| Frequently Asked Questions |
When and where will we meet? Balloon flight location is selected by you. After consultation with pilot we will confirm whether it is possible to fly in selected area. In case of obligatory order, ADS ballooning, s.r.o. will confirm time and place of meeting. It is usually well-known spot in the town. I summer it is possible to fly early in the morning and late afternoon and in the winter during the whole day. Why is the flight so early in the morning? At summer time the air gets hot very quickly and this is causing so called thermic streams accompanied with wind blasts. Therefore we are flying in the mornings and afternoons, during calm weather. Will we launch from the meeting place? It is not the rule. It depends on agreement, location conditions, weather and wind direction. Do not be surprised if pilot changes the launch field. 
How high will we fly? The height of the fly depends on the area you are flying above. Usually it is 50 – 1 000 meters above ground. Which direction will we fly? Balloon flies with wind direction. At different heights the wind might blow at different directions. When and where will we land? Sightseeing flight lasts approximately one hour. It is possible to predict the place of landing but not define exactly. Pilot will choose it according to the flight direction. How will we get back from the landing spot? Flying balloon is chased by ground vehicle with a crew. Pilot is in touch with them by radio. Crew will drive to landing spot, pack up the balloon and take you to the launch field. 
Where are the sand bags? Hot-air balloons do not regulate their height by the change of the weight. Only gas balloon operate upon this pattern (see ballooning). What should we wear? We are recommending sport outfit according to the season. Ladies, it is not recommended to wear shoes with high heels. Is it cold up in a balloon? Not colder than on the ground. Difference between the temperature on the ground and in the air is minimal, approximately two Celsius. You even do not feel the wind as on the ground. Is it possible to fly all the year round? Yes. In summer in the morning and late afternoon and in winter all day long. 
How will we inflate balloon? Balloon and equipment will be prepared by crew at the launch field. Of course you can help and ask anything. Balloon envelope will be attached to the basket while “lying”, then it will be inflated by cold wind using the ventilator. Pilot will use burner to heat the air up which will help balloon to stand up. On pilot´s signal you can board. What is the balloon manufactured from? There are two basic textile fabrics that are used for balloon envelopes – polyamide and polyester. We are flying balloons from Czech producer Kubíček tailored from polyester. This fabric is resistant to high temperatures and bad weather. Is it safe? Even jackass ride is more dangerous than balloon flight. Balloon is statistically the safest plane. Regular maintenance and service in certified service center ADS ballooning, s.r.o. guarantees good condition of a balloon and all technical conditions for safe flight. Professional pilots and their “right of veto” to decide about the flight is a warranty for safe flight. 
Are the passengers insured? Yes. Are children and older people allowed to fly? If their health and mind permit, yes. Children under 12 need to be escorted by an adult. What happens if balloon comes closer to the plane? This situation is not likely to happen. All aviation norms and laws as in flying by planes must be followed. The rule is that engine plane must avoid meeting with balloon. |