Frequently Asked Questions

How does a hot-air balloon work?
Why don't balloons fly all day long?
How high can a balloon go?
Do you need a license to fly a balloon?
How far can a balloon travel, and how much fuel does a balloon use?
How do you steer a balloon?
If you can't steer, how do you know where you are going to land!?
What is a "Piball"?
What is a Balloon "Glow"?
How do I purchase a balloon ride or learn to fly a balloon?

How does a hot-air balloon work?
Warm air rises. By heating the air inside a balloon, lift is generated. There are many sizes and shapes of hot-air balloons, but most have the same three parts:

1. Nylon Envelope 2. Propane Burner 3. Wicker Basket

To set up a balloon, the envelope is laid out on the ground and attached to the basket. A large fan is used to fill the envelope with air. After the envelope is filled with air, the pilot carefully shoots the flame into the envelope. The air temperature inside the envelope rises and the balloon stands up. A long rope (crown line) attached to the top of the envelope allows a crew member to stabilize the balloon as it inflates and stands up.

When the flight is finished and the balloon has landed, the pilot turns off the burner and opens the vent in the envelope so the hot air can escape. As the balloon deflates, ground crew pull on the crown line to prevent the envelope from falling straight down into the basket.

Because balloons come in various sizes and shapes, the weight, fuel usage and passenger capacity vary from one balloon to the next.

Why don't balloons fly all day long?
Balloon pilots prefer to fly early in the morning and late in the afternoon because winds are often light and predictable. During the middle of the day, winds normally increase and the air is less stable. Since balloons don't have wheels to land on, they are normally not flown unless the surface wind is less than 10 miles per hour. Balloons are not normally flown after sunset because most do not have lights.

How high can a balloon go?
Most balloons fly 500 to 1,000 feet above the ground so that passengers can see animals and people on the ground. However, balloons are allowed to fly up to 12,500 feet above sea level (over two miles high!). Flying higher than 12,500 feet requires on-board oxygen sources. The balloon used for round-the-world trips use gases to create lift and have pressurized capsules instead of wicker baskets. Wisconsin Rapids is just under 1,000 feet above sea level, so balloons can go up 11,500 feet above ground without on-board oxygen!

Do you need a license to fly a balloon?
Yes. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issues balloon licenses much like it issues air plane licenses. Balloon pilots must work with instructors, take written and practical exams, and ultimately perform a check-ride in the presence of an FAA examiner.

How far can a balloon travel, and how much fuel does a balloon use?
The answer to both questions depends on the weather! A balloon travels with the wind, so if the wind is light, a balloon won't travel far. If the wind is strong, a balloon will travel a greater distance. Wind speed varies at different altitudes so often a pilot can speed up or slow down by changing elevations.

In order to lift off the ground, the air inside a balloon must be heated to a temperature greater than the air outside the balloon. On a cold day, it takes less fuel to heat the air inside the balloon. On a hot day, a greater amount of fuel is required to create lift. The amount of fuel required depends on the weight of the passenger and the air temperature on the date of the flight. Many pilots fly balloons year round. In the winter, the burners provide heat to help keep the passengers warm!

How do you steer a balloon?
You don't! A balloon pilot can control ascents and descents (up and down) but can not control direction of travel. A balloon goes where the wind blows! On many days however, the wind direction changes at different altitudes. Balloon pilots can sometimes travel different directions by locating different wind currents (steering winds) at different altitudes.

If you can't steer, how do you know where you are going to land!?
Balloon pilots obtain detailed weather forecasts before each flight. Pilots also release and observe one or more "piballs" (see next question) before each flight. Taking these steps helps pilots predict where each flight will end. Pilots rely on two important groups of people when landing a balloon. First, all pilots need a ground crew to help set up the balloon, follow the balloon in vehicles, and control and deflate the balloon after it lands. Radios allow the pilot and ground crew to communicate. The ground crew is the first to meet the second important group of people relied on by balloon pilots: landowners. Since pilots can't accurately predict where they land, pilots rely on the cooperation of farmers and other landowners. When a pilot is ready to land, the ground crew is alerted and the ground crew seeks permission from the land owner. Most land owners are excited to have a balloon land on their property.

What is a "Piball"?
"Piball" is short for "pilot indicator balloon." A piball is a helium filled balloon which is released before a flight. By watching the balloon ascend, pilots are given visual clues regarding the direction and speed of their flight.

What is a Balloon "Glow"?
A glow takes place when balloons are inflated at or after sunset (most balloons don't fly after dark). When the burners are turned on, the envelopes light up and "glow" in the evening sky!

How do I purchase a balloon ride or learn to fly a balloon?.
Neither rides nor lessons are available during this balloon rally. However, on the display posted at the Rally you will find the telephone numbers of pilots who have ride

For information on sponsoring a balloon or event, contact:
Shamaine Rustad at
trir@wctc.net
715.325.7676

For other questions concerning the Rally contact Jalayne Lanphear at jalaynelanphear@yahoo.com or Brenda Haessig at brenda@nashpodvinlaw.com
170 Third Street North, Wisconsin Rapids WI 54494 715.423.8200

Web site donated by: Nash Podvin, Attorneys at Law, S.C.
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