BALONISMO Voos Turísticos, Passeios de Balão e Voos Panorâmicos
FAQ - Frequent Ask Questions
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.
Atualizado em Janeiro 3, 2012