ultramagic – Page 2 – Ultramagic Experience

January 29, 2016November 16, 2021

ULTRAMAGIC ALPINE EXPERIENCE 2016

Friday we did as the cherry cake, a very nice flight in the morning where we could take again a wonderful picture (with a good Olympus camera) of the Eiger, Munch and Jungfrau with the ULTRAMAGIC Jaguar/Land Rover balloon

This year we concentrated in Chateau d’Oex. Weather has been quite good up to now, but a little bit strange. Even there is still snow, the temperatures have been quite high and we have flown very comfortable all days.

We have flown the Magic Tekno 70. With 2 people, 3 titanium cylinders of 25 Kg (12.5 gallons). With consumption of 1 cylinder per hour, we have made different flights in the area including flying to Zweisimmen going at 8-9000 feet and with the comfort knowing have an endurance of more than 3 hours.

Finally this Wednesday we could do a really nice flight, heading East with a good speed.

Taking off three EcoMagic balloons together: Sintermetal, Vitogaz and Aconcagua, we did a flight to Silsersee near Saint Moritz. It has been for us one of the most amazing flights over the Alps, as we could fly over the Mount Munch that is between Eiger and Jungfrau.

We could steer the balloon easily and the speed at FL 130 was about 30 knots which is a speed leaving enough time to admire the landscape and it allows to go relatively low over the mountains. Once crossing this wonderful mountains, you have to follow during some time the mountain chain as there are not much places to land because the valleys are narrow and deep with some powerlines on them.

With the EcoMagic balloon you fly with the confidence that consumption will not be an issue. You can go up and down any time if you want reduce the speed to admire better the landscape or go higher to increase the speed or change direction. With the Aconcagua N-180, 3 persons on board, 145 Kg of gas and staying much time at 15.000 ft, we spent 95 Kg of gas in a 6:07 hours flight from 10:05 to 16:12. So still we had gas for at least three hours more, even it had been dark earlier. Basket was C-10 and double MK-32 with one side vapor+oxygen pilot light. Even was not necessary, we like to test the equipment when possible. The radio+transponder worked perfectly and Ultramagic Flightpack App allowed the retrieve to be there in a reasonable short time, besides making easier the navigation.

Landing was in lake Silsersee. We arrived to the valley some km south and we could follow the valley heading Northeast to land finally in the middle of the frozen lake. Before landing , as there were some people walking over it , we could ask them if ice was enough thick to support the balloon. Recovery till the main road was done gently by a snowmobile.

Dinner in a nice restaurant besides the lake and returning after directly to the apartment closed this memorable flight we will keep forever in mind.

Some nice pictures in the Valley of Chateau d’Oex

March 19, 2015November 16, 2021

FULL SOLAR ECLIPSE IN SVALBARD

20 MARCH 2015

Finnally the full solar eclipse. We were ready this morning, after checking again the weather forecast and seeing that was a similar weather from yesterday, we decided to start near Longyearbye in the Adventalen Valley. Also as we had to carry the 360 º GoPro 6 cameras and the rest of the team had no snowmobile, has been the best option.At 9:30 we were ready for inflation, but our decision was to take off at 10:30, so we have been waiting for some time, even is difficult when you have good weather and think that maybe later will be more windy. Anyway at 10 we start the inflation and at 10:20 we are ready to take off. With all equipment ready, we take off at 10:30 and we climb slowly to 3000 ft. As we are near the airport , we comunicate with the tower, even we do not expect big planes taking off or landing. All people is waiting already for the eclipse.

At 10:50 , as planned we start to climb to 10000 ft, previous authorization of the controler of Longyearbyen airport, because this was the planned altitude to look at the full eclipse. We climb slowly because the small 42 balloon with 3 persons on board and 2 x 30 Kg cylinders, even the cold temperature (-20 ºC in the ground) , does not permit to climb fast.

Landscape is wonderful , but when it comes the full eclipse, we are all three astonished. Nobody talks and we all try to keep in the deep memory this 3 minutes that we can’t stop.

It has been a happy day for us and we are conscious of this privilege. This incredible sight we will remeber forever. After finishing the full eclipse, we think again that we have not excess of propane and we need to finish to pass the mountains to make an easy retrieve. So we stay still high enough to have a good speed and direction and looking at the nice landscape.

