PASSENGER INFORMATION:

AGE: There is no age barrier to enjoying our flights. However, a degree of fitness is required, as we may have to walk through paddocks after landing. There are no seats in the basket - therefore, standing for the duration of the flight (about on hour) is unavoidable.

We do not recommend bringing very small children. The reasons are twofold-the first being the comfort and enjoyment of the other passengers. The baskets are quite small and young children often get restless when in confined areas. The second reason is more practical. The walls of the baskets are four feet high, small children would have difficulty in seeing over, unless carried by an adult (an arduous task for a one hour fight). We do stipulate that an adult must accompany children under 12 years.

WHEN: We take off soon after sunrise. Winds are usually at their calmest then. Winter months provide the most reliable conditions. We fly in the summer, but very early in the morning.

DURATION: Normally we fly for about an hour, but this is at the pilot's discretion, taking into account the winds, temperature and weight carried on the day.

WHAT TO WEAR: Dress as for hiking, including sturdy shoes or boots plus sunglasses, gloves and a cap. It does not get any colder in the balloon than on the ground.

PHOTOGRAPHY: Our advice is to bring more film than you think you'll need. There is so much to see, from an entirely new perspective - you'll want to record it all to relive later.

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WHAT TO EXPECT ON A PASSENGER FLIGHT

Everyone meets at a predetermined spot, usually half an hour before daybreak. After a cup of tea and a short flight briefing the adventure begins. At this time the wind direction is determined and a launch site is chosen. Launch sites are dotted around the valley, so that no matter where the wind is coming from, the passengers are guaranteed a lovely flight.

The actual launch of the hot air balloon usually takes place no more than half an hour after arrival at the launch site. The balloon and the basket are carried in a truck. The basket is laid on its side and the gaily-colored fabric is pulled out of its bag. Flying wires from the "Envelope" are attached, and the whole system is given a "walk around" inspection by pilot and Passengers may assist with the inflation, or stand back and take photographs, whichever they desire to do.

Initially, a large fan is used to direct cold air into the envelope - later the burner is fired, thus heating the air already in the balloon. As the warm air expands, the envelope rises into position above the basket, ready for flight..............a sleeping beauty brought to life. As the balloon can only move in the same direction as the wind is blowing and cannot return to the launch site, it is necessary for the ground crew to follow in a retrieve vehicle. Communication between the pilot and ground is maintained via two-way radio. Flights are usually 45 minutes to 1 hour in duration. At the final landing point, the retrieve crew assist in packing up the envelope and basket. Flight certificate and souvenir packs are distributed to all passengers, rounding off a fabulous adventure. From the start to finish the balloon adventure takes about 5 hours, yet the experience will leave you with warm memories which will last a lifetime.

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HOT - AIR BALLOONING IN KATHMANDU - THE FACTS

HOW BIG ARE THE BALLOONS ? The diameter of most envelopes is 45 ft. to 55ft.; heights from 40 ft. to 90 ft. volumes from 19,000 to 260.000 cubic feet.

WHAT IS IT MADE OF ? Rip-stop nylon, just like parachutes, or the spinnaker on a sailboat. The material is treated with polyurethane to stop porosity and contain the hot air. The basket is traditional wicker, like the laundry baskets of days gone by.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST ? A basic balloon starts around $ 28,000 but can get more expensive depending on art-work or special shapes.

HOW LONG CAN IT STAY IN THE AIR ? Normally about 2 to 4 hours, depending upon the ambient (outside) air temperature, and the weight that is carried. On a cold day with only one person flying, a 4 hours flight would not be uncommon.

HOW HIGH CAN IT GO ? Most balloon flights are around 1,000ft. Record-holders have reached heights of 50,000 feet and up.

HOW FAST CAN IT GO ? As fast as the wind blows. For student pilots it is safer flying in winds up too 8 knots; 15 knot winds are the limit. High wind landings require skill and experience.

HOW DO YOU HEAT THE AIR ? L P GAS, the same as most people use in their homes. The hot air causes the balloon to rise, and then as it cools, it will descend.

HOW MANY PEOPLE DOES IT TAKE INFLATE A BALLOON ? A minimum of three, up to preferable five, particularly if the - wind of over 8 knots.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO INFLATE, DEFLATE AND PACK ? Each operation takes approximately 25 minutes, if all goes well.

WHICH INSTRUMENTS DOES A BALLOON USE ? An altimeter to indicate altitude, a barometer showing whether the balloon is climbing or descending, a compass to show direction, a thermometer which records the temperature in the crown, or top, of the balloon and a Global Position System for navigation. Each propane tank has a fuel gauge.

DO BALLOONISTS CARRY PARACHUTES ? Not, usually. If the burner goes out and for some reason cannot be re ignited, the balloon acts a parachute and descends at parachute speed.

WHEN DO YOU FLY ? Usually soon after sunrise or just before dusk. Winds are generally calm then. Winter months provide safe and pleasant condition for ballooning. Summer heat brings thermal activity, which can be extremely dangerous.

HOW MANY PEOPLE CAN FIT IN A BASKET ? It depends on the size of the balloon, but usually it varies from 2 in sport balloons, up to 12 people in passenger balloons.

CAN YOU STEER A BALLOON ? Generally speaking, no you do not. It goes where the wind goes. It is possible to choose an altitude where the wind direction is the one, which is needed.

HOW DO YOU RETURN TO THE LAUNCH SITE ? The balloon crew tracks the flight and are usually there when the balloon lands. After packing all away on the trailer or in the retrieve vehicle, everyone heads for refreshments.

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