Ballooning in Czech Republic

A flight by a hot-air balloon is a unique opportunity for a bird´s eye view.

During the flight you discover new places which remain hidden by nature, you can fly just above the tree-tops, float above the surface of ponds or touch a cloud nearby. The hot-air balloon floats calmy in the air and drifts along by wind into the distance.

The main balloon flying season is from April to October. It can fly out of season, but it must be appropriate weather conditions - without precipitation, wind up to 5 meters per second and good visibility.
It flies in the morning or evening - it's because as the sun rises higher and heats the Earth´s surface, there arises a convection, which is dangerous for ballooning.

In the Czech Republic there are several companies that offer balloon flights for individuals and groups, and some ones all year round and all over the Czech Republic.

Offer of balloon flights:
- classical flight in a large balloon above the town Brno, Prague, Pilsen
- sightseeing balloon flights throughout the Czech Republic (Brno, Telc, Mikulov, Uherske Hradiste, Karlstejn, Ostrava, Olomouc, Bouzov, Buchlov, Buchlovice, Konopiště, Kromeriz, Štiřín, Štramberk, Beskydy, Palava, Slapy, ..)
- private balloon flight only for you
- expeditionary flights, sightseeing flight with breakfast ..
Prices per balloon flights vary depending on the number of people in the balloon basket, it is approximately about 5000,- CZK.

A special offer is a captive gas balloon in Prague-Mala Strana. This balloon is fetched by a wire rope and is operated by an experienced operator (balloon pilot) from a platform. Passengers sit in a special seats with seat belts. The seats are fastened in a bar of the balloon and the seats float in a free space, which enhanced the experience of the flight.
It is approved to fly for two people to a height of 80-meters.
It is an adrenalin attraction, which is unique in the Czech Republic and the first of its kind, however, it has been successfully operated abroad for several years. This flight costs approximately 800, - CZK.

The firms also sell gift vouchers for balloon flight.

How to run over the sightseeing flights?
Usually the flight participants meet at the pre-planned starting point. Some companies offer to choose the starting point. It needs only a meadow, a park, a field or a parking lot of size approximately 30x50 meters without high barriers and without traction system.

Preparing the balloon for a flight
Preparing the balloon for flight lasts 15 to 20 minutes. The ballooncrew prepares the balloon covering, balloon basket, burners, gas bottles and other necessary equipment and examines everything. The balloon is stretched on the ground at first, then filled with a cold air. After its good filling the pilot heats the air by the help of the balloon burners. The pilot checks the balloon and invites all passengers on board.

The sightseeing flight usually takes 1 to 1.5 hours. The balloon always flies with the wind, and the pilot is looking for a landing point in the last part of the flight. Balloon is traced from an accompanying vehicle, which ensures the return of passengers, crew and equipment. After the landing it is usually followed a baptism of wind, land, fire and sparkling wine and passengers will receive a commemorative certificate. All sightseeing flight, inc. preparation and the return journey usually lasts about 3,5 hours.

How many people can fly?
In the balloon basket can fly 2-10 persons and a pilot. For children is recommended age for sightseeing flights from 12 years and an adult accompanist is required. A safe course of flight is guaranteed by professional pilots and well-coordinated crew.

How to equip for a sightseeing balloon flight?
In order to be able to fly by a balloon you need nothing special. Put on like when you go on a trip to the nature, there is usually slightly warmer than the earth.

What can be actually seen
Some companies fly in low altitude, about 50 to 150 meters above the ground, others higher about to a height of 1 km. Technically and by rule it may ascend up to 4 kilometers, but from a height of 500 meters you see only a map.
During the flight you can make a photos, shoot and use a mobile phone.