When we are already over the valley, we descent and wait or sme minutes flying near the ground to savour a little bit more the flight with this landscape. With 12 % on each bottle after 1 hour and 35 minutes, we land safely with Jacob, our guide for all this days on the side.

It has been a very special experience that we will remember forever.

19 MARCH 2015

With a good weather forecast with wind from the north, we decide to go at half way from the valley of Adventalen to the valley of Reindalen. Visibility was perfect and it has been a good test for tomorrow during the eclipse. Today we could manage to fly over some mountain and also to fly near the ground in the valley without the problems from yesterday. As we had a good sunshine, there were some shadows that were helpful to see the distance from the ground. So no problem to fly low, even the power from the burners was low because we did not pressurize. With a 42 and the new burner was good enoug to have power also for a distraction, that there wasn’t today. A lot of filming, pictures, etc. because we had time to fly and admire the landscape with all the beautiness of this area. The retrieve were below the balloon before we landed, so it was an easy exercise today because the forecast was accurate to the reality. Let’s hope tomorrow is similar. We have already planned the flight for tomorrow and we hope we can be in the air during the full eclipse.

18 MARCH 2015

Arrived yesterday afternoon to Longyearbyen with all equipment as passenger luggage, today we have had the pleasure to make our first flight in Svalbard. Arrival here with all equipment, has been complicated, but we succeeded. So yesterday after being installed in the appartment, we went to fill our 2 x 30 Kg cylinders of propane. Here propane is expenive as it has to be brought from mainland and at this time of the year, very few ships are coming. So the M-42 Double layer top 40 % was the right balloon to bring. At this temperature (minus 20 ºC) we thought we could fly with the 2 30 Kg cylinders and 3 persons on board. The Tekno CT-01 (0,8 m x 1,00 m) with the cylinders outside was our choice and after the first flight, we think it was a right decision.

The wind today was forecasted to not be strong, so anytime could be good, but at around 12 was expected to have poor visibility and in fact it happened.

We moved with the snowmobiles to a big valley south of the town, so not to disturb in the airport and also to have a wide nice area to fly. Counseled by Jacob , our tour guide who has solved several important points so we can fly, we drive to Nordenskiöld Land National Park . We prepare the balloon with some wind and we fly. It looks simple, but really we were lucky that the day after arrival we are flying with the balloon in a wonderful valley. It has been a flight so our guide knows how works the balloon and also we get familiar with the landscape and the balloon.

We could not find the appropriate conection for the nitrogen tank, so as we had already tried already in Switzerland the new burner MK-32 without presurization and worked quite well, we decide to fly anyway. With a small balloon M.42, we do not need much power, but flying at this temperatures, you need a minimum power that has been proved to be safe.

It has been a short flight of about half hour and we had the time to admire the special landscape of this latitudes. We were very happy to be flying here and we consider it as a privilege we can do and lucky enough to meet with the good weather.

Angel and Miquel from Kon-Tiki have a good experience also as they have flown in Greenland and advised specially to be carefull with the altitude as it is very dificult to know the distance when you are near the ground. Even that, because the visibility was not good, we had a ground touch without advertising any of us and taking it as a bad surprise. Fortunately all was OK and we continued our flight without problem. We asked the snowmobile to be near under the balloon and it worked well, but at the landing, which was a little windy, again we hit harder than expected, but at least this time we were all ready.

It has been a good test as with 3 pax on board with the 42 we just spent 20 Kg of gas including inflation, so we think we can do, weather permitting, longer flights in this wonderful laandscape.

March 13, 2015November 16, 2021

FULL MOON NIGHT FLIGHT OVER PYRENEES

On 6th March 2015 we have done a night flight over the Pyrenees with full moon. This has been a very nice experience that has taken some time to prepare. In fact we were in the same place, Vall d’Aran one month earlier and we discarded the flight. The reason was too windy and even was possible to fly we thought the time over the Pyrenees had been too short to enjoy.

So one month later, this last Friday 6th March 2015 , we go back again. As we had all work till late, we decided to go direct after dinner at home, without much sleeping.

