FAQ

Balloons are produced of durable nylon. Baskets are traditionally produced with cane.

First the crew attaches the balloons (envelope) to the basket and burner. It is then laid out on the ground and the crew begins inflating it with a powerful fan that is placed at the base of the envelope until it reaches a certain level. Then the pilot starts the burner to heat the air. As the air inside the envelope gets warmer, the balloon becomes upright. The balloon is almost ready for lıft-off.

The wind directs them. On the other hand the pilots utilize different wind layers by changing the balloon's height. The direction a balloon takes is not defined in a two-dimensional route, but in a three-dimensional space. Pilots change height by changing the heat of the air inside the envelope.

Guests are keen to enjoy the panorama without missing the delightful details. Thus the flights usually don't take place very high above the ground. Balloons can fly at the height of a tree, but they can also rise up to a few thousand feet if necessary. Pilots pick the best height depending on weather conditions. The limit set by the Civil Aviation Authority is 6000 feet during weekdays and 8000 feet at the weekend.

Flights take place within an area that ranges between 5 - 25 square kilometers. The range is wide, as the speed and direction of the balloon is dependent on the wind. Sometimes the wind can even turn 360 degrees. As a general rule; the higher you fly, the stronger the wind.

An average flight takes approximately one hour. However the real time is dependent on the weather conditions and the availability of landing areas. Our experienced pilots define the place and time of landing by checking existing environmental conditions.

A balloon trip is the most blissful flight experience and one of the best ways to sight-see. You will feel totally comfortable and enjoy each spectacular detail. The differences between the levels of the land and textures are pleasantly visible. There is no other vehicle which enables the traveler to feel so united with the earth and the sky. You may hear the barking of dogs below and the chirping of the birds above… you may even talk to people walking on the road. The perfect silence only breaks off, when the burner is turned on.

You will not feel any disturbance after take-off. The basket remains motionless in the air, while the wind carries you. As we only make our trips in good weather, the motion you feel is not more than what you would normally feel in an elevator. While you float over tree tops and valleys, the only feeling that will arouse in your heart will be an unmatched sense of bliss. A balloon minimizes the vertigo effect, and if it is our guests' wish we will keep our level as low as possible. Most of our guests defined their experience as romantic, while others found it gentle and peaceful.

We strongly advise you to bring your camera. Our crew will also help you to record your special moments. You may also bring your binoculars. Please note that you may need sunglasses as well as a hat during the flight. Do not also to forget to keep an extra jacket or sweater in your pack, as it may be colder up in the air, particularly during the spring and winter.

We prefer morning hours, as at this time of the day provides the required calm weather conditions for an easy take-off and landing as well as a smooth flight. The sunshine is not too strong to bother guests and the light is perfect for capturing wonderful photos and videos. You will be amazed by the spectacular colors and contrasts of the Cappadocia sunrise.

The flying time of the Deluxe Program usually is around 1.5 hours, while the Standard Program takes approximately 1 hour. However, please consider that – starting from the moment we take you from the hotel till the time we bring you back - this program will require a total of 3-4 hours. An early start is also necessary to leave you enough time for other programs for the rest of the day.

Please note that flight availability is totally dependent on weather conditions. A sunny and bright sky is not enough for a flight to take place. We will do our best to realize the trip on the day of your reservation. However, if the weather is bad, we will ask for your understanding and cooperation if we have to cancel a flight. Please be sure that it is the the best choice for your safety and comfort. The final decision for take-off or cancellation is up to the Slot Service Center of the Civil Aviation Authority. They officially announce the daily schedule changes on shm.kapadokya.edu.tr web page.

Balloons do not climb to great heights where you will feel a large change of climate. Besides, the heat coming from the burner generally keeps guests warm. Even the cold winds, which would normally affect you when you are standing on the ground, lose their influence because the balloon becomes a part of the wind.

All checks and audits related to hot air balloon flights, including flight licenses, are initiated by the officials of the Civil Aviation Authorıty of Turkey. All commercial hot air balloon service providers are listed under aviation companies and are certified by the Authority.

We can accommodate almost all persons aged between 6 and 90 who are capable to stand up during the course of the flight, can climb into and out of the basket, and understand and apply safety instructions.

- Persons, who had a recent operation - Persons with severe pain around the middle parts of their body - Women who are pregnant - Persons with fragile bones - Children aged under 6 years old - Persons who require a stick to walk - Persons with mental illnesses - Persons who are not able-bodied - Persons with broken bones - In case you have any hesitations, please consult your doctor

Consider the existing weather conditions. Comfortable shoes with low heels are recommended. Sun glasses, hats and cameras (a must-have) are useful to have during a flight that will be remembered with laughter for a life-time.

- Hot-air balloons are imported products. The materials used in the production have a short life-span. Balloons require continuous maintenance and replacement is a must after a certain period. - Hot-air balloons use propane as fuel. Propane is priced according to changes in gas prices. - Legal licenses require high fees. In order to adhere to Civil Aviation rules, we have to continuously budget for audits, certified equipment, certified maintenance and additional licenses.

In the event of cancellation of the flight due to bad weather conditions, we will make a full refund of any money paid. You may cancel your reservation in writing up to 48 hours before the flight date with no charge, or you can change the date of your flight (subject to availability). 24 hrs before your flight if you want to cancel or any other reason for non-attendance will be regarded as a no-show and you will be charged in full.