Eagle Spirit FAQ's Q: How big are hot air balloons? A: They range from 54,000 to 210,000 cubic feet in volume and stand about 70 feet tall. Q: How many passengers do you fly in your balloons? A: Typically there are 2 to 3 passengers (and the pilot!). Q: When is the best time to fly a balloon? A: Usually just after sunrise. This is the time of day when winds are calmest and the air most stable. Many times we are also able to fly just before sunset! Q: How are the baskets made? A: The baskets are made from rattan and each one is individually woven by hand. Q: What are hot air balloons made of? A: A reinforced fabric called rip-stop nylon (some balloons are made of dacron). The material is very lightweight, but is very strong. The fabric is coated on the inside to prevent leaks. Q: How is the balloon inflated? A: The envelope is stretched out and attacked to the basket. A powerful fan is used to cold inflate the envelope. When partially inflated, the air is heated by a burner and the envelope rises above the basket. With further heating, there is sufficient 'lift' for the balloon to fly. Q: How high do balloons fly? A: Most balloonists enjoy low level flight. The typical balloon flight would be anywhere from tree level to approximately 2,000 ft. The world record for altitude in a hot air balloon is 64,997 feet. Q: Do passengers ever get airsick? A: No. Q: How is the balloon steered? A: It's not! Some directional control is possible by ascending or descending into air currents going in a different direction. The pilot can raise or lower the balloon by controlling the temperature inside the balloon. Q: How fast does it go? A: Since the balloon has no forward propulsion system, its speed is determined entirely by the speed of the wind. That's why balloon races are strictly races of accuracy, not speed. Q: How long can it stay up? A: It depends. Factors like outside air temperature, weight being carried in the basket and weather determine the duration of the flight. Normally, the balloon carries enough fuel to remain aloft for 2 hours. Q: What kind of fuel is used? A: Propane, kept in pressurized tanks on the floor of the basket. Passing to the burners through flexible hoses, when the valves are opened, the propane atomizes and is ignited by a pilot light in the burner. The flame may shoot up as much as ten or twenty feet, making a loud "whoosh". Q: How do you get it back? A: With the help of a chase crew which follows the flight of the balloon (as closely as the existing roads allow) and is on hand to make the recovery when the balloon touches down. Q: What if I don't like heights? A: There is none of that vertigo feeling; because you are moving with the wind drift, there is no wind blowing. The basket does not rock or sway, so there's no fear of falling out.