The Valley of Aran is not very wide, so powerlines, river and villages do not leave much places for take off. Also we did not like to disturb too much the people sleeping as with the fan starting at 4:15 is not nice. So it took us more time than expected to find the right spot to take off, but it had it’s premium. A nice snowed field enough far to not disturb the night to villagers in Arties. Also was enough big in case of changing the wind direction some degrees. So we had time to prepare well the take off. We were all excited and after being all ready we started the flight at 4:41 a.m. . As the wind was not strong, we could manage to go a little down to the valley approaching Vielha looking around as we were climbing gently. The landscape was wonderful and the pictures do not show the clarity we had on our eyes with the full moon and the snow reflection. This has been a mistake to not repeat. Before we need to prepare the cameras and take some shots at distance, so we check the pictures are good enough. Anyway we were climbing steady at 4 m/s until we had clear any rotor could not take us on the mountains. At about 3500 m we level the flight and we look at the beautiful scenary having the Aneto and Biciberri not far at our right and other wonderful mountains and lakes around. We took off with the Adriatic M-105 balloon with double layer up to 40 %, so with 6×25 Kg titanium cylinders, we knew we should not have any trouble for the consumption.

After passing the Pyrenees, we start to climb to high altitude up to 21000 feet to test the new MK-32 burner. One side of the burner with the pilot light on vapour and oxygen and the other side with the standard liquid pilot light. All went perfectly, though we had to descent fast as we were approaching the TMA of Zaragoza , and still no radio contact with Barcelona tower. Before entering TMA we could contact and put a transponder code, so we were well controlled during the rest of the flight.

Sunrise was another beautiful scenary. As you are high, you see a very large horizon with light. Very few clouds started to appear in the Pyrenees , but we could do the flight out of clouds when we were over there, so the light of the moon over the snowed mountains was incredible.

Balloons have this interesting particularity: You never repeat a flight. This makes all flights very challenging and surprising, as you have to change your mind many times and improvise according the new situation. That is part of the balloon appeal.

We could see the smoke of some factories not too horizontal, so we were expecting a nice landing. Fortunately we could find a good place near a highway exit, so the retrieve was not too late to arrive when we landed at 8:39. With a 105 climbing at more than 6000 m , and remaining more than 1 bottle of 25 Kg, so with a consumption of 125 Kg including inflation, we think was a good performance for the balloon. Adriatic M-105 is the recycled envelope form the older Aconcagua N-180 after being found in the Adriatic sea 10 days after sea landing. But that is another story.

March 3, 2015November 16, 2021

CATALONIA TOUR 2015

Week from 23rd to 27th February has been organized by Kon-Tiki a Tour by Balloon in Catalonia for some of its best scenaries .

The weather has not been very helpful, but Angel and Miquel have squeezed their knowledges to profit it at most. So it has been a memorable week with 12 participants from different parts of Europe that have enjoyed this fantastic flights through out the country.

Thursday 26th February

Tuesday and wednesady have been relax days. Too windy to fly. As the group was in Ager, the teams profited to do some walking excursions around.

Morning of 26th weather forecast is good and the direction interesting to follow some of the natural corners of the area. We missed enter the canyon, but most of the balloons they did. It is a very deep natural gorge with high walls both sides, so you need to be careful when entering. After passing Ager area, we decided to continue as we had enough gas (2×40 Kg+ 1×20 Kg) with the double layer Aconcagua balloon to make a long flight. So we could arrive to Igualada in 4 hours and 10 minutes and could avoid returning by car. A very nice flight that I am sure all pilots enjoyed.

Monday 23rd February

After an evening dinner all together on Sunday, we get up early in the morning to fly in Cerdanya because in this area the weather forecast seems good enough. We had a pleasant preparation and take off and with a nice speed and direction towards the coast at approximate 120 º direction, we fly over a part of the Pyrenees and nice landscapes till near the coast. When you fly at 5000 m and ground is at sea level , it takes about 20 or 30 minutes, so at a speed of 80 Km/h if you start your descent 5 minutes late and you want to land near the coast, maybe you are in the water. To be on the safe side, we start our descent about 20 Km before the coast line, and when we see also that the smoke near the ground is going inland, we can be sure we will ot end on the sea.

