Flying in a Cloud Hopper Balloon

Over the past few decades, hot air balloon flights have become increasingly popular, but there is another way to take to the skies and that it is in a Cloud Hopper.

Cloud Hoppers, or one-man balloons, are small hot air balloons that consists of a harness similar to a parachute harness, a one-person seat and of course, the balloon envelope itself.   The balloon envelope used for a Cloud Hopper, is a lot smaller than a typical hot air balloon, ranging from 14,000 to 35,000 cubic feet in volume, compared with a hot air balloon at 330,000 cubic feet! 

In order for a Cloud Hopper balloon to ascend and float through the skies, it requires a heat source.  This comes from a propane gas cylinder which is attached to a steel frame fitted around the seat.  The burner is located on the frame above the pilot’s head.  The frame, harness and seat are able to rotate independently from the balloon envelope, allowing 360 degree panoramic vision for safe flying and landing of the balloon.  Depending on weather conditions, Cloud Hopper balloons can fly for about an hour and a half. 

Being cheaper to run and faster to launch, Cloud Hopper balloons are often flown for advertising purposes, though many pilots use them for recreational purposes.  Kim Hull, director of Adventure Balloons, a Balloons over Britain member, would often attend various balloon events flying in a Cloud Hopper balloon.  For fun, he, alongside 4 other Hopper balloons,  managed to stack themselves on top of one another.  What a sight that would have been!

If Cloud Hopping seems a little too adventurous for you, you can always take a traditional hot air balloon flight with a fully licensed, experienced pilot.  Simply select a beautiful location to fly and then purchase your flight voucher to experience the thrill of a lifetime!