Hot air balloons

In 1783, the Montgolfier brothers launched an 800 cubic meter balloon filled with smoke (hot air) in France. This revolutionary event set France, England, and several other countries in motion. That same year, the brothers launched an even larger balloon with two people on board, who became the first humans ever to experience flight.

Since 1783, balloon flight has undergone remarkable development. For a period, gas balloons were dominant – and they also became the foundation for the development of airships. During the 1960s, a gas burner was developed that could burn liquid propane. This launched the modern technology that has brought hot air balloons within economic reach for the general public as well. Today, flights are made in gas balloons, hot air balloons, and a combination of both. The balloons are still balloon-shaped, but modern construction techniques have also made it possible to manufacture special shaped balloons in virtually all sizes and forms.

A hot air balloon works by utilizing the physical law that warm air is lighter than cold air. By gathering a large amount of relatively warm air, it can begin to lift a considerable weight. A cubic meter of air heated to 100 degrees can lift about 300 grams. By heating approximately 2000 m3 of air to 100 degrees, you can create a lifting force of about 600 kg, which is the weight of a small balloon with gas, basket, and passengers. By using the burner during the flight, the balloon pilot can increase and decrease the temperature in the balloon envelope, causing the balloon to rise and fall. The temperature in the balloon envelope is hottest at the top and typically ranges between 80-110 degrees. The balloon’s flight time depends on how much gas is carried and how much is used. Normally, about 60-80 liters of gas are used per hour. When the balloon pilot wishes to land the balloon, they can slowly decrease the altitude and finally let the basket land on a suitable fallow field or grassland.

A hot air balloon can be controlled very precisely in altitude. It rises and descends using the temperature in the balloon envelope, and an experienced balloon pilot can maintain a balloon within just 1 meter of altitude difference for extended periods. However, the balloon’s flight direction is controlled solely by the wind direction at the balloon’s flight altitude. Therefore, during the planning of a balloon flight, it’s very important to know the wind direction and thus the balloon’s flight path. This is why it’s only possible for a balloon pilot to decide on a launch site once they know the wind conditions on the flight day. At different altitudes, there are usually variations in both wind direction and speed. The balloon pilot can use this by changing the balloon’s flight altitude and thereby influence the flight path. But it’s largely impossible to ‘turn around’ and fly home. Simply put, the balloon’s flight direction can be controlled with altitude…

The typical smaller hot air balloon for about 3-4 people weighs approximately 350 kg. This includes the balloon envelope, basket and burner system, but before the pilot and guests come aboard. It can lift a maximum of 700 kg, which is primarily determined by the volume of the balloon envelope. But balloons can also come in much larger sizes, and our largest passenger balloon weighs, fully loaded and with passengers aboard, approximately 4.5 tons. Of this, just the balloon envelope itself weighs about 500 kg, and we therefore also need many people to help during the setup of the balloon and when we pack it up.

A hot air balloon is divided into three main parts: the balloon itself (which we call the envelope), the basket, and the burner system. The envelope can be made of either polyester or specially reinforced nylon. The fabric has properties that keep the heat inside the balloon, while the balloon’s supporting structure is a large network of strong so-called load tapes, around which the fabric is sewn. The balloon basket is woven from willow, but the supporting structure consists of oak planks and strong steel cables, which are connected to the balloon. The willow weaving has the great advantage of being flexible and strong, making it very suitable for the balloon’s landings. The burner system consists of gas cylinders, hoses, and a large burner that can be activated and, when the gas is burned, can send heat up into the balloon during the flight.

There are at least as many different prices for balloon equipment as there are sizes. A smaller hot air balloon for private use that accommodates 3-4 people can typically be purchased for around 300,000 SEK. As the balloons get larger, the prices increase accordingly. Our largest hot air balloon cost approximately 1,500,000 SEK when purchased new. On top of this, additional costs for trailer, radio equipment, and vehicle must be added. Hot air balloons are an excellent advertising medium, being highly visible in the sky with their large surfaces. It’s common to partner with businesses looking to showcase their profile or message on the balloon, which can help keep costs down.

Modern hot air balloons float because warm air is lighter than cold air. When the balloon is filled, we gather enough warm air to carry the basket and guests. We burn propane gas to create the heat needed to lift the balloon. It’s important to note the difference between a gas balloon and a hot air balloon. Unlike the hot air balloon, the gas balloon uses a light gas to float. At DreamBalloon, we only fly with hot air balloons, not gas balloons.

As a starting point, everyone can fly in a hot air balloon. It’s a relaxed and calm way of flying, which feels more like gently floating in the air compared to other types of flying. This is because the balloon always flies at wind speed, so everything feels completely still.

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all passengers, you should be in a physical condition that allows you to participate in the experience. This means, for example, being able to stand for the hour-long flight and not being physically frail. Additionally, all passengers must be able to understand and follow the instructions given by the pilot and crew.

According to current regulations, the balloon pilot is responsible for the passengers, and ultimately, it’s the pilot who decides if a passenger is fit to participate in the flight safely on the given day.

As a general rule, we don’t offer flights if:

• You are over 12 weeks pregnant on the day of the flight
• You are a child under 130 cm tall (typically 6-7 years old)
• You use a wheelchair
• You have severe walking difficulties or appear physically frail to such an extent that you’re not considered able to safely complete the flight – which includes being able to stand for the approximately 60 minutes that the flight lasts.
• You are intoxicated or appear to be under the influence.

A hot air balloon is a considerably large aircraft. Our largest balloon is a Lindstrand C600 with a capacity of up to 32 passengers. It’s one of the world’s largest hot air balloons, which has previously flown over central Stockholm. Now it primarily operates in Denmark. DreamBalloon has hot air balloons in many different sizes, and the volume of the balloon envelope determines how much weight, and therefore how many guests, it can lift. Our Cameron Z-425 has a volume of 425,000 cubic feet. This translates to approximately 12,000 cubic meters, which equals the volume of 181 40-foot containers. When filled, it stands over 35 meters tall and can lift more than 3.5 tons.