January 26, 2015November 16, 2021

FESTIVAL INTERNATIONAL de BALLONS, CHÂTEAU-D’OEX

31 January

As we were approaching Saturday, the weather forecast was improving for the morning. We had decided to leave already on Saturday, because Sunday again is to have snow, so we took the M-42 Double Layer to make a short flight in the valley. The morning has been wonderful and with a clean sky we took off at 9:30, so we could descend on the valley to Gruyere. As was all so snowed, the landscape is incredible. We pass Montbouvon at a nice speed as usual, avoiding the rotor in the neck bottle. Then we go up to check if the winds not too high were enough to fly to Zweisiemmen. As we were with a small balloon and I did not want to overheat, we went up just 1500 AGL but we could not get the wind enough fast to go back. Together with the intention to go home same saturday, we decided go down again and land in Grandvillard. Retrieve was already advanced there using the flightpacktracker, so we could pack all and leave just when started to snow again around 3 p.m. One hour and half with a 42 with 2 people and still half of the 70 Kg gas we took on take off, is a good performance for so small balloon in this conditions.

So the week in Chateau d’Oex was finished. For the bad forecast we had previously, at the end we managed to do 5 flights all with particular interest , so we were satisfied to have come again to this magnific winter event.

28 January

Finally we have had a nice day. Medium clear sky and not much wind. With a good forecast, we decided to take again the Vista basket with the Aconcagua N-180 envelope. So we could stay in the air with four cylinders as much as we wanted. Again testing burner, also a new instrument that will soon come out and practicing again with the Vista basket, was an enjoyable flight. The first idea was to go down to Gruyere and then with the upper winds to go to Zweisiemmen. The catabatic winds did not take down the valley, so we stayed for some time around Chateau d’Oex and once we could know the different winds, we decided to go high and move East to Gstaad. Playing up and down and looking at the time left, we decided anyway to arrive to Zweisiemmen which we did easily following the valley from Saanen. The track shown does not arrive to the landing point as I had it set for “short” flights, so you do not forget to stop it after landing. For long flights you can set the track not to stop and then it had been the full track. We landed with some wind , so I put the basket backwards and we had a nice landing near the Heliport. A comfortable flight with nice landscape, music, champagne, some biscuit with salmon and serrano ham made the day very enjoyable and worth the trip from Igualada.

With the Flightpacktracker, I could see also the balloon of Chris in the team umalps, so it helped to know each other the winds at different altitudes looking at both tracks. By the way, soon available in Ipad and Iphone as we are already beta testing.

After a 3 hours and 58 minutes including inflation, with 3×40 Kg + 1×30 Kg tanks we landed still with a lot of gas that could keep us up for another 3 hours. It’s quite comfortable to know that you can fly without being worried for the cgas, but only for geting dark and if not possible to land in a place, still have gas enough to climb and get into another valley (weather permitting).

27 January

Weather unstable, so we decided again to use the small M-42 balloon double layer for the flight. The winds were good so we could manage a nice flight going first down to Les Moulins and after going up, to follow direction to Rougemont and Gstaad. We did a flight of 1 hour and 40 minutes taking of and inflating with a 1×40 Kg and 1×30 Kg. We still had gas at least for another hour, but as we were near Gstaad we decided to land after the aerodrome of Saanen in a nice field. The snow was high and we could not enter with the car, but with the light Tekno basket and a M-42 was not a problem to put all back in the car.

26 January

With the snow starting to fall just after the briefing, we decided to fly with the M-42 with 50 % double layer and the Tekno 50. We have taken 2 cylinders (1×40 Kg + 1x30Kg) and we have flown for 48 minutes as we had to land before Payerne because it is a military area that were training with drones today. Not a good place to be around with a balloon.

It has been our first time to fly snowing, but we felt very safe. Not much wind and with the clouds in the top of the mountains was a good choice to have a small balloon. With 2 persons, including inflation we spent 20 Kg. which is not bad. So we landed with enough gas to fly for 2 hours more at least.

We could drop quite well the marker in the target of Les Moulins, but we forgot them in the Vista basket. Next time we will be more aware with the checklist.

After Montbouvon in the valley to Gruyere, the wind increased, but we had the chance to get a nice field. We forgot to keep the radios, so were with some snow afterwards as we dragged some meters on the snow. An interesting flight profiting what was possible to do today. We expect bad weather tomorrow, but will be at the briefing in case forecast changes.

24 January

First day and a nice flight with the Vista basket on a M-145 double layer envelope. Passengers enjoyed the flight because were very comfortable and at the end we could do a nicer flight than expected. We climbed at 1200 m AGL having a nice view of the mountains, even was not a sunny day. We had cava on board for the passengers and a couple of biscuits with smoked salmon and “bellota” ham. Pilot had to wait for the brindis with the passengers after the landing.

