Pilots’ briefing is at 6am and 6pm. A decision will be made regarding the flights at that time, but generally the balloons will start to inflate about 15 minutes after the briefing.

If the weather is marginal, a second briefing may be held to review the situation. This can take place up to an hour after the original time.

Why do the balloons fly at these times? (return to top)

At this time of the year, the air is more stable at these times. As the sun comes out in the morning and the day gets warmer, thermals build up which makes it unsafe for the balloons to fly.

Gliders on the other hand, ride on the thermals, which is why you see them in the middle of the day.

In the evening, the temperature drops and the thermals reduce, which again makes it possible for us to fly.

During the winter, where the thermic activity is greatly reduced, it is possible to fly through out the day, subject to other weather conditions.

Why aren’t the balloons flying? (return to top)

Ballooning is very weather dependant and a weather forecast will be obtained from a number of sources before the balloons fly.

Rain can damage the fabric of the envelope, making it more porous over time and therefore reducing its life.
Wind – we generally fly in windspeeds of fewer than 7 knots, particularly where there are so many balloons in a small area such as Billing Aquadrome.
Cloud – wispy clouds are not a problem, but where cumuli-nimbus (thunder) clouds are forming, this is a sign of thermal instability and a storm on the way. They occur where there are large areas of warm land (such as by a town or building) which then draws water into the cloud. You can sometimes see the clouds building and towering and they can reach heights of 30,000-40,000 feet. The air is therefore not stable enough for the balloons to fly.

What time do they come back? (return to top)

Balloons fly the direction of the wind, so in this country it is not normal for the balloons to fly back towards the site.

In addition, CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) regulations state that balloons cannot land back on site.

What gas do balloons use? (return to top)

The envelope (the bit on the top) is filled initially with cold air and then heated – hence the term hot air balloon. The burner runs on propane.

The gas is stored in tanks, which in most cases are tightly tied into the basket. The exception to this is with the one man balloons “hoppers” and the two person equivalent “sky chariot”, which do not have baskets, where the tank is either under the seat or to the back of the pilot.

What are they made of? (return to top)

The envelope is primarily rip-stop nylon (similar to a parachute). The basket is made of wicker.

How high to they fly? (return to top)

In Northamptonshire we benefit from relatively clear airspace, as we are not too close to the major airports at Coventry or Luton. This means that there is not really an upper limit, within reason!

Generally the balloons will be flying at around 1000-2000ft above ground level, although you may notice them descending lower at times. This could be to take a closer look at something or to practice approaches prior to landing.

It is possible to find different wind speeds and even direction at different heights. Pilots may set themselves a target to fly to, or if taking part in a competition or task will use this variation to their advantage.

Why are the balloons bound by CAA regulations? (return to top)

Balloons are registered aircraft. They have to have a Certificate of Airworthiness and a registration number, as any other aircraft is required to have.

The number on the side of the balloon e.g. G-GBBT is the registration number for the BT balloon. The G shows that the balloon is an UK registered balloon.

What new balloons will be seen at the balloon festival? (return to top)

We have some new balloons to the event which may have been seen at other events around the Country, but not at Northampton e.g. the Palletways Dragon and round balloons and we are hoping that a new shape balloon will also be able to attend.

What special shapes will be flying from the balloon festival? (return to top)

The Palletways Dragon and hopefully another new shape.

Why has the numbers of special shapes reduced from previous years? (return to top)

Special shaped balloons look nice, but they are -

are very expensive to build,
heavy, therefore requiring more crew to operate,
generally quite big, so need larger vehicles and trailers to take them around
take longer to inflate and put away after landing
more reliant on perfect weather conditions for flying and tethering

Generally, large companies as part of their advertising strategy own special shapes. Over recent years, companies have looked carefully at spending and have looked to lighter weight options.

Airbrushing techniques on balloons have given some new and interesting opportunities, which can be seen on the BT balloon. These produce cheaper, lighter weight alternatives, which will still create an impression.

Round balloons are boring! (return to top)

Round balloons may look similar, but when you look at the patterns, the different shapes (different manufacturers produced slightly different shapes) and colours, they provide a great display, which makes up the majority of the 35 or so balloons present over the weekend.

If you think they are boring, have a look for the hidden features that you will find on some of the balloons.

What happens to old balloons? (return to top)

Not all the balloons here are new. Often a pilot will have an older balloon as a first balloon. These are bound by the same regulations as a new balloon, but have to have an annual inspection (like a MOT for a car). The inspection is to check that everything is in sound condition and the fabric of the envelope (the “balloon” bit) has not deteriorated to state that it is unsafe to fly.

Balloons which no longer have a Certificate of Airworthiness and therefore unable to free-fly are donated to groups such as the Balloon Preservation Group and the British Balloon Museum and Library. These can be tethered but not free flown.

These groups also have some balloons, which are airworthy, but the commercial sponsorship has come to an end. In some cases the original sponsor is happy for these to be flown by the group.

Some ballooning terms (return to top)

Free fly – where the balloons take off from the site
Tether – the balloons are inflated and held on the ground by ropes, which are generally attached to vehicles. The balloons may lift from the ground, depending on the length of the ropes, but they will not free fly.
Balloon glow – carried out at night, the balloons are inflated and held on the ground by ropes (similar to a tether). In this case the balloons should stay on the ground. The envelope is lit up, in time to music, using the burners.

How do I find out more about balloons or learning to fly one – (return to top)

www.bbac.org.uk is the website address for the British Balloon and Airship Club.

How do I book a flight? (return to top)

Unfortunately we are unable to offer flights from the site this year, but

Go Ballooning, Virgin, The Ballooning Business and Great Escape Ballooning all operate locally and details of these companies and others can be found on the British Association of Balloon Operators (BABO) website (www.babo.org.uk ).

The majority of companies operating passenger ride balloons are members of this organisation and the website will give you details of where the companies listed fly from.

Tips on Enjoying a Hot Air Balloon Flight (return to top)

If you do get the chance to go on in a hot air balloon, here are some tips on how to get the most out of your flight:

Do ensure you are fit to fly, for example you would not be able to fly with heart problems, back problems, if you were pregnant etc. Please check with your Doctor & flight operator if you are uncertain if you should fly in a balloon
Do take a camera
Do wear layers of clothes it is often quite cool in the early mornings in the UK
Do wear flat and comfy shoes (waterproof shoes are a good idea as grass is often damp in the early mornings)
Do remember the Pilot is in charge of the aircraft, this is important for your safety, please do as you are recommended
Do listen to the passenger briefing which includes safety information and your landing position requirements
Do make sure you are on time – the balloon cannot wait for you
Do smile and wave when you are flying (people can see you)
Do telephone the balloon passenger’s hotline to get up to date information prior to your flight (if that is what your operator requests)
Do take sweets, snacks and small cartons of soft-drink – these can be put in the retrieve vehicle for after your flight… (You are likely to be in the countryside for about 3 hours in total)
Do park vehicles considerately with access and thoroughfares kept clear at all times.
Do not leave any valuables in the vehicles as they will be left behind and you will be driven back to the launch site after the flight
Do bring the family to wave you off (arrange to meet them for breakfast or at a pub after the flight)
Do remember that about 80% of all balloon flights end up with the basket lying on it’s side – this is perfectly normal
Do remember that ballooning is proven to be the safest form of aviation and
Have a great flight