The cost of a commercial hot air balloon is around $92,000 – $105,000 . That cost could balloon to $130,000 to $155,000 depending on the type of fabric, design, basket complexity, and burner model.
Why is hot air balloon so expensive?
Hot air balloon rides are expensive because of the massive costs incurred by operating a hot air balloon ride company . The cost of the hot air balloons themselves, fuel, maintenance, and transportation all contribute to these costs. ... You may be surprised to learn that hot air balloon rides could cost much, much more!
How much does it cost to buy hot air balloon?
Buying a hot air balloon can cost anywhere from $20,000 up to $80,000 . The pricing is mostly dependent on the size of the balloon. The large balloons that can fit ten or twelve people all at once are going to be closer to the $80,000 range.
Is it legal to fly a hot air balloon?
A hot air balloon is legally a registered aircraft . To fly a balloon, you need to have a valid Private Pilot’s Licence, which is specific to ballooning. This is issued by the Civil Aviation Authority and known as the PPL(B).
Do you need a license to own a hot air balloon?
Step 2: Understand the Requirements for Your Level of Interest. To pilot a hot air balloon, you must have a pilot’s license , or airman’s certificate, just as you would for an airplane, however a hot air balloon is a different category of aircraft with its own specific set of training requirements.
How long does a hot air balloon last?
The average commercial hot air balloon flight lasts between one and two hours . Naturally, the longer you want to be in the air, the more money it will cost you. There are a handful of options out there that fly for less than an hour.
How much is a hot air balloon ride for 2?
On average, a hot air balloon ride lasting one to two hours costs $150 -$250 dollars per person. Prices vary a little bit depending on your location, normally staying between $120 and $300.
How safe are hot air balloons?
In the aviation world, hot air balloons are an incredibly safe form of flight , and they have become increasingly safe over time. Accidents are uncommon, and fatalities are even rarer. Between 2000 and June of 2016, only 21 hot air ballooning fatalities were reported in the United States.
How high can a hot air balloon go?
How high do hot air balloons fly? The altitude record for hot air balloons is 22,000 feet. To fly this high, you need oxygen and special clothing. A pleasure hot air balloon flight can fly from treetop level to a few thousand feet high .
How many people can fit in a hot balloon?
On average, about six to eight people can fit in a hot air balloon. This is for a standard size hot air balloon, and those numbers would include the pilot as well. Usually, there is only one staff member aboard a hot air balloon.
Can hot air balloons fly over houses?
Balloon pilots can only land on private property if they, or their support vehicle driver, have permission from the property owner. ... Pilots must plan their flight based on forecast meteorological conditions. However, changes in wind conditions could alter the balloon’s navigational tracking from that originally planned.
Can a hot air balloon land anywhere?
Can hot air balloons land anywhere they want? Federal Aviation Administration spokeswoman Elizabeth Isham Cory stopped short of saying pilots can land anywhere. She said a balloon can take off and land as long as it is in a safe area where there is enough room for maneuvering .
How long does it take to be a hot air balloon pilot?
How long does it take to learn to fly a hot air balloon? Most people complete the private hot air balloon pilots training course over a period of 2 to 3 months . During this time they will be involved in a variety of balloon related activities to build their exposure and familiarity with hot air balloon technology.
How hard is it to become a hot air balloon pilot?
The process to become a hot air balloon pilot requires a fair amount of money, time, and dedication. Becoming a hot air balloon pilot can take a few weeks or over a year depending on how committed a student pilot is. There are several requirements to be met, including 10 hours of free flight in a balloon.
How much do hot air balloon pilots make?
Salary Ranges for Balloon Pilots
The salaries of Balloon Pilots in the US range from $34,800 to $147,890 , with a median salary of $76,150 . The middle 60% of Balloon Pilots makes $76,150, with the top 80% making $147,890.
How do I become a balloon pilot?
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- Hold a private pilot license.
- Spend 35 hours as a pilot, 20 of which much be as a hot air balloon pilot.
- Take 10 flights in a balloon.
- Complete 2 flights in a balloon as the pilot.
- Make 1 controlled ascent to 3,000 feet above the takeoff point.