We went down the valley and after climbing and going backwards we could manage to fly again over the launch field. A soft landing over the snow with light winds, permitted to carry the basket with the balloon inflated on the trailer.

A precise organization as we are used to have here, with excellent information on weather, traffic control, etc. which all pilots apreciate when coming.

January 17, 2015November 16, 2021

DOLOMITI BALLOON FESTIVAL 2015

We have participated again in this wonderful event. We arrived Wednesday 14th January in the evening ready to fly next morning, weather permitting. We knew that on Saturday the weather forecast was bad, so we were ready to profit the next days.

15^th January

After a morning briefing prepared by Gunter Binder for the meteo, a group of friend pilots was ready to fly in the valley and some across the mountains.

We agreed with Ramses Vanneste he would fly the Aconcagua N-180 with 40 % double layer and we would fly the Adriatic M-105 also double layer profited from the previous Aconcagua….

We did a nice flight of just about 100 Km because the next valleys were foggy with few possibilities to disappear during the afternoon. Anyway was a flight to get in place with all the equipment and trying also prototype burner in altitude and different combinations.

With the M-105 we flew heavy as we were three passengers, quadruple burner, 3×40 Kg. cylinders and 1 of 30 Kg, oxygen, equipment, etc. and climbing up to 5000 m. We could not climb higher because we had no clearance from Wien airport. Anyway it was a good flight and we were all back at 8:00 p.m. for dinner after a 2:56 hours of flight. Consumption was 100 Kg. including inflation which was not bad for high climbing and a little heavy loaded balloon.

16^th January

At briefing we were told conditions were good for long distance flight. Other pilots had been flying already several alpine flights, so we were the only team ready for a long distance flight. As we were told maybe bad weather could arrive in the afternoon, at 10:10 we took-off, this time with the Aconcagua balloon. We did send the flight plan and talk by telephone with Milano airport and after TO and trying to reach altitude directly, we started moving fast NE, so after trying during the climb to contact Milano, we were already in Austria. We contacted Wien Airport and we were told to stay maximum at FL 145. At this altitude we were drifting 60 º at a speed of 100 Km/h . So we were happy to be there as we were seeing, even that area was covered, that we could reach easily out of the cloud area in less than an hour. Unfortunately my transponder batteries were not well charged and we had to stay below FL 145. In the other hand, was enough height to not get the turbulences of the mountains, and after one hour we could admire a very nice side of the Alps. We kept flying until we could find a good spot for landing. That was after 270 Km and 4 hours flight which was enough to enjoy a fantastic flight together with Josep and Darwin. This time we knew we had more than enough gas :3 x 40 Kg + 1×30 Kg. We spent 80 kg (2×40 ) in the 4 hours flight including inflation, so we had remaining 70 more Kg, which means 4 hours more at least. More than we could need before sunset. We could have made a very long flight, but we did the best part in the Alps, so we were very satisfied of the flight. We waited the retrieve having a nice lunch in the nearby village Halltal after a ride given by a friendly villager.

We were back at Hotel Rosengarten in Dobbiaco at 2:00 a.m. As the weather forecasted for Saturday unfortunately was correct, we decided to come back home same Saturday.

Congratulations to Ramses Vanneste brilliant winner of the Dolomiti Balloon Trophy as his team flew 330 Km last Monday.

June 29, 2014November 16, 2021

SECOND FLIGHT IN JYVASKILA

Last night we did a second flight in central Finland. It has been very different from the first one and again very interesting. We were fortunate to see the sun in the sunset and in the sunrise. The colours of the sky and in the lakes were wonderful and here are some pictures to show them. We recommend to go some time to fly in Finland as it is very special. Few power lines, not much air traffic, big wilderness , and an amazing countriside. Don’t think all is the same because landscape varies quite a lot and flights are challenging you to decide when and where to land.

Today was a little warmer and we were loaded heavier. We were carrying 230 Kg of gas and flying 3 persons heavier than the day before. Even that, we spent in the Aconcagua N-180 170 Kg. without inflation flying 8 hours and 7 minutes. That’s a different flying when you burn after more than one minute.

Here finish our Finish Experience. Thank you to Markku Sippinen and all his team that made possible this amazing story. We will come back again to fly in this wonderful country.

