38 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta 2022 Media Guide FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO FLY A HOT AIR BALLOON? Conditions are usually the best just after sunrise and one or two hours before sunset. This is the time of day when winds are calmest and the air most stable. HOW HIGH DO HOT AIR BALLOONS FLY? Most balloon flights occur between 500 and 2,000 feet above the ground. But balloons can fly at treetop level or go much higher. The world record for altitude in a hot air balloon is 65,000 feet. HOW LONG CAN A HOT AIR BALLOON STAY UP? It depends. Normally, the balloon carries enough fuel to remain aloft for two hours, but factors like outside air temperature, weight being carried in the basket, and weather determine the duration of the flight. WHAT KIND OF FUEL IS USED FOR A HOT AIR BALLOON? Propane is the most common fuel, but butane is sometimes used in remote areas where propane is not available. The fuel is carried in aluminum or stainless- steel tanks that range from 10 – 25 gallons in size. The average fuel consumption for a sport size balloon is about 15 gallons an hour. HOW DO YOU GET THE BALLOON BACK? With the help of friends who drive a van or pickup truck. This chase crew is usually in contact with the pilot by means of two-way radios and follows the flight of the balloon (as well as the existing roads allow) and should be on hand to make the recovery when the balloon touches down. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A GAS BALLOON AND A HOT AIR BALLOON? A gas balloon is completely enclosed and is filled with helium or hydrogen gas. A hot air balloon gets its lift from heating the air within. Hot air balloon flights usually last about an hour, while gas balloon flights can last for days. Gas balloon flights require much more preparation for cold weather, high altitudes, and flying at night. Gas balloonists also pack enough food and water for several days. HOW DO YOU ARRANGE FOR A RIDE IN A HOT AIR BALLOON? Reservations for a hot air balloon ride can be made with Rainbow Ryders Inc., the official ride concessionaire for the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. The Rainbow Ryders tent is located near the North end of the field and near Gate 9. For reservations, call: 1-800-725-2477.