Sindbad Gulf Balloons Co. L.L.C - Frequently Asked Questions

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This page contains a collection of the answers to the most common questions people ask about our flights and hot air balloons.

What to Expect ?

Where will we fly ?
We study the prevailing winds at different elevations and select a take-off site that will provide the best flight-path possible. The pilot ascends and descends to find air currents that are moving in the desired direction. Balloons can only travel with the wind, but our skilled pilots direct the balloon throughout the flight and it often appears as if the balloon was steered!

What does it feel like during the flight ?
Once aloft you will not notice turbulence or wind as you become one with the air currents. The basket hangs motionless in the air-mass in which it is suspended. In the calm conditions in which we fly there is nothing that can make the basket sway and the sense of movement is much more subtle than an elevator ride. The feeling is one of peace as we drift over treetops and float over the countryside. Vertigo is almost never experienced and we are always happy to accommodate our passengers if they prefer low altitude flights. Some passengers describe the sensation they feel on our flights as "tranquil" and "romantic" while others describe the flight as "gentle and calm."

Do passengers sit or stand during the flight ?
Passengers normally stand in the basket during flights, however we can accommodate those passengers who need to be seated.

Where do we land ?
We are welcome to land in the many open fields in the area we fly over. Your pilot will begin the gentle descent when he finds an appropriate landing site that is accessible by our ground crew.

What to Bring ?

What should I wear ?
Please dress casually - jeans and flat heeled shoes. Although we usually land close to a road, you may be walking through fields. It is no colder in the balloon than on the ground, yet you may wish to bring a light jacket. Layered clothing is best.

What should I bring ?
Bring your camera and lots of film. Our crew will be happy to take pictures of you in the balloon.

What about the Time and Duration?

When do we fly ?
We fly early in the morning because this time of day provides calm, cool air for gentle and stable flights, soft landings and maximum lifting capacity of the balloon. It is also the ideal time for photography, with splendid colors and contrasts and the beauty of the sunrise.

How long is the flight ?
We are normally in the air for about an forty five minutes ,The whole experience lasts 2 to 3 hours, so you will have the rest of the day to enjoy the many attractions of Luxor.

What about the Wind and Weather?

What about weather conditions ?
Before we fly, we check the weather. We can generally fly with wind speeds up to 10 miles per hour.

Do we fly if it's raining ?
Light rain is not a problem when the wind conditions are stable, although we would not schedule a flight when rain was anticipated as it would add considerable weight to the fabric. Often rain can be associated with instability and unpredictable winds which is actually more disturbing to us as the volume of the balloon is so great. Cloudy conditions often give some of the best conditions for flying although the photographer might be disappointed.

What about the Safety and Insurance?

Is it safe ?
Balloon flight is as safe as traveling on an airliner operated by one of the world's major carriers. The technical systems are very simple and there is almost nothing that can go wrong. Many people who don't like the claustrophobia of an airplane feel very comfortable in the balloon basket.

What about insurance and licenses ?
All of our passengers are insured. Our balloon operation in Egypt (ARE) is licensed as a Commercial Air Transport (License number: 2005/54). We were the fourth private licence-holder for passenger-transport by a Hot-Air Balloon operator in Egypt (ARE) . All our pilots are licensed from the Egyptian Civil Aviation authority. Please feel free to inspect our license and log-books to confirm the legitimacy of Sindbad Balloons? and experience of the pilots.

FAQ's