Skywalker Balloon CoMPANY

FACT:
Modern day hot air balloons are made out of rip stop nylon, they cost about $ 45.000 – $ 160.000, and have a life span of about 700 – 900 hours. It is also the oldest form of aviation. The first people to fly did so in a paper balloon in the year 1783.

Is Ballooning Safe? Hot Air Ballooning is THE safest forms of aviation known to mankind. What is most important to conduct a safe flight is the pilots responsibility to take all proper pre-flight actions. If weather conditions do not permit a safe flight, we cancel a flight usually the day before.

When and how should I reserve a flight? You should make your reservation as early in advance as possible. We do need a credit card to secure a reservation, but we do not charge it till after the flight. And with a mere 24 hrs cancellation policy, you can rest assured that an early reservation will give you plenty of time to look forward to your balloon adventure. Reserve your flight online

What times during the day can we go up? Balloons fly best in calm, stable air. In Utah these conditions occur during the first hours after sunrise.

Why do balloons fly mostly in the early morning? Winds are generally most favorable the first hours after sunrise and the last hours before sunset. The sun’s uneven heating of the earth’s surface causes strong, variable winds. In the morning, it takes a few hours for the sun to heat the earth’s surface enough to generate the thermal activity that creates wind.

What is all included with a balloon flight? The ballooning experience includes pick up from meeting point, optional participation in the set up and packing process, the magnificent and wonderful sensation of being airborne, european style balloonists celebration, return to meeting point, and memories that are unsurpassed. 

Can you steer a balloon? Winds determine a balloon’s direction. Balloonists can steer a balloon, to a limited extent, by adjusting the balloon’s altitude to make use of different wind speeds and directions.

I am afraid of heights, should I go? The answer, in most cases, is “Yes”. Unlike an airplane, the gondola remains absolutely stable in flight. Not feeling any movement, you feel like standing on a mountain peak, looking out. Not looking straight down typically does not trigger the anxiety. Should it get too intense, we always recommend looking at the floor of the basket. Our pilots are very experienced , and once you are a couple of minutes into the flight, realizing how calm, stable, and safe the flight is, makes you feel more than comfortable.
How do balloons fly? Balloons operate through the basic principles of gravity and heat transfer. As air inside the balloon is heated, it rises. As the air inside the balloon cools, it descends. Balloons fly best when it is cold outside.

How long does a balloon flight last? The actual flight time averages about an hour. Weather conditions affect the flight time range from 40 minutes to 1.5 hours.  The entire ballooning experience, including pre-flight preparation, flight and post-flight celebration, may take three or more hours. The memories will last a life’s time.

How high do we go? Balloons typically fly from treetop level all the way up to several thousand feet.

What fuel do balloons use? Hot air balloons carry 20 to 65 gallons of liquid propane in stainless steel fuel tanks.