Facts about Hot Air Balloons

What are balloons made of?

Most hot air balloons are made from a light weight rip-stop nylon or polyester fabric much like parachute fabric. Balloon fabric is coated with polyurethane or silicone to help stop air leaking through. 

Why are most balloons shaped like a tear drop?

The shape of a typical hot air balloon is derived from a set of mathematical equations which reduce the stress on the fabric. The resulting shape, some times referred to as the natural shape minimises the horizontal stress on the fabric. Vertical stresses are carried by webbing tapes which  run from the top to the bottom of the balloon. 

Computer design software can now engineer balloons in almost any shape. 

What fuel does a balloon use?

Hot air balloons use Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) for fuel. This is usually a mixture of propane, butane and some other gases. 

How long does it take to set up a balloon?

It usually takes 3 or 4 people about 20 minutes to get a sport size balloon ready for flight. This includes unloading the basket and envelope from the trailer, rigging and checking the system and the cold and hot inflations. 

Larger and special shaped balloons can take up to an hour to ready for flight. 

How much does a balloon cost?

New 4 passenger sport balloons cost around AU$30,000 (US$20,000). Of course the exact price can vary considerably depending on the options that you want. A special shape balloon costs much more, usually $150,000+. 

How long does a balloon last?

A hot air balloon will usually last for 500 - 600 flying hours depending on how regularly it is flown and how well it is maintained.  

Balloons deteriorate rapidly if they are packed up wet or if they aren't aired regularly. 

A typical sport balloon pilot flies about 50 hours per year so a new balloon should last 8 - 10 years. Commercial pilots fly 150 - 200 hours per year so their balloons tend to last about 3 years.