Hot air balloon information

Want to know more about the hot air balloon you’re thinking of entrusting yourself, your family and friends to? Then read on…


BALLOONS
The balloon 'envelope' is made of a nylon based fabric superior to that of a spinnaker sail. The basket is made of woven cane and willow by expert craftsmen. The design has not been surpassed in over a hundred years of balloon flight as there are few other materials that combine strength with resilience for so little weight.




FLIGHT CONTROL
The balloon's lift comes from hot air which is slightly lighter than the cold atmosphere. The hotter the balloon the faster it rises. As the balloon cools it slowly descends. The pilot can control the balloon to brush the grass or the tops of trees, or go as high as 15,000 feet.  Balloons are not operated in winds greater than 15mph (30kph) so the calm Kenyan mornings are the perfect time for your flights. The balloons must go where the winds take them but, as winds at varying heights often have varying directions, the pilot can choose his height and hence his direction.


FUEL
The balloon is "powered" by cooking gas to heat the air in the envelope. The fuel system is duplicated in every respect to prevent failure of the burner. If all power should be lost, however (something which has, in fact, never happened), the balloon would enter a stable cold descent with the envelope acting as a parachute. This feature of the balloon makes it one of the safest forms of flight.



pilots
To pilot a balloon it is necessary to gain a pilots licence exactly as with other forms of aircraft. There are a set number of hours of instruction and the same theoretical exams to pass as any fixed wing pilot. Also like their fixed wing counterparts, balloon pilots keep logs books, carry out pre-flight checks and monitor the weather conditions for safe flying. In addition, all balloon safari pilots have undergone extensive professional training and worked as commercial balloon pilots around the world. 





Please note: If you want to experience the awesome feeling of ballooning the Masai Mara please make sure you book your place early to avoid disappointment as balloon safaris have limited availability and, especially in high season, tend to be booked out. Send us an email for more info on prices and availability.

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