One of the reasons is that we are not franchised. This means that we do not have the overheads of larger companies.

How do balloons work?

Balloons work on the basic principle that hot air rises. The balloon traps a large bubble of hot air which is then heated by the burners. The hotter the air gets within the canopy, the higher the balloon will go. If the air within the envelope is allowed to cool or if the hot air is 'vented' (allowed to escape) from the top or side of the envelope, the balloon will descend. The pilot can control the altitude of the balloon to within a matter of inches.

How big are our balloons?

Balloons are sized according to the amount of air that the envelope section can hold. Therefore a small balloon would hold approximately 30,000 cubic feet of air. This size of balloon would only be capable of carrying one passenger. A balloon holding 240,000 cubic feet of air could carry up to thirteen people.

Floating Sensations owns two balloons that hold 140,000 - 150,000 cubic feet of air and can take up to six passengers each and the pilot.

The balloon envelope is spread out and the basket is laid on its side and is then attached to the envelope using a number of cables. A portable (petrol-powered) fan pushes cold air into the envelope. A propane burner is then used to heat the cold air inside the envelope causing the envelope to rise up into an upright position. With more heat, the balloon becomes buoyant.

Typically, the inflation takes about 15 minutes.

Since balloons travel with the wind, it is not possible to determine an exact landing prior to launch. However, the pilot is able, through the study of wind currents, to determine the general direction of the flight. After approximately 1 hour the pilot will look for an appropriate landing site. The pilot will be looking for fields that do not contain any livestock or crops. If possible, the pilot will try to land close to a road or a track. In the summer after the harvest, stubble fields are a prime landing site.

Since we rely on landowners for many of our take off and landing sites, we do our best to try and avoid upsetting them. During flights the pilot keeps an eye out for livestock and obtain a height that will not be frightening to the animals. Some farmers in association with the National Farmers Union notify us of the location of animals that are particularly frightened by the presence of the balloon. These areas are marked onto our maps so that they can be avoided.

Such areas include pig farms, bird nesting areas, rare breeds, horses, ostriches etc. Sheep are also avoided, especially during the lambing season.

Although the sheer size of the balloon scares many animals, it is the noise of the burners that effects them most. All of our balloons are fitted with what are called 'whisper burners'. These burners are considerably quieter than the main burners that we use.

In general, as long as the balloon has avoided livestock and crops, landowners are quite happy. We always attempt to contact the landowner before driving the retrieve vehicle into a field. If the landowner is not available then we will carry the balloon out of the field.

How do we get home after the flight?

The crew follow the balloon in the retrieve vehicle throughout the duration of the flight. After the balloon has landed you will be offered complimentary transportation back to the launch field in one of our Landrovers.Alternatively, relatives can follow the retrieve vehicles in their own cars and pick up passengers from the landing site.

What do I wear?

Dress as if you were going on a walk in the countryside. Flat shoes and a hat are especially recommended.