What kind of fuel is used?
Propane, kept in pressurized tanks on the floor of the basket. The balloon carries 30-40 gallons of liquid propane. It is carried under pressure and passes to the burners through flexible hoses. When the valves are opened, the propane atomizes and is ignited by a pilot light in the burners. The flame may shoot out as much as ten or twenty feet, making a loud "whoosh".

How do you get back?
With the help of a chase crew that drives a chase vehicle. This chase crew follows the flight of the balloon (to the extent that the existing roads allow) and should be on hand to make the recovery when the balloon touches down. The chase crew helps pack up and will give you a ride back to the launch site...if you have behaved!

What is the difference between a gas balloon and a hot air balloon?
A gas balloon is completely enclosed and is filled with helium or hydrogen. A hot air balloon gets its lift from heating the air within it.

Do you need a license to pilot a balloon?
Yes. A Balloon Pilot Certificate is issued by the Federal Aviation Administration. You must pass an FAA written examination, obtain a prescribed number of hours in a balloon, make a solo flight and a flight to altitude, pass a flight test and submit a medical statement.