Promotions

Hot air balloon

Balloon Facts
  • The Beemster balloon can hold 105,000 cubic feet of air - that is the same as 105,000 soccer or basketballs!

  • Each burner is 6,000,000 BTUs - your house furnace is between 50,000 and 150,000.

  • Balloons typically fly between 500 and 2,000 ft high; however, they can go as high as 12,000 ft without any modifications.

  • The Balloon fabric is made out of a coated rip-stop nylon material that can withstand very high temperatures - the temperature at the top of the balloon during a normal flight is about 215 Degrees F (water boils at 212).

  • Balloons have no steering wheel or brakes - A balloon travels whichever way the wind is blowing. To stop the basket drags along the ground.

  • The basket (also known as a gondola) is made out of wicker (just like some outdoor furniture). Wicker is light weight and allows for the basket to flex upon landing.

  • Balloons are registered aircraft just like any airplane. To become a pilot one must undergo training on all aeronautical regulations just like airplane pilots and take exams and check rides.

  • Ballooning would not be possible without a good crew! Each flight the balloon must be inflated with the help of the crew, who then must follow the balloon to help deflate it where it lands and pack it back into the van for relocation to the next launch sight.