FAQS

• The hot air ballooning company has an unrivaled safety record built on 20 years of safe operations.
• While there are always risks in life and ballooning, the company works hard to reduce the risks through continuous pilot and crew training, using the best maintained equipment, and following strict safety protocols.
• Passengers are briefed on emergency procedures and must follow instructions from the pilot during the flight and landing.
• The company operates under the strict safety guidelines of the Egyptian Civil Aviation Authority, which monitors compliance.
• The pilots hold full commercial licenses and have extensive practical experience.
• For passenger safety, all passengers must be able to enter and exit the basket without assistance.
• The company holds comprehensive insurance coverage, including $2 million in passenger liability per incident or $100,000 per person.
• Many tour companies also require passengers to have their own personal accident insurance to cover ballooning activities, though this is separate from the company’s insurance.

• The hot air ballooning company schedules flights every day of the year, rarely cancelling due to bad weather, visibility, or direction from the Airport Authority.
• Flights are scheduled to take off between 5am and 8am, depending on the time of year.
• This indicates the company has a very aggressive flight schedule, operating daily regardless of weather conditions. While a strong safety record is emphasized, the willingness to fly in potentially suboptimal conditions raises some concerns about their risk management approach.

Typically, hot air balloon operators would be more cautious about launching flights, closely monitoring weather forecasts and visibility to ensure safe conditions. Rarely cancelling flights, even when directed by aviation authorities, could potentially compromise passenger safety.

• The company operates both small and much larger hot air balloons.
• The small balloons can carry a pilot and up to 4 passengers in an open basket.
• The larger balloons have divided baskets, with each compartment holding between 2-5 passengers.
• The most commonly used larger balloons can carry a maximum of 20 passengers, divided across 4 compartments.
• The basket design is meant to be snug, with enough room to take the landing position, but not for walking around, for safety reasons.
• The combination of both small and large balloon options provides some flexibility to accommodate different group sizes. The divided basket design on the larger balloons also helps manage the passenger load and safety.

The snug fit and limited space in the basket compartments is a sensible safety measure to keep passengers secure, especially during landing. Overall, the balloon capacities and configurations seem reasonably designed with passenger safety in mind.

“For their safety and comfort passengers will be required to understand a briefing on what to do in the event of an emergency and to carry out instructions from their pilot during the flight and immediately after landing.”

• This indicates that prior to the flight, passengers are given a safety briefing that covers what to do in case of an emergency.
• The briefing ensures passengers understand the emergency procedures and are prepared to follow the pilot’s instructions during the flight and landing.

Providing a thorough safety briefing is a crucial safety practice for hot air balloon operators. It helps ensure passengers are aware of the risks and know how to respond appropriately if any issues arise during the flight. By requiring passengers to understand this briefing, the company is taking an important step to prioritize passenger safety.

So in summary, yes, you will receive instructions and a safety briefing before taking your hot air balloon flight with this operator. This is an important safety precaution they have in place.

Pilot Qualifications and Experience:

• The pilot is described as a “mature, very experienced and highly qualified professional”, indicating they have extensive training and expertise.
• This experienced, professional pilot uses their skill and judgment to provide the most interesting flight possible within the given environmental and weather conditions.

Safety-Focused Decision Making:

• The pilot carefully considers all relevant safety factors before making the final decision on whether or not to fly.
• Safety is stated to be the overriding priority in the pilot’s decision-
• making process.

Infrequent Cancellations:

• The company notes that cancellations are few, suggesting they have a high willingness to operate flights.
• However, this is balanced by the emphasis on the pilot’s safety-focused approach and decision-making.
• Overall, this paints a picture of an operator that places a strong emphasis on safety, with an experienced, professional pilot who uses their judgment to prioritize passenger wellbeing.
• The low cancellation rate indicates a commitment to providing flights, but not at the expense of safety considerations.
• This approach seems reasonable, as long as the pilot maintains appropriate discretion in their decision-making.

• The hot air balloon flights take off from a designated Ballooning Airport on the West Bank of Luxor, near the temple of Queen Hatshepsut.
• This Ballooning Airport is controlled by the Luxor International Airport Authority.
• This provides helpful context about the launch location and the regulatory oversight involved. Operating from a designated airport facility that is controlled by the Luxor International Airport Authority suggests a level of coordination and safety protocols in place.

