What you don’t know about hot air balloon rides is the amount of work that is involved in launching a hot air balloon. As with flying a hot air balloon, skill, patience and experience is needed. Air to Air Africa has the unique ability of being able to launch a hot air balloon anywhere in South Africa.

Air to Air Africa has over 23 years and the senior pilot Eddie Jacobs has over 2000 hours of hot air balloon flight experience. To be part of this amazing experience, contact us now on 084 602 3491.

o begin the procedure of launching a hot air balloon, the crew needs to find a suitable launching point. The crew starts by attaching the burner frame to the basket which is then tipped over on it side. The envelope is then unpacking from its bag and attached to the basket. A powerful fan assists to cold inflate the balloon, opening the mouth of the balloon wide enough for the pilot to start the hot inflation. Blasting hot air into the envelope allows the balloon to slowly lift off the ground and into an upright position. Passengers need to board quickly to in order to weigh the basket.

The pilot begins to blast more hot air into the hot air balloon until the required temperature at the top of the balloon has reached approximately 85C. Once the pilot has given a pre-flight briefing and told the passengers the correct safety procedures on landing, the flight can begin.

Air to Air Africa operates 3 large hot air balloons. The bigger of these balloons can accommodate up to 16 passengers. All flights include tea of coffee before the flight at sun rise. Sparkling wine or orange juice is available on landing where you will be transported to a venue for breakfast. Here you will receive the commemorative certificate ensuring the amazing memories of your flight are etched in time forever. 

For information on how you can be a part of this exciting procedure, call Air to Air Africa now on 084 602 3491. Or simply send us an email at fly@airtoairafrica.co.za.

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Tags: hot air balloon flight experience, hot air balloon take off, launching a hot air balloon, pre flight