Why Cappadocia Region For Hot Air Balloon Flights?
Cappadocia region of Turkey is one of the popular destinations for the tourists. Beside the historical and natural beauties, Cappadocia has good reasons to have a hot air balloon flight. Following reasons make Cappadocia one of the best known hot air balloon flight area in the World. Cappadocia has excellent weather conditions for hot air ballooning. There are roughly 260 flyable days allowing hot air balloon flights in the area. Royal Balloon operates the flights just in the early mornings when the weather conditions are stable, not windy and with mild temperature. The scenery from a balloon over Cappadocia is breathtaking. While soaring between the rock formations and valleys of Cappadocia, you will have plenty of time to enjoy and photographing the scenery.
Why Royal Balloon?
Royal Balloon is a renowned balloon company established in 2010. On the contrary of others, Royal Balloon’s aim is to give ROYAL Class Service, hence the name. Although it is a new company, it is managed by Tourism Professionals who has been in the business for more than 30 Years. Royal Balloon also employs the highly regarded and very reputable pilots of Cappadocia to ensure a first class and memorable flight. The quality of our service is incomparable. At the end of the day, you will return back with a lifetime experience.
When does Royal Balloon operate?
We schedule balloon flights each morning during sunrise all year round.
Who decides cancellation of the balloon tour?
Balloon tours are depending on weather conditions. Turkish Civil Aviation Authority has a Representation Office in Cappadocia that gives approval of balloon flights if the weather conditions are within limits. This applies to all hot air balloon companies in Cappadocia.
What happens if my balloon tour is cancelled due to bad weather?
If there is a cancellation made by the Turkish Civil Aviation Authority (due to bad weather conditions), you can choose to be rescheduled to next morning subject to availability or get 100% payment refund.
Is there any age limit for hot air balloon tours?
As Royal Balloon we unfortunately do not accept children below age of 6. Because of the height of the basket, they will have difficult time to see anything and enjoy the hot air balloon tour. Children below age of 6 may also have difficulties to proceed with the landing position.
How Do Hot Air Balloons Fly?
In a hot air balloon, a gas burner is used to heat the air air to a temperature of about 100°C (212°F). Since hot air is lighter and less dense than the cool air around the balloon, the heated air causes the whole balloon to rise. When the air inside the balloon cools down, or when the hot air is let out, the balloon goes down.
Why Do Flights Take Place So Early In the Morning?
Balloons need stable winds to operate effectively and the hours just following sunrise are the best for finding these winds. Since balloons move with the air, the weather is very important in deciding to whether or not to fly. The pilot chooses a launch site to use the wind currents to fly towards a suitable landing site.
What Are the Main Parts of the Balloon?
Hot Air Balloons has 3 main parts. Wicker basket where passengers stand, the burner which is the fire resource and the envelope which carries the basket.
What Kind of Material is the Balloon Made of?
The envelope is usually made of nylon or polyester, the same type of cloth that parachutes are made of. It is very tightly woven and is coated with a material that makes it very air tight. The nylon is only used to keep the hot air in the balloon. The basket load is transferred by steel or Kevlar cables to a series of vertical load tapes which carry the load.
Why is the Basket Made of Wicker?
The wicker basket has proven to be very strong for its weight and is flexible. The wicker is sometimes woven around a steel or aluminum frame, which helps to support the upright posts upon which the burner is mounted. The top rim of the basket and the uprights are usually padded and covered in suede or leather. Also the weight is critical in balloon flying, the baskets are made of light materials such as wicker, fiberglass or aluminum.
How is the Balloon Inflated?
When the time comes to put the balloon up, the envelope is removed from the bag and laid out in a long line. The burners are attached to the uprights, and the basket is attached to the cables on the bottom of the envelope. An engine driven fan is used to inflate the envelope with cold air. When partially inflated, the air is heated by a burner and the envelope rises above the basket. With further heating, there is sufficient “lift” for the balloon to fly.
What Kind of Fuel is Used For the Burners?
To heat the air, the burners are fueled by propane gas, much the same as you probably use in your backyard barbecue grill. The burners do not run continuously; they are only used intermittently to heat the air to maintain the required lift. In this point we have to aware you that butane can be used for hot air balloons. However cheap butane gas can cause big troubles especially at the burners as being a dirty gas. Royal Balloon just uses clean and safe propane gas although its twice expensive than butane because Royal Balloon cares the safety of its passengers more than ever.
How Tall are the Balloons?
Depending on the weight capacity, balloons may be as tall as 30 meters
(100 feet).
(100 feet).
What Should I Wear?
You should wear whatever you feel comfortable in. There is really no need to dress up. You should wear the type of clothing that you would expect to wear if you be going for a walk the day of the flight. A light jacket is sometimes comfortable in the fall or early spring. Women should wear pants or shorts, and layered clothing is much better than a heavy coat. Shoes should have flat soles, and the majority of top clothing should be made of cotton rather than man-made fibers. Tall passengers may find a hat useful because of the radiant heat from the burners.