The proximity to the renowned Queen Hatshepsut temple also indicates this is likely a scenic and visually stunning launch site, allowing passengers to take in the historic landmarks of the region during their hot air balloon ride.

Overall, launching from a regulated airport facility under the Luxor International Airport Authority’s purview adds an extra layer of safety and legitimacy to the hot air balloon operations. This helps assure passengers that proper procedures and oversight are in place for their flights.

• After takeoff, the hot air balloon will glide between different layers of wind, often at around 1,500 feet in altitude.
• However, the balloon may ascend higher, up to an undisclosed maximum altitude, in order to provide passengers with a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside.
• The ability to navigate between varying wind layers and adjust the balloon’s altitude demonstrates the pilot’s skill and experience. By accessing different wind currents, they can likely optimize the flight path and duration to deliver an engaging experience for passengers.

Reaching higher altitudes, while still maintaining safety, allows passengers to take in the full sweeping vistas of the Luxor region and its historic landmarks. This ability to provide both low-level and elevated perspectives during the flight adds to the overall sightseeing value.

Overall, the described flight profile showcases the pilot’s expertise in leveraging wind conditions and altitude to create an enjoyable and visually impressive hot air balloon experience for passengers. The flexibility to adjust the flight within safety parameters is a positive attribute.

• The balloon flights utilize the wind to propel the balloon, but the pilots actively try to optimize the flight path and rotation to provide passengers with the best possible views.
• This includes showcasing the key landmarks like temples, tombs, and the surrounding countryside, as well as glimpses of everyday Egyptian life from the air.
• The pilots make efforts to rotate the balloon during the flight, giving all passengers an equal opportunity to enjoy the panoramic views.
  The pilots are knowledgeable and engaged, pointing out places of interest and chatting with passengers about the ballooning experience and natural sights they may not be able to see from the ground.
• This focus on maximizing the visual experience for passengers, while also fostering an interactive and educational dynamic with the pilots, sounds like it creates a very enjoyable and memorable hot air balloon ride.

The pilots’ skill in maneuvering the balloon to highlight the key sights, along with their willingness to engage with passengers, suggests a strong commitment to customer satisfaction and providing an immersive aerial tour. This aligns well with the operator’s emphasis on safety and professionalism.

• The advertised flight duration is a nominal one hour.
• However, the actual flight time can range from as little as 45 minutes to up to one and a half hours.
• The exact duration will depend on the specific weather and wind conditions on the day of the flight.
• This flexibility in the flight time is reasonable, as the pilot needs to have the discretion to adjust based on the ever-changing environmental factors. Safety and providing an engaging experience for passengers are the top priorities.

The pilot’s commitment to doing their “best to ensure that the passengers have an interesting and safe flight” is reassuring. It suggests they will optimize the flight time and profile within the constraints of the conditions to deliver the most enjoyable experience possible.

Even with the variable duration, the broad range of 45 minutes to 90 minutes provides a good baseline expectation for passengers. As long as the operator is transparent about this flexibility upfront, it allows them to adapt to conditions without significantly impacting the passenger experience.

Overall, this approach of having a nominal flight time but allowing the pilot discretion based on the day’s conditions seems like a reasonable way to handle the variable nature of hot air balloon operations.

• Wearing a hat or head covering, as well as flat shoes, is advised to ensure comfort and safety during the flight.
• Sunscreen and insect repellent are recommended, as passengers will be exposed to the elements for an extended period.
• Loose, comfortable clothing that allows easy entry and exit from the basket is preferred, avoiding tight skirts or high heels.
• The clothing should also be suitable for protecting against sun exposure and respecting local cultural norms, as the balloon may land in rural areas.
• In colder weather, bringing a jacket is recommended, as it can be chilly early in the morning, but the temperature tends to rise quickly once the sun is up.
• This guidance demonstrates the operator’s consideration for the passengers’ well-being and the practical realities of the hot air balloon experience.
• By providing these recommendations upfront, passengers can better prepare and have a more enjoyable and comfortable flight.

The attention to details like suitable attire and sun/weather protection shows a thorough understanding of the operating environment and a commitment to ensuring a positive experience for all passengers.

The launch site is officially operated and controlled by the Airports Authority, who supervise all ballooning activities in the area.

