Frequently Asked Questions
Why so early?
Conditions at dawn and at the end of the day tend to be favourable for ballooning.
By mid-morning, winds tend to be too strong and, especially above 20°C,
thermals often form. Thermals mean instability which is incompatible with safe
ballooning.
How do you steer a balloon?
We don't have a steering wheel as such, so it isn't possible to steer a balloon
other than by harnessing the different wind speeds and directions at different
heights.
How HIGH DO YOU FLY?
In normal conditions, we rarely fly above 3000' above sea level (ASL). The view
from between 3000' ASL and 10,000' ASL is not markedly different from the view
at 3000', and flights above 3000' generally force us to use more propane, and
put undue stress on our equipment. As a rule, the higher we fly, the less weight
we can carry. In any case, although we must maintain at least 1000' above ground
level (AGL) when cruising over built-up areas, we prefer to fly at low level
because we can see so much more of the ground below than we can from above 3000'.
Often, if there is no turbulence or wind shear at low level, we fly at below
tree-top height to the extent that we can even maintain conversations with people
on the ground sometimes.
How long does the adventure last?
In normal circumstances, allow 5-6 hours from the time we meet to the end of
breakfast. During winter, however, it is often the case that our flights are
delayed by fog. In such cases, we must either wait until it clears over built-up
areas such as Bendigo, or we must go out of town to where the statutory requirements
regarding visibility are less stringent.
What are the best weather conditions
for ballooning?
A 5-8 knot wind at launch time is generally ideal. Bendigo Ballooning
has a policy of not taking off on morning flights in wind of more than 8 knots
because of the liklihood that, in such conditions, the wind speed on landing
will be markedly quicker. One 'knot' means 'one nautical mile per hour', roughly
equivalent to 1.8 kilometres per hour.
What are the main costs of ballooning?
Our main costs are wages and salaries, insurance, amortization of the balloons,
telephones, printing, advertising and catering. Although not insignificant,
the cost of propane is relatively small. Other hidden costs include GST, accounting,
and compliance costs and charges. The costs of running our cars and retrieve
vehicles are also substantial.
What should we wear?
Ballooning can be a bit muddy, dusty and sweaty, so dress accordingly. In other
words, don't dress in smart clothes expecting that you'll be able to go straight
to a formal meeting after your time with us. Click here
for more details.
What fuel do you use?
Generally, we use 99% pure propane. However, particularly in balloons which
use vapour in their pilot lights, it is possible sometimes to use a propane/butane
mix. In balloons which use liquid pilot lights, continuous use of a propane/butane
mix can clog the filters to a point at which flying is unsafe.
Do you offer souvenirs to
your passengers?
Each of our passengers is presented with a very smart, personalised full-colour
A4 flight certificate signed by the pilot. At present, we don't offer any other
souvenirs other than our flight certificates, but plan to do so soon. By the
end of February 2004, we expect to have balloon pins, printed caps, and printed
wine glasses for sale. During 2004 and 2005, we plan to add table mats, mouse
mats, calico shopping bags, a range of photographs and games on CD, and 'T'-shirts
to the range.
How do you become a commercial
balloon pilot?
Before becoming a commercial balloon pilot, one must first be a private pilot.
To get a private pilot's certificate (PPC), a student must join the Australian
Ballooning Federation (ABF), complete at least 15 hours of practical flying
training with a qualified instructor, and pass 5 theory tests. After having
obtained a PPC, a private pilot must complete at least 75 hours as a pilot in
command (PIC) before being eligible to start training for a commercial pilot's
licence (CPL). To become a Class 1 commercial pilot, a private pilot must pass
a medical test, complete 8 hours training with a qualified commercial instructor,
and pass a 3-hour theory exam dealing with subjects such as navigation, meteorology,
air law, and landowner relations.
Last updated: 20 December 2003