What is dress code for hot air ballooning ?

Dress casually and comfortably for the weather, it is a little warmer while the sun is out. We also recommend closed toe shoes to opened toe or high heeled shoes as we want to protect your feet just as much as the rest of you. A hat or cap to protect you from the heat of the burners. 

 

Hot air balloon child Policy?

We encourage families to participate in Hot Air Ballooning, however there are issues to consider before deciding to take your children. The sides of the basket are approximately 4’ high; therefore, children who are not as tall will not enjoy the beautiful views. Adults are not permitted to hold or carry children during a flight. 
Child under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Another fact to consider is, the burners directly above. We've found that very young children, are often frightened by the noise of the burner. Because of these reasons and past experience, children under the age of 7 are not permitted to take the hot air balloon ride. 

 

Can anyone fly on hot balloon?

Pregnant mothers and guests taking medications must consult their physician before flying in a Hot Air Balloon.

 

Are the hot air balloons wheelchair accessible?

For the moment, Sri Lankan hot air balloon operators does not have hot balloons with wheelchair accessible baskets. Accessible facilities are developing in Sri Lanka with accessible hotels / accessible transport etc. 

 

How to find a best hot air balloon operator in Sri Lanka?

There are few registered hot air balloon operators in Sri Lanka who based in Dambulla / Kandalama area and most of them are duly registered under Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka. 
Before you travel Sri Lanka, contact your travel agency in Sri Lanka and they will assist you to find the safest / responsible balloon operator. 

 

Is there any risk of flying hot air balloon?

Any adventure sport, there is an associated risk factor and operators, and users should check the licenses / approvals / insurance / safety aspects before operate / use particular adventure sport. 

 

Do I need to stay overnight Dambulla or Sigiriya to ride hot balloon?

Yes, Hot air balloon ride will start approx 6.45 AM and you will be picked-up from the hotel by 6.00 AM approximately. So, you need to stay overnight hotel near Dambulla / Kandalama / Sigiriya. Its is not possible to come to balloon ride from Kandy / Polonnaruwa / Trincomalee or Colombo. 

 

How many days advance should I book my hot air balloon ride?

Its subject to availability and December – January is the peak period with high demand. Inform your travel agency in Sri Lanka to make an advance booking. 

 

Photography during hot air balloon? 

You are most welcomed to bring in your still or video cameras onboard to take as much memorable pictures and videos to last a lifetime of your memorable sky safari over beautiful Sri Lanka.

 

What is the height of the flight?

Normally reach between 500 and 2,500 feet high - and where allowed.

 

How about altitude Sickness during hot air balloon?

Many people who have a fear of heights or were just anxious about flying have realize it is not what they were expecting, there is no rocking or turbulence like on a plane. 

 

What are the landing areas of hot air balloon?

The direction of the Hot Air Balloon cannot be controlled by steering as it travels only with the wind and at the speed of the wind. There are usually different wind directions at different altitudes, and by seeking out different wind currents a pilot can maneuver his balloon in several directions.    For safety reasons, balloonists generally prefer for the winds to be less than 10 mph and the clouds to be at least 2000' above the ground.

 

What happen after Landing the hot air balloon?

We go nowhere until our crew shows up to get us. Balloon chasing is a fun challenge and hopefully the chase will be there waiting for us, or will arrive shortly after we land to take you back to your place of pick up and to pack up the balloon. Your vehicle could also join in the fun with our chase team. 

 

Cancellation of the flight

If a flight is canceled due to bad weather, 100% amount will be refunded or elso you can switch to another day. 

 

History of Hot Air Balloon?

According to Ballooning history, there is no direct evidence regarding manned hot air balloon flights prior to the 18th century. The Chinese were using unmanned hot air balloons during the 3rd century for military signaling purposes by flying lanterns. On September 19, 1783, the Montgolfier brothers Joseph‐Michel and Jacques‐ Etienne launched a balloon with a sheep, duck and a rooster near Versailles, France. The balloon was called Aerostat Réveillon.  It went to the height of 853 feet and landed safely.

 

What are the types of Hot Air Balloons? 

There are three main types of hot air balloons 

• Montgolfier Type - Which uses fire to heat the air inside the balloon to gain lift.

• Hybrid Balloon - Which uses hot air in the same way, but also has a compartment of helium or hydrogen gas in the top.

• Pure Gas Balloon - Which doesn’t use hot air and the altitude can only be controlled by dropping ballast or venting the gas. Hybrid and gas balloons are best used for longer distances as they require less fuel to stay airborne for extended periods of time.

In today's sport balloons the envelope is generally made from nylon fabric and the mouth of the balloon (closest to the burner flame) is made from fire resistant material such as Nomex. 

 

Are these hot air balloons in Sri Lanka certified / registered?

Yes, all Sri Lankan Balloons are certified, and maintenance inspections are conducted annually as per the safety regulations laid by DGCA Director General of Civil Aviation Sri Lanka. All balloons are registered with Civil Aviation authority of Sri Lanka CAASL with dedicated register number which starts 4R- xxxxx 
Also, the pilots have a commercial license approved by the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka. 

 

What is the best time to take hot air balloons?

Flights typically depart shortly after sunrise as this is when the air is cool and winds are calm. Hot Air Balloon Flights are very weather permitting and require good visibility and low wind speeds. 
Before balloon ride?
Since flights average about an hour or so and the whole excursion is upto about 3 ½ hours from the time of pick up to the time you are dropped back at your hotel, pre-planning pays off. There are no bathrooms aboard the balloon.

 

Hot Air Balloon made of?

The main components of a hot air balloon are the envelope (balloon), fuel system, and gondola (basket). Most envelopes are made from ripstop nylon which is similar to the material for parachutes. 

 

What are the instrument using in Hot Air Balloon?

The altimeter measures height above sea level, the pyrometer measures the temperature at the top of the balloon's envelope and of course the compass tells which direction you are heading.

 

How are the safety standards of Hot air ballooning Sri Lanka    

In order to fly paying passengers a pilot must have a Commercial License and validated in the country he flies by the Civil Aviation Authority of the respective country.
A balloon used for carrying passengers must have a standard-type certification. Every balloon must be inspected annually by an authorized Inspector. Balloons that carry passengers for hire have even more rigorous maintenance requirements.

• Commercial / Instructor rated – Pilots

• Certified and Registered Balloons

• Certified annual maintenance Inspections

• Full commercial liability insurance

 

What is the approximate balloon capacity?

The passenger capacity varies from the sizes of balloons, which is based more on weight and temperature than the number of passengers.