THINGS PEOPLE DO : THEY’RE FULL OF HOT AIR : And Those Who Like Ballooning Wouldn’t Have It Any Other Way

Maybe it’s the vivid colors and designs, or simply the idea of floating quietly through the air.

Whatever, people have been fascinated with hot-air balloons since Phileas Fogg used one for part of his journey in “Around the World in Eighty Days.”

In the late afternoon, you can look toward Del Mar and see many brightly colored balloons scattered across the sky. The area attracts balloonists because of the wind currents, said Connivon Zweck co-owner of Sky Surfer Balloon Co.

“Del Mar has unique wind conditions that are slow and still enough in the late afternoon. In other areas, winds peak at that time,” von Zweck said. Flying in the late afternoon is also ideal because the sun is less intense; sunlight begins to damage balloons after a certain amount of use.

Because an operator’s actions can greatly affect life and performance, hot-air balloons are usually owned by the pilots, not leased. Von Zweck suggests that beginners purchase used balloons rather than new ones; a balloon has a life expectancy of 300-600 hours depending on material and how it has been maintained.

It is best to buy from an authorized dealer rather than someone who has had a balloon sitting in their garage for several years after losing interest in the sport. Conni and her husband, Tiemo, found out as much when they began ballooning in 1978.

“We went to a private pilot, and the first balloon we bought was very porous. We went into buying a balloon very ignorant,” von Zweck said. “I recommend that a person buys a good used balloon that has 100-200 hours and will still have many good hours after they have their license.”

Balloon systems--including the basket, fuel tanks and envelope--can range from $15,000 all the way to $85,000 and beyond depending on capacity, artwork, and options.

The best way to get started, von Zweck says, is to first be on a chase crew for a pilot for at least two years. By chasing a balloon, one becomes familiar with area roads and access to landing sights, weather conditions and terrain. Also, by communicating with the pilot by radio, one can get an idea of what the actual flying is like.

“If you crew first, you will be a better pilot. When you fly in the the area, you will know the currents, and it will be easier since you’re already familiar. Areas have peculiarities and you learn wind personalty,” von Zweck said.

The crew is instrumental in getting the balloon off the ground. First, the envelope is filled with cold air using an inflater fan. After it takes an elongated shape, the propane burner is lit, lifting the envelope into the air. A non-flammable throat protects the balloon.

An early step to getting a license is passing a written exam. Given by an Federal Aviation Authority examiner, the test covers mainly weather conditions and the specifics of flying and helps give prospective pilots an idea of what they might encounter in the skies. Preparation can be either through book study or a seminar.

Flight instruction can be given only by a commercial pilot. Von Zweck said that when either choosing an instructor or simply picking your pilot for a ride, you should go to a field where the balloons are being launched and watch the efficiency of the various pilots. Also, chambers of commerce can steer people to reputable companies.

A prospective pilot must have 10 hours of flying time to apply for a private license, but von Zweck said that realistically, the period is longer. Most pilots choose to get their commercial licenses at the same time; that process is similar but more difficult and requires 35 hours of air time.

After the instructor gives a student adequate training and signs them off, the student solos until the instructor is convinced of his or her ability. When the student has the required 10 or 35 hours, he may then be tested by an FAA flight examiner.

After passing both the written and flight tests, a student receives the license.

Although Del Mar has perfect conditions for experienced fliers, it also has tight landing areas. Von Zweck said training is best done in Rancho California, Temecula or Perris, where there are wide open fields for launching and landing.

Also, because Del Mar is such a popular flying area, airspace is often tight. That makes it particularly important that safety rules and guidelines be followed. In the past two weeks, several balloon accidents have occurred nation-wide, making people more aware of safety concerns.

“In those accidents the balloon has never been the cause. It’s been the pilot,” von Zweck said.

She is a member of the San Diego Balloon Assn., made up of private and commercial pilots. The association, which stresses safe flying, is self-policing against flying violations such as flying too low, staying up too long and landing at sunset. Association pilots use radios to communicate with others and make sure there are no mishaps.

Every 100 hours or annually, balloons must be inspected and approved by the FAA. The balloon envelope, made of polyester and coated with polyurethane, is put through tests to determine its strength and heat limit. Depending on the manufacturer, envelopes can withstand heat up to 300 degrees.

Each balloon panel is pulled to determine if it will be safe for another year. There is also a test to determine if the pores in the balloon are still sealed. When the fabric becomes porous, it leaks, and fuel will be used more rapidly than normal. The envelope must then be replaced.

All structural repairs, such as patches or panel replacement, must be done by an FAA authorized repair centers. Cosmetic repairs, such as coats of varnish for the basket, can be done by the operator.

“The life cycle of the material depends on the operator,” von Zweck said. “It depends on the frequency of use, the heat it is run at and the time of day it is run. The sun does a lot of denigration to the balloon.”

Baskets, which are made of wicker because it is a forgiving material during landings, have a longer life but one that is also dependent on care and storage.

The balloon system, with the envelope folded up inside the basket, should be covered with a tarp to protect it from the elements. It must be stored outside because of the propane fuel tanks.