How did Ballooning start?
On August 8, 1709, Portuguese-Brazilian
Priest Bartolomeu de Gusmão, born in Santos in
1685 made a balloon rise up in the air filled with hot
air, as an invention for the King of Portugal, John V.
Although the demonstration failed, the King sent for the
registration of the invention as a walking machine for
the land and for the sea. The pioneers in the ballooning
experience were Pilatre Rosie and Marquis d'Arlandes (Paris
France 04), using a balloon built by the Montgolfier Brothers.
Is it safe?
Statistics show that a balloon ride is safer than driving
a car, and international air safety organizations show
ballooning as being the safest air sport. In Brazil not
a single fatal accident has been recorded.
How should I dress?
Passengers should dress comfortably as if they were
going to a walk on a farm, sports shoes, sweat pants,
shorts, jeans, but we do not recommend the use of open
shoes such as sandals, as the lawn is moist in the morning,
which may cause you some discomfort. It is not necessary
to carry purses or wallets, which only brings you concern.
These may be left safe with our land team.
Should I take nausea medication?
No, you should not. People who usually get sick even
in cars do not get sick in the balloon, as they never
lose the horizon reference and the balloon ride is not
turbulent. We have never seen people get sick in a balloon,
but there have been cases of passengers who took such
medicine And we had a hard time keeping them awake.
Which fuel is used?
The fuel to a hot air balloon is propane (C3 H8), one
of the components of the kitchen gas (LPG), which may
be acquired from gas companies.
How high can it go?
A balloon can reach great heights, however, the flights
range between 300 and 500 meters, where we have a better
view of the landscape. Legislation establishes that a
balloon may only go higher than 4,000 meters with special
equipment.
How about during the ride?
Most of the time we will be ranging from 30 to 50 meters
as this is a good sightseeing height. However, it the
ceiling allows, we can ride up to 500 meters, where a
broad sightseeing of the area is possible. On clear sky
days, we can see up to a distance of 100 km.
How many people does it carry?
It depends on the size of the balloon, but our balloon
carries from four to six people, with a fuel range of
two hours. In case of a longer flight we cut down on the
number of passengers and increase the amount of fuel.
What if there is a hole in the Balloon
or it is torn?
By keeping the balloon in good shape and not exceeding
its weight and temperature limits, this will never happen.
In case it does, the balloon can take holes of up to 25
centimeters, mainly if below the balloon’s equator.
An accumulation of holes will lead to the loss of hot
air and will decrease the take off speed and the range,
in addition to increasing the consumption of gas.
What if someone has a health condition
in the air?
This has not happened so far, but in case it happened,
we would land immediately (in less than three minutes)
as the balloon does not need a specific landing field,
landing almost vertically in very limited spaces. Our
land team, which tracks down the flight visually and by
radio would be present at the landing. It could then immediately
transport the passenger and take the appropriate measures.
What if it gets on fire?
The first balloon panel nearest to the burner is made
of nomex, which is the same material used in the Formula
1 pilot and firefighter suits. The balloon nylon has a
waterproof layer with an anti-flame resin, that is, it
melts but the flame does not spread, and, for complete
safety, the balloon is equipped with a very efficient
HALLON extinguisher.
What about maneuverability?
In the balloon, the pilot has perfect vertical control
(take off and landing), however on the horizontal direction,
the balloon will fly with the wind. The secret is to choose
an altitude which has the wind in the direction intended
and crossing over various altitudes where we should find
distinct wind directions.
How fast does the balloon go?
The same wind speed, but in case the speed is above
10 Knots (18 Km/h) only experienced pilots may fly, but
never carrying passengers on board.
What size is it?
There are various balloon sizes, holding from one person
up to 32 passengers, which is still not the largest they
can get. Normally, a 2,500 m3 balloon fit for three to
four people is 29 meters high and has a diameter of 22
meters.
May I take my kids?
Each kid reacts differently to a balloon, but there
is no problem as to safety. However, we recommend kids
aged 8 or up to ride, with the authorization and the presence
of the parents in the balloon location.
How about disabled people?
People with some kind of disability may fly, but we
need to know that in advance, and his/her doctor should
contact us so that we can arrange for more comfort and
safety.
How I do start Ballooning?
In fact, only 25% of the Ballooning staff consists of
pilots, as a team is comprised of four people, one rescue
driver and two assistants who navigate or operate as a
co-pilot. However you may start off as an Observer (test
assistant judge), as an assistant in the Brazilian Ballooning
Association or by joining our team. For that purpose,
contact us and we will send you more details.
How can I become a balloon pilot?
At first, by providing a doctor’s notice, showing
evidence of good health, attending a theory class and
doing 16 free flight hours. After that, you will be examined
by an official D.A.C. checker and, if approved, you may
start your flights.
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