasions like engagements or anniversaries
- Photography flights – for lovers of landscape photography
Each flight includes full service – from transportation to the launch site, to professional care during the flight, to return to the collection site. The flight is followed by a traditional ceremony with a toast and presentation of balloon flight certificates.
The company also offers gift vouchers for balloon flights, which are an excellent idea for an original gift for loved ones. The vouchers have a long expiration date and flexible booking options.
Customer reviews of flights with ProBallooning
ProBallooning customers share enthusiastic reviews of their experience. Many highlight the professionalism of the crew, the safety of the flights and the unforgettable experience.
In reviews on Google Maps, the company receives very high ratings. Customers praise the organization of flights, friendly atmosphere and individual approach to each passenger. Especially appreciated are the skills of the pilots, who not only ensure safe flight, but also share their knowledge and passion for ballooning.
Many people mention the spectacular views during the flight and the professional photography service, which allows them to keep the memories for a longer time. Customers also appreciate the traditional ceremony after the flight, which adds a special touch to the whole experience.
Flight preparation and organization
Organizing a flight with ProBallooning begins with booking a date. The company offers flexible booking options, with the possibility of postponing the flight in case of unfavorable weather conditions.
Prior to the flight, clients receive detailed information on the place and time of the gathering, suggested clothing and the entire event. The company provides transportation to the launch site and back after the flight.
On the day of the flight, after arriving at the assembly point, passengers meet the crew and receive preliminary information. They then proceed to the launch site, where they can observe the fascinating process of preparing the balloon for flight.
Tip: When booking a balloon flight, it’s a good idea to choose the date several days in advance and be ready for any changes due to weather conditions. A balloon flight depends entirely on the weather, so flexibility is key to a successful experience.
The sensation of taking off and floating in the air
The balloon launch and the first moments in the air are the most exciting moments of the entire trip. The feeling of detaching from the ground and floating peacefully in the skies is incomparable to any other experience.
The moment of separation from the ground
When everything is ready, the pilot increases the power of the burner, heating the air in the canopy. The balloon becomes lighter than the surrounding air and begins to lift off. The moment of takeoff is surprisingly gentle – the ground slowly moves away, and passengers often don’t even notice the exact moment of separation from the ground.
Unlike an airplane takeoff, there is no feeling of acceleration or vibration. The balloon simply rises gently, as if it were an extension of the ground. This natural feeling makes even people with a fear of heights feel comfortable.
During takeoff, passengers can watch as the landscape gradually diminishes and the perspective widens. The sight of other balloons taking off nearby creates a magical scene, especially at sunrise, when the first rays illuminate the colorful canopies.
First feelings while floating in the air
After takeoff, passengers experience an unusual feeling of peace and tranquility. The only sounds are the occasional burner activation and noises coming from the ground. This silence is one of the most striking aspects of balloon flight.
Balloon flight is characterized by the absence of a feeling of motion. Because the balloon moves with the wind, there is no air resistance or feeling of momentum. Passengers feel as if they are hovering motionless in the air while the ground moves beneath them.
Typical sensations during the first minutes of flight:
- A feeling of lightness and freedom
- No dizziness or motion sickness
- Gradual getting used to the altitude
- Excitement about new perspectives
- Surprise at the lack of feeling cold at altitude
Control of altitude and direction of flight
The pilot controls the balloon’s altitude by regularly activating the burner. Each launch warms the air in the canopy, causing the balloon to rise. As the air gradually cools, the balloon begins to descend.
Although the balloon cannot be controlled in the traditional sense, the pilot can use different air currents at different altitudes to control the direction of flight to some extent. Ascending and descending allows the pilot to find the wind blowing in the desired direction.
During the flight, the pilot is in constant communication with the ground team, which tracks the balloon’s route and prepares to meet at the landing site. This coordination is crucial to the smooth running of the entire expedition.
Safety during the flight
Although balloon flight may seem risky, it is actually very safe. Pilots undergo rigorous training and are properly licensed. Balloons are regularly inspected and certified.
During the flight, passengers stand in the basket, holding on to the handles. The basket is deep and stable to ensure safety. The pilot regularly informs passengers about the flight and any maneuvers.
Tip: During the balloon flight, it’s a good idea to have your camera or phone secured with a lanyard to avoid dropping it. The best photos can be taken just after sunrise, when the light is soft and golden and the shadows are long and crisp.
Views and experiences during a balloon trip
Balloon travel offers unique views and experiences not available during other forms of transportation. Hovering high above the ground gives you a new perspective and allows you to see details of the landscape that escape from ground level.
Panoramic views from a bird’s eye view
From the height of a balloon, the landscape looks completely different. Passengers can enjoy sweeping panoramas, reaching up to several tens of kilometers into the distance with good visibility. Fields are arranged in geometric patterns, forests form green patches, and rivers wind silvery through the landscape.
Sunrise observed from a balloon is a spectacle of light and color. The sun’s rays first illuminate the horizon, then gradually flood the landscape with a golden glow. Long shadows highlight the terrain, showing its three-dimensionality.
From an altitude of about 300-900 meters (the typical altitude of a balloon flight), one can clearly see the terrain structure, buildings, roads and natural landscape elements. Passengers can see details invisible from the ground – the layout of fields, the architecture of buildings or wild animals passing through meadows.
Sensory experience during the flight
A balloon flight engages all the senses, creating a complex experience. The silence, interrupted only by the occasional roar of the burner, allows you to hear sounds from the ground – dogs barking, birds singing or the sounds of the city.
