251-970-FLYU (3598) P.O. Box 113 Magnolia Springs, AL 36555 trachel@gulftel.com
What are balloons made of?
The balloon bag or "envelope" is made of reinforced nylon fabric. It is very light (1.3 ounces per square yard) but very strong (25 lbs per square inch). The envelope is treated with a polyurethane coating to make it more air-tight and to help the fabric withstand the ultraviolet rays of the sun. The pilot and passengers ride in a gondola (or basket) that is made of woven wicker, which is both strong and flexible. The gondola is connected to the envelope by stainless steel suspension cables.
How do balloons work?
Hot air rises and the envelope traps a large bubble of hot air. If the air in the envelope is heated by a burner, the balloon will rise. If the air in the envelope is allowed to cool or if the hot air is "vented" (allowed to escape) from the top or side of the envelope, the balloon will descend. An altimeter, rate-of-climb meter, and an envelope temperature gauge are the only instruments used in the balloon. Amazingly, the pilot can control the altitude of the balloon within a matter of inches!
How are balloons inflated?
The balloon envelope is spread on the ground and the gondola laid on its side and attached to the envelope cables. A portable (gasoline powered) fan pushes cold air into the envelope. When the envelope is about half inflated with outside air, a propane burner is ignited until the air inside is heated enough for the balloon to rise to an upright position. With a small amount of additional heat, the balloon becomes buoyant. Typically, the inflation takes about 20 minutes.
How many people does it take to fly a balloon?
The sport of ballooning is a wonderful group or family activity. To safely launch and fly a balloon requires a minimum crew of two people. Duties of the crew typically include launch preparation, following the balloon flight in the chase vehicle, obtaining permission of the landowner for the balloon landing and retrieval, keeping spectators out of the landing area, and insuring that gates are left as they are found and that property is not damaged.
Does it get cold up there?
Not really. For each 1,000 feet we ascend, it will be about 3 degrees cooler in the air than it is on the ground. You will feel very little difference in the temperature aloft versus on the ground. The balloon travels with the wind to eliminate wind chill and we always have 90000 cubic feet of air over our heads which is over 200 degrees! As we fly in the coolest part of the morning, it is advisable to wear personal clothing in layers so you can add or remove clothing to be comfortable before, during and after the flight.
Winter time flying is great! The view in the winter time is excellent due to the fact that there is very little haze or smog. Typical views in the winter time will include Perdido Bay, Wolf Bay, Mobile Bay, Magnolia River, Bon Secour River, Dauphin Island, Mobile Skyline and of course the Gulf Of Mexico!