June 28, 2014November 16, 2021

AFTER A GOOD REST

Flight has been wonderful. There was not much wind, so we did not a long distance, but 7:30 hours flying over Finland landscape is very special.

The balloon was flying light, so consumption was good. We spent including inflation, 140 Kg. of gas. We were 3 pax on board and with 200 Kg of gas, so for sure we could fly for another 3 hours. It has been a very nice experience. All “night” with daylight , even the sunset. After more than 20 km without a spot in the forest (we were not looking for it), we found a good one that you can see in a picture.

Now we had a good sleep. Still not sure we fly again tonight, but we are ready. Depends also on meteo forecast.

June 27, 2014November 16, 2021

FINLAND LONG ENDURANCE FLIGHT

Long endurance flight in Finland. 2 balloons: Aconcagua and Meyer. It is 1 am and we can still enjoy daylight.

February 2, 2013May 19, 2021

BACK HOME SATURDAY 2ND FEB

Today we got up snowing. Forecast was more snow during the day and just a possible window to fly on Sunday. As it was just a possibility, we decided to return today home.

Yesterday was raining all the day, so we had a good rest day visitin Chateau d’Oex and Gstaad and buying some of the excellent Gruyere cheese from the region.

With the Flight on Thursday, we close the season in the Alps. Here just one picture taken from the Sinmetal Double Layer balloon. To fly in the Alps with the Aconcagua balloon is a pleasure.

February 1, 2013May 19, 2021

LONG DISTANCE FLIGHT FROM CHATEAU D’OEX TO FERRARA

We have been very lucky. Arrived evening 30th and next day very good for long distance.

Thanks to Stefan Zeberli and Chris Meyer that were preparing the Flight that evening, while we were looking the football match Real Madrid-Barcelona, we had the chance on the 31 to make a wonderful Flight.

We had a nice speed of 50 Km/h at 10000 ft and up to 120 Km/h when flying at FL 170. So as the speed was high we had to mantain a bit separate to avoid turbulences.

We flew together with Sintermetal Double layer balloon for 3 hours while crossing all the mountains. We had the oportunity to see quite well Matterhorn (Cervino), Monte Rosa, Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau a little further and Mont Blanc quite far, but with good visibilty due to an excellent clear morning.

Here are some pictures that speak for the Flight. Help first from Chateau d’Oex, and trafc control from Switzerland and Italy made the Flight very pleasant as also temperature was quite high (just -10 ºC at 5000 m). Also Chris and Stefan from the other ballon were opening contact with controlers, so I was not so busy with that.

Again radio and transponder worked well, so it makes much easier the Flight. Unfortunately the new yellowbrick GPS was stoped after Milan, when we were still flying, I need to check what happened.

The descent was easy, but we had some fog for the last 300 m close to the ground. As it was not windy we could descent very slowly , knwing by the GPS Compegps the ground altitude all the time, so the distance to the ground.

We flew 4 hours and 20 minutes, spending 130 Kg of gas including inflation. 5 persons on board and 160 Kg of gas. So we left gas at least for another hour. We could approach moret he coast, but past experiences decided us to descent a little far from the coast.

Weather forecast for 1st and 2nd February seems not good, but we will wait and see.

January 17, 2013May 19, 2021

NEXT FLIGHT IN CHATEAU D’OEX ON 30 JANUARY

Weather forecast for today was bad, so we decided to go back home. We had 4 wonderful flights and we will come back the last days to the Semaine des Ballons de Chateau d’Oex to fly if weather is good enough.

January 15, 2013May 19, 2021

FLIGHT FROM FILZMOOS TO EAST LINZ

Briefing at 8:30 and forecast good to make a a Alpine Flight. So we prepare clothes, hook the tràiler and go to the launch field. We got stocked in the snow and after trying during some time to move from there, finally we got the help of several friends and could move to a spot to inflate the balloon. Wind was down to the road ad we had a power line behind far enough we thought. Balloon is inflated with no wind and when we were almost ready to take off a strong gust oposite to the direction of inflation, approached us to the wires. Fortunately again with the help of several people we could fix te balloon after it touched the power line slightly. No damage, so we took off as soon as we could to avoid any other gust.

Scenary was wonderful and much more clear sky than we could expect. So with this nice mountains we start to drift North. To stay some more time over the mountains, we climbed up to FL 125 after got authorization of Wien Info, so we changed direction to about 40º.