Multisensory aspects of balloon flight:
- Sight – panoramic views, changing perspectives, play of light and shadows
- Hearing – silence punctuated by the roar of a torch, sounds from the ground coming with unusual clarity
- Touch – gentle breezes, heat radiating from the burner
- Smell – fresh air, sometimes smells from the ground (blooming fields, forests)
- Balance – an unusual feeling of floating and drifting with the wind
The temperature during the flight is surprisingly comfortable. Despite the altitude, one does not feel cold, as the heat from the burner and the sun’s rays provide a pleasant temperature in the basket.
Interaction with the environment
During the flight, the balloon can rise and fall, giving passengers the opportunity to view the landscape from different perspectives. Sometimes the pilot lowers the balloon so that it flies just above the roofs of houses, fields or forests.
People on the ground often wave to the balloon’s passengers, and children run after it excitedly. These spontaneous interactions add to the charm of the flight and create a sense of connection with the world under observation.
The pilot also usually acts as a guide, pointing out places of interest and telling stories about the areas he passes. He shares his knowledge of local geography, history and ballooning trivia.
Taking photographs from a balloon
Balloon flight creates unique photographic opportunities. The stable platform, lack of vibration and unobstructed visibility in all directions make for spectacular photos.
The light at sunrise is ideal for photography – soft, golden and creating long shadows. Passengers can capture not only the landscape, but also other balloons floating in the air, creating magical compositions.
Tip: When flying in a balloon, it’s a good idea to carry a powerbank for your phone or spare batteries for your camera. Taking photos and filming quickly drains the battery, and there is no way to recharge your equipment during the flight.
Landing and traditional post-flight celebration
Landing a balloon is as exciting a stage as the takeoff. It requires precision and skill on the part of the pilot, and is followed by a traditional celebration that is an integral part of the whole experience.
The process of landing a balloon
As the flight nears its end, the pilot begins to look for a suitable place to land. It must be an open space, without obstacles such as power lines, trees or buildings. Meadows, fields or other flat areas are ideal.
A few minutes before landing, the pilot informs the passengers of the approaching end of the flight and gives instructions on the landing position. Passengers must bend their knees, hold on to the handles and be prepared for a possible jerk on contact with the ground.
The pilot controls the balloon’s descent by using a parachute valve at the top of the canopy to let the hot air out. The balloon begins to descend slowly, approaching the selected landing site.
The moment of landing itself can vary from a very gentle one, when the basket gently touches the ground, to a slightly more dynamic one, when the basket can glide along the ground for several meters before coming to a complete stop. It all depends on the wind conditions.
Folding the balloon after the flight
After landing, the process of folding the balloon begins. The ground team that followed the balloon’s route arrives at the landing site and assists in the process:
- Passengers lower the basket
- The pilot releases the remaining hot air from the canopy
- The canopy slowly descends to the ground
- The team arranges the canopy into a long narrow strip
- The air is squeezed out of the canopy
- The canopy is carefully folded and packed into a bag
- The basket is detached from the canopy and loaded onto the trailer
- All equipment is secured for transport
The entire folding process takes about 20-30 minutes, and often passengers are invited to help, which is an added attraction and allows you to learn more about ballooning.
Traditional champagne ceremony
After the balloon is assembled, there is a traditional ceremony that goes back to the origins of ballooning in the 18th century. The first balloon pilots, landing in the fields of French farmers, were often taken for invaders or demons. To placate their hosts, they offered them a bottle of champagne.
Elements of a traditional ceremony after a balloon flight:
- A champagne or juice toast for all participants
- Pilot’s story about the history and traditions of ballooning
- Presentation of balloon flight certificates to all passengers
- Commemorative photos with the crew and the balloon
- Exchange of impressions and experiences among participants
The ceremony is an important part of the whole experience, allowing the group to integrate and celebrate a successful flight. For many passengers, it provides a nice ending to an unforgettable adventure.
Return to the takeoff site
After the ceremony, passengers and their crew return to the launch site or other agreed assembly point. Transportation is provided by the company organizing the flight. During the return, passengers have the opportunity to share their impressions and view photos taken during the flight.
The entire trip, from the pre-flight assembly to the return after landing, usually takes about 3.5-4 hours, of which the flight itself takes about an hour. The remaining time is spent on preparations, transportation and the post-flight ceremony.
Tip: It’s a good idea to bring cash with you for any gratuities to the crew, who work hard to ensure a safe and enjoyable flight. This is not mandatory, but always welcome as a token of appreciation for professional service.
Summary
A balloon trip is a comprehensive experience that begins with early preparations and ends with a traditional toast. The entire process takes about 3.5-4 hours, of which the flight itself takes about an hour. Each stage has its own charm and significance – from the fascinating process of filling the balloon, to the magical moment of breaking away from the ground, to the exciting landing.
Balloon flight offers a unique experience unavailable in any other form of travel. The silence, tranquility and panoramic views create unforgettable memories. The lack of engine and noise allows you to fully immerse yourself in the surrounding landscape and experience true freedom.
Professional companies like ProBallooning ensure safety and comfort throughout the trip. Experienced pilots, state-of-the-art equipment and attention to every detail ensure that passengers can fully enjoy the adventure without unnecessary worries.
A traditional champagne ceremony after the flight adds a special touch to the whole experience and allows you to celebrate a successful trip. The flight certificates are a nice memento that reminds you of the extraordinary experience for years to come.
A balloon flight is not just a tourist attraction, but a real adventure that allows you to see the world from a new perspective. Regardless of age or physical condition, everyone can experience the magic of floating in the air and admiring the world from a bird’s eye view. It is an experience that remains in the memory for a long time and often becomes the beginning of a new passion.