• If the Airports Authority refuses permission to fly for any reason, the Hod-Hod Soliman operator will not be able to proceed with the flight, even if they are ready to launch.
• Delays in takeoff may sometimes occur due to the Airports Authority’s directives, which are outside the control of the TopLevelBalloons operator.
• During the flight, the pilot must follow the instructions of Luxor Airport, as it is both a military and civil airport.
• This could potentially include an unexpected early landing if required by the airport authorities, as their orders take precedence.
• If TopLevelBalloons has to cancel a flight for any reason, they will provide a full refund to the passengers.
• This highlights the significant regulatory oversight and operational constraints that the hot air balloon providers must navigate.
• The Airports Authority and Luxor Airport have ultimate control over when and how the flights can proceed.

The operator’s commitment to abiding by these external directives, even if it means delays or unexpected landings, demonstrates their responsible approach to safety and compliance. And their policy of full refunds for cancelled flights is a customer-friendly practice.

Overall, these details underscore the complex operational environment the hot air balloon providers are working within, and their transparency about the limitations they face is appreciated.

• After around 45 minutes in the air, the pilot will begin looking for a suitable landing site, typically in the desert or an empty field.
• The retrieval crew will track the balloon’s progress on the ground and aim to be present during the landing.
• The local people in the rural areas near Luxor are usually there to warmly welcome the landing balloon passengers.
• These small-town residents, who seldom encounter tourists besides balloon passengers, are genuinely delighted to meet and interact with people from very different cultural backgrounds.
• In turn, the balloon passengers are granted a rare glimpse into a traditional, simple way of life that is often obscured from most visitors to the region.
• This short period of interaction and relaxation with the local community after landing helps create a truly memorable and “privileged” experience for the passengers.
• This highlights how the balloon flight not only provides breathtaking aerial views, but also enables a unique cultural exchange and personal connection with the local Egyptian people and their way of life.
• The warmth of their welcome and the passengers’ exposure to this rarely-seen side of the country seems to be a highlight of the overall excursion.

The care taken to facilitate this positive interaction with the landing community demonstrates the operator’s commitment to providing a truly immersive and enriching experience for their passengers, beyond just the flight itself.

• TopLevelBalloons carries $2,000,000 in passenger liability insurance.
  They also have third party insurance coverage.
• Full, up-to-date details on the insurance policies can be provided upon request.
• This level of insurance coverage is reassuring and demonstrates the operator’s commitment to passenger safety and responsibility.
• Carrying $2 million in passenger liability shows they have robust protections in place in the event of any incidents or accidents.

The additional third party insurance further indicates their comprehensive risk management approach.

Providing the full insurance details upfront to interested passengers is a transparent and customer-friendly practice. It allows potential customers to thoroughly review the coverage and have confidence in the safety standards of the operation.

Overall, this insurance information helps validate TopLevelBalloons as a reputable and responsible hot air balloon provider, prioritizing the wellbeing of both passengers and third parties. It’s a key component of the comprehensive safety protocols they have in place.

• The lack of a sensation of movement is a key difference from other forms of flight or transportation that many passengers may be expecting.
• This can make the experience feel very serene and “different” compared to preconceptions.
• The high, firm sides of the basket also help provide a sense of safety and stability for passengers, regardless of their comfort level with heights.
• For those who have a strong fear of heights but want to support a companion’s desire to go on the balloon ride, TopLevelBalloons offers the option to follow the flight from the ground.
• This accommodates those passengers who may not feel comfortable being up in the air themselves.
• This highlights how the operator has thoughtfully considered the varied perspectives and comfort levels of their potential passengers.
• The basket design features and option to follow from the ground demonstrate their commitment to making the experience as accessible and enjoyable as possible, even for those with height-related anxieties.

Acknowledging these unique sensory aspects and addressing passengers’ concerns proactively helps set appropriate expectations and makes the hot air balloon ride more accessible to a wider audience. It’s a customer-centric approach that is likely appreciated by those booking the excursion.
Because there is no sensation of movement ballooning feels very different to most people’s expectations. The basket sides are quite high and firm which gives confidence to passengers.

“If you are really scared of heights but a companion wants you to go on the trip with him/her then you can arrange with us to follow the flight on the ground”