We stayed for 2 hours at this level to arrive East of Linz, so we crossed the Danube river when it joins with Enns river.

We had most of time clear sky and also mostly we could see the ground n the direction we were going, so we were flying very comfortably all the Flight. Dark color in the picture is the shadow of the higher clouds.

After passing the Danube, we started our descent and fortunately near the ground was calm. When approaching for landing, some unexpected gust changed sudenly the direction 180 º. We were aware, so it was not a problem and we could land safely in a big field. Retrieve arrived just after packing the balloon, so we could go alltogether to have lunch in a nearby restaurant.

Consumption after a 2 hours and 34 minutes flight with 5 persons on board and 180 Kg of gas was 52 Kg. Always including inflation and waiting time.

Afternoon was to drive back to Salzburg to have th time to visit Hangar 7 and after have a nice dinner with Rudolf Schneider and family.

January 14, 2013May 19, 2021

Snow in Filzmoos- No flight

January 13, 2013May 19, 2021

DOBBIACO TO FILZMOOS

Today we travelled to Filzmoos. Snow has fallen this last days here , so now all around is white.

During the evening we participated in the nightglow with a Tekno thanks to Rudolf Schneider. That was much easier and more bright because Aconcagua balloon is opaque.

January 13, 2013May 19, 2021

LONG FLIGHT FROM DOBBIACO TO SOUTH ZAGREB

Track was cut during the flight. This is the complete one but you can’t interact.

The forecast for tomorrow is not good and also we will be travelling to Filzmoos. So we decided today to go for a long Flight.

Main direction has been from 300 º, and we have pointed to go Ljubljana and further if conditions were good.

We have crossed a very nice part of the Dolomites approching some sumits because wind in lower altitude was about 10 knots. So we took our time to do this wonderful part of the Alps

After contacting Padova we requested permit to climb to FL160 and we have been authorized. The speed at that altitude was about 45 Knotts so it was enough to make a long distance Flight.

We have stayed at this altitude for several hours, crosssing Slovenia and entering Croacia. Radar and Info controlers from Ljubljana and Zagreb have been very kind to not put any trouble to our requests.

After admiring for some time the cover of clouds, we could see the Adriatic Sea at some distance to not forget a past experience 2 years ago.

We have started the descent near Karlobag and we landed in a very nice village called Lesce where we found much expectation for the ballloon arriving. People has been very kind to help packing the balloon and translating to the Police about what were doing there passengers from Barcelona and Japan.

Retrieve took some time as it was a complicated landing point. We arrive late in Dobbiaco thinking we have profited well this 3 flight days.

Today we flew just 3 persons: Masa Fujita, Jaume Ordi and myself and consumption has been 100 Kg. For a 4:50 hours Flight. We flew very light but we stayed for moret han 3 hours at 5000 m, so performance were good with Aconcagua Balloon. We landed still with 80 Kg. Gas.

January 11, 2013May 19, 2021

DOBBIACO DAY 2

Today we had another wonderful flight. Windspeed about 25 knt (40 Km/h) and direction 310 º above 100 FL.

Most of the flight has been sunny, so we had a view of the mountains all around. We took off flying low for some time to go East and after we climbed to take this 310 º. Landing near Udine and easy retrieve as we were back to Dobbiaco at 7 p.m.

We were 5 on board with 180 Kg. of gas. Flight time 3 hours and consumption including inflation and half hour waiting to take off was 70 Kg. Still plenty of gas at landing.

Here are some pictures that speak better of the flight.

Can you find the balloon?

We had some time to celebrate with a cup of cava

January 10, 2013May 19, 2021

ALPINE FLIGHTS 2013

This year we participate again in Dobbiaco / Toblach for some days. This is a very nice event with very experienced pilots participating. They already made some excelent flights and today we did a long valley flight. We flew for 2 hours and 45 minutes with Masa Fujita, Satoko Fujita and Yudai Fujita together with Josep Punti. It has been a quiet flight to get organized after a long trip yesterday of 18 hours coming from Igualada.

Flight was very interesting as we could fly relatively low and we had good chance to land in a not busy road. Visibility was not very good, but we could see some of the impressive mountains around.