Can I Take a Camera?
Yes, there is no problem in taking either a still or video camera with you during the flight. A hot air balloon makes a perfect camera platform and there is always plenty to photograph prior to, during and after to the flight. We do recommend, however, that you have a suitable soft case with you in which to stow the camera during the landing phase of the flight.
How Long does it All Take?
From start to finish, your adventure will last about 3 to 4 hours. The inflation and preparation of the balloon normally takes about 30 minutes. The flight itself normally takes around 60 to 90 minutes. After the flight, the ceremonies take about 30 minutes and travel to and from the hotel will take about another 30 minutes or so each way. The balloons always carry sufficient fuel for at least 2 hours flight time plus a 30 minute reserve capacity.
Where Will We Land?
Good question! The simple answer is that nobody knows, exactly! The pilot will have done flight planning before the launch to ensure that the forecast wind direction does not take the balloon towards an unsuitable area. He will use the different air currents at different altitudes to steer the balloon toward a good landing place. The pilot also closely follows agreements with local landowners. This means that the balloon won't fly too close to livestock or land in areas planted with valuable crops.
How Far Will We Fly?
Again, it depends on the wind speed. Hot Air Balloons travel with the wind and an hour flight can carry it up to 5 kms, sometimes more, sometimes less. Royal Balloon pilots are not keen to make a very long distance flights as there is not really worthwhile scenery if they fly long distance. Our primary aim is show you the wonderful landscape of Cappadocia instead of crop fields. The balloon also flies at different altitudes. Although the balloon is at the mercy of the wind when it comes to direction, the vertical control of a balloon can be very precise. It is not unusual for our pilots to be able to brush the bottom of the basket across the tops of brush, or inches from the ground A leaf or some apricots picked from a treetop is a very worthwhile souvenir of the flight!
How Does the Chase Crew Know Where We Are?
Radios are used to stay in contact with the chase crew.
How High Do Balloons Fly?
Most balloonists enjoy low level flight. The typical balloon flight would be anywhere from tree level to about 900 meters (3,000 feet) above the ground. For Cappadocia Balloon flights, it is not really necessary climbing to high altitudes. For a short time, its good to have panoramic view of Cappadocia then it might be boring. Also most of he time, there are strong air currents in higher altitudes to carry the balloon way far from the most significant areas
What if I'm Afraid of Heights?
Flying in a high sided balloon basket is not like standing in a roof or a high ladder. You don't get that vertigo feeling. It is more like the ground is unfolding beneath you and because you are moving with the wind, there is no wind blowing. The basket does not rock or sway so you can't possibly fall out.
I Sometimes Get Airsick in Airplanes. Is a Balloon the Same?
No it is not. The turbulence which usually causes motion sickness is completely absent in a balloon ride. The flight of a balloon is almost too smooth to describe.
How Do We get back to the launch field or the hotel?
The balloon is followed by a chase vehicle and the crew. They are in constant contact with the balloon pilot by radio and should be at the landing site at the same time as the balloon. Once the balloon is packed away (and the ceremonies are complete) the shuttle will take you back to your hotel.
How Are Balloon Pilots Licensed?
Balloons are registered like any other aircraft and are subject to regular airworthiness checks. The CAA will not allow a balloon to be certified as airworthy unless these inspections and checks are done by authorized maintenance personnel and certified by them. All pilots are licensed by the CAA and have to pass regular flight checks.
Who Controls Ballooning and Ensures Safety Standards?
The Civil Aviation Authority of Turkey controls ballooning with the same strict regulations that apply to airplanes.
How Do You Steer a Balloon?
The balloon goes wherever the wind takes it. However, pilots can seek higher or lower altitudes to find wind currents of various direction. We refer to it as the truest form of sailing.
Is it Cold in a Balloon?
At high altitude, it is colder than at ground level, generally 3.5°C degrees colder for each 300 meters (1,000 feet) of altitude. But during the flight, the pilot constantly uses burners which spreads heat around itself will make you feel warmer. Especially for winter flights we highly recommended to wear 2 layers of socks and thermal underwears.
What Are the Best Conditions for Flight in a Balloon?
A balloon flies better in cooler weather since the hot air gets a better "lift." Royal Balloon flies just after dawn, because there is less wind at these times.
How Does a Hot Air Balloon Differ From a Gas Balloon?
A hot air balloon gets its lift from heating the air with propane fuel. A gas balloon gets its lift from lighter than air gases, usually helium or hydrogen.
Do Balloons Wear Out?
If taken well care of, a balloon envelope should last approximately 500 flying hours. But Royal Balloon aircrafts are specially manufactured by Cameron Balloons & Lindstrand Balloons with highest technology which uses strong, long lasting hyperlife fabrics last 1000 flying hours.
What Instruments Do Balloons Use?
An altimeter to indicate altitude, a variometer showing its rate of climb or decent, a compass to show directions, and a temperature gage to show how hot the fabric is at the top of the balloon. Each propane tank has a fuel gauge, and the burner has a fuel pressure gauge.
