Miscellaneous information and trivia about hot air ballooning by Lloyd Cates.
Facts and Trivia
Weather Requirements
All balloon flights are subject to favorable winds and weather. The wind should be less than 10 mph and the sky clear of clouds.
Flight Duration
The flight time averages about one hour depending on weather conditions. Plan a total excursion of three hours.
Advice to Passengers
Bring your camera, but please travel light.
Dress comfortably and wear sturdy shoes. In winter, dress in layers.
Only children nine years or older, please.
There will be no smoking around the balloon.
Regulations
In the United States, the pilots are licensed by the Federal Aviation Administration. Our aircraft are also registered with and operated under the jurisdiction of the F.A.A.
Air to ground communications are maintained with the chase vehicles and the Airport Control Tower.
Albuquerque, NM
Each year, many Texans travel to Albuquerque in October to participate in the world's largest annual hot air balloon event.
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta usually has about 750 balloons attend.
The Albuquerque Box
The dominant wind in Albuquerque blows from south to north. Also, a shallow layer of cooler air from the mountains flows south down the valley. It sometimes creates a small weather phenomenon called the Albuquerque Box that lets the balloons travel one direction down low and the opposite direction up high.
Today there are hundreds of local clubs, national and international organizations.
Many ballooning events around the country have competitive races. The best hot air balloon pilots are from Texas.
Many pilots attend safety seminars.
Charlize Theron (Hollywood, CA)- you are the winner in our drawing for a free hot air balloon ride. Please e-mail me for scheduling.
Download a coloring page
Good weather sites
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Austin
Zilker Park
Hot air balloon pilots have launched from Zilker Parks for years until recently. The Austin Parks and Recreation Department has banned balloons from all Austin parks. We often hear how much people miss seeing the balloons, but it is out of our hands.
Texas Balloon History
Mapping for balloons by MacGyver