The Balloons
The basic principal of The Hot Air Ballooning is simple: Since the hot
air inside the balloon is lighter than the cold air outside, it causes
the balloon to rise. A modern hot air balloon consists of 4 essential
parts: envelope, basket, burner and gas cylinders. The envelope is made
of lightweight, airtight nylon with special coating. The basket is wattled
of willow, just like it was done 200 years ago. The air inside the envelope
is heated with a powerful but quite silent gas burner. The gas (propane)
is carried inside the basket in steel cylinders. Modern balloons can
lift between 1 and 20 passengers.
A real balloon flight is much more than just a simple flight in the
air or a breathtakingly scenic flight – it’s a small adventure.
Passengers and crew gather at the designated take off locations. Together
they get the balloon ready for take off which takes approximately 30
minutes. Unlike an airplane ride, the landing destination is unknown,
because the balloon’s direction and speed depends completely on
the wind conditions. Since the balloon travels with the wind, it’s
always calm inside the basket. The pilot can influence the course of
the balloon by climbing or descending into different currents of air.
The pilot is in constant radio contact with the ground crew, who follows
the path of the balloon and meets up with the balloon at the landing
location. After landing, the balloon is dissembled and stowed in a truck.
Due to the dependency on weather, balloon flights can only take place
safely under ideal conditions and require careful planning. The decision
whether to take off or not quite often cannot be taken until a short
time before the actual flight. In the summers, the flights take place
after sunrise or before sunset, in spring and fall the flights are scheduled
in afternoon hours. Overall, the whole process (Takeoff, flight and
landing) takes about 5-8 hours.
Passenger Briefing
What do we wear?
Dress like you would for an outdoor hike. Long pants and comfortable
footwear like boots or tennis shoes are recommended. Avoid sandals and
shorts, since we could land in open fields (dirt, thorns, etc). The
temperature in the balloon would be somewhat the same as it will be
on the ground, so it is unnecessary to carry extra clothing. Layered
clothing during the cooler months is advisable.
Can I fly if I just had surgery or if I am pregnant?
Ballooning is an active sport requiring medium physical fitness. We
do not fly passengers who had recent bone fractures or surgery within
six months of flight without their doctor's permission. We do not fly
passengers who are pregnant.
Are there any age requirements?
We do not offer flights for children under 6 years of age. Most young
children are scared by the noise of the burner. So be sure to have a
responsible adults watching over the children if they come out to watch
the take off. Children under 12 can fly when accompanied by an adult.
We take your safety very seriously and ask that you tell us if any passengers
in your party are under 12 or over 65 as they will only be flown when
the wind forecast is very light to calm.
About your Flight
Our professional pilots licensed by the Swiss Federal Authority of Civil
Air Transportation operate all flights offered by HB-Adventure Switzerland.
Experienced pilots will operate only new and impeccably maintained and
commercially operated aircrafts and equipments. Insurance coverage according
to IATA convention standards for international civil air transportation
is included. All flights are subject to favourable weather conditions.
Therefore, we cannot take guarantee for a flight to take off at the
designated date and time. Flights canceled due to reasons related to
weather or safety will be fully refunded.
One Hour Hot Air Balloon Flight
| Activity : |
One hour Hot Air Balloon flight Central Switzerland. |
| Description : |
An exiting balloon flight up to 5500 feet above Sea level. |
| Location : |
Zurich, Lucerne, Interlaken |
Included
Services : |
All Transfers from/to Hotel in Zurich, Lucerne or Interlaken, One hour Balloon flight, Non alcoholic Drinks / Postflight Champagne Cocktail. |
| Sales Price : |
EURO 220.00 / CHF 350.00 |
| Min. Pax : |
6 |
| Max. Pax : |
200 |
| Duration : |
Approx 5 to 7 hours from Pickup to Dropoff. |
Two Hour Hot Air Balloon Flights
| Activity : |
Two hours Hot Air Balloon flight Central Switzerland |
| Description : |
An exiting balloon flight up to 7,000 feet above
Sea level including an unforgettable panoramic
view of Switzerland. |
| Location : |
Zurich, Lucerne, Interlaken |
Included
Services : |
All Transfers from/to Hotel in Zurich, Lucerne or Interlaken
One hour Balloon flight
Non alcoholic Drinks / Postflight Champagne Cocktail |
| Sales Price : |
EURO 260.00 / CHF 410.00. |
| Min. Pax : |
2 |
| Max. Pax : |
200 |
| Duration : |
Approx 6 to 8 hours from Pickup to Dropoff |