Retrieve by Jaume Ordi was excellent as we had the balloon on the trailer in about 45 minutes after landing. Aconcagua balloon behaviour make us feel very comfortable as we can forget about gas problem. Consumption was 69 Kg including inflation, and we had still remaining 81 Kg.

So now we are ready for longer flights over the mountains.

January 20, 2012May 19, 2021

ALL OUR ALPINE FLIGHTS JANUARY 2012 CAN BE SEEN

We are back home and our Experience in the Alps this 2012 has finished.

Here you can see the 4 tracks of our Flights in the Alps. You need to enter an email and any code to see the details. This is just a picture.

11th January

https://app.spidertracks.com/home.mvc/viewtrack?sid=uGfq_Zuwkpamqm3kxol8Trp65llfr7AOwYSCTSiKLOVnpr2K-SBA4J2qxNlmR3bJ

12th January

https://app.spidertracks.com/home.mvc/viewtrack?sid=MqIwGxcB71xn8XS-Fy5Tpt0NEZgHrDNVEQ4oH9KOBeLmPcbhWSIMg_pP_v858hPI

16th January

https://app.spidertracks.com/home.mvc/viewtrack?sid=BPPIFOkmnLEBFJ9fTxyJjQs6BE0PTaAt8UOnQnEgwepRCA39L4pI4QYyEcak2Wnf

18th January (first part)

https://app.spidertracks.com/home.mvc/viewtrack?sid=yTpDhNGARsRC7-F2A1hzzsq1T3RloH2kULpO-ns44-aY16W33YnlM8SbkRTLklpB

18th January (last part)

https://app.spidertracks.com/home.mvc/viewtrack?sid=adteBUtcCQZmC2IOnGmolemCUtQC8XZF546xjTqBxh8kBTRIFGHs9w_55JMKqWeY

Just another nice picture.

January 20, 2012May 19, 2021

34 CHATEAU D’OEX INTERNATIONAL BALLOON FESTIVAL

We are in Chateau d’Oex. We believe is the oldest Alpine balloon meeting. When we think on the conditions they were flying those brave pilots, we just can admire them.

It is snowing, so no flight today. Also tomorrow seems to be bad weather.

So probably saturday we will go home. It is almost 2 weeks out, but we are glad to show the Aconcagua balloon and do several magnific flights during this days.

Also we have tested new things, so we hope soon can be incorporated for our customers…

January 20, 2012May 19, 2021

THURSDAY : MOVING TO CHATEAU D’OEX

After this nice flights in Filzmoos, today we are moving to Chateau d’Oex. The other “big” meeting in the Alps.

We will just stay Firday and Saturday and for the weather forecast, it seems we will not be able to fly.

January 18, 2012May 19, 2021

WEDNESDAY: A VERY QUIET LONG FLIGHT OVER THE ALPS

Weather forecast at the briefing has given good weather for today. Heading south East in lower altitudes and going South when climbing.
The temperature today at the launch field was relatively comfortable at -8 ºC. So we could prepare well the equipment.

So we started the flight not climbing much to get a more southeastern direction.

The flight in this are has been wonderful as we could approach very much the crests because it was not too windy at this altitude.

After we have climbed to head south and cross the big valley of Villach. That is a nice valley with several lakes that keep you looking the scenary.

When approaching the border of Slovenia, we had in front a nice sharp mountain thata again we could approach relatively low to have a different view that was incredibly spectacular.

We have been authorized to pass the airport of Ljubljana and the town itself heading south and approaching the border of Croatia.

We finally landed in a very nice valley where the peasants came to see curious.

Today we have been 4 persons on board with 2×40+3×30+1×20 = 190 Kg of gas. We have been flying for 5 hours and 12 minutes spending including inflation 115 Kg. This gives again a consumption of 20 Kg/h which allowed us still to fly for 4 hours more . This balloon gives a comfortability to be sure that the gas will not be a problem that we think we can enjoy better the flight.

Anoyher exceptional flight from Filzmoos that all on board will never forget.

January 17, 2012May 19, 2021

AGAIN SNOW TODAY

This morning we got up snowing. So the flight has been canceled again.

In the afternoon we have viewed the film of the flight over Kilimanjaro and we had some questions on the Experience.

Hope tomorrow to fly as the forecast is good.

January 16, 2012May 19, 2021

MONDAY : IT HAS BEEN WORTH TO WAIT

After 2 days waiting for good weather, finally it arrