The average flight altitude for a hot air balloon is from tree top level to 3000 feet. The flight plan depends upon wind velocity, direction and the passenger’s desires.

A hot air balloon is carried by the wind, and thus moves at the speed of the winds. We fly passengers in gentle breezes up to six miles per hour.

Winds determine a hot air balloon’s direction. Balloon pilots can steer a balloon, to a limited extent, by adjusting the balloon’s altitude to make use of different wind speeds and directions.

Hot air balloons operate through the basic principles of gravity and heat transfer. As air inside the balloon is heated, it rises. As the air inside the balloon cools, it descends. To make the balloon fly, an inflator fan fills it with air, which is then heated.

The hot air balloon burners are fueled by propane, which burns clean and is easy to obtain.

Hot air balloons average in size from one passenger to twenty passengers. When inflated a hot air balloon is as tall as a seven story building. Hot air balloons are measured in cubic feet, 55,000 for a sport balloon up to 300,000 for the largest commercial balloon. Grape Escape Balloon Adventures operates hot air balloons of all sizes.

All of our hot air balloon pilots have an FAA certified commercial pilot’s license, with a lighter than air certificate. In addition, several of our pilots also fly fixed winged aircraft. Grape Escape Balloon Adventures Hot Air Balloon Adventure only hires pilots who have a minimum of 1000 hours of logged flight time.