Q: How much does a hot air balloon cost?
A: Ours are medium-size commercial aircraft and range in price from $40,000 to $65,000... they have a life span of approximately 500 hours.

Q: How many passengers do you fly in your balloons?
A: Although we do not fill our baskets to capacity they are certified to carry 6, 8 and 10. Technically the volume capacity of the envelope suspended above the basket determines the gross weight the balloon may lift.

Q: When is the best time to fly a balloon?
A: Usually just after sunrise. This is the time of day when winds are calmest and the air most stable.

Q: How are the baskets made?
A: The baskets are made of rattan, each one individually woven by hand onto a rigid frame.

Q: What are hot air balloons made of?
A: The usual fabrics are nylon or dacron that are produced to the manufacturers specifications. They are often coated on the inside to reduce porosity. The material is lightweight but very strong.

Q: How is the balloon inflated?
A: The envelope is stretched out and attached to the basket. A powerful fan is then used to "cold inflate" the envelope. When partially inflated, the propane burners are ignited and the air inside heated until the balloon "stands up". Generally the air inside the envelope must be raised to a temperature of roughly 125-135 degrees F above the outside air temperature. During flight the temperature near the top of the envelope ranges from 200-275 degrees F depending on altitude and payload.

Q: How high do balloons fly?
A: Most balloonists enjoy low-level flight. The typical balloon flight would be anywhere from tree level to approximately 2,000 ft. The world record for altitude in a hot air balloon is 64,997 feet.

Q: Do passengers ever get airsick?
A: No. Because the balloon moves at the same speed and direction as the wind, passengers experience no sense of motion.

Q: How is the balloon steered?
A: It is not "steered" in the conventional sense. The balloon moves with the direction of the wind. However, winds tend to stratify in differing directions and altitudes. In Napa Valley it is not unusual to have directly opposing winds at different altitudes. A balloonist uses these varying currents to guide the balloon to an appropriate landing site. The heat in the balloon is increased or decreased to ascend or descend to the desired altitude.

Q: How fast does it go?
A: Since the balloon has no forward propulsion system, its speed is determined entirely by the speed of the wind. That's why balloon races are strictly races of accuracy, not speed.

Q: How long can it stay up?
A: It depends. Factors like outside air temperature, weight being carried in the basket and weather determine the duration of the flight. Normally, the balloon carries enough fuel to remain aloft for a 1 hour flight plus a sizeable reserve fuel supply.

Q: What kind of fuel is used?
A: Propane, kept in pressurized tanks on the floor of the basket. Passing to the burners through flexible hoses when the valves are opened, the propane atomizes and is ignited by a pilot light in the burner. The flame may shoot up as much as ten or twenty feet, making a loud "whoosh".

Q: Where's the nearest restroom?
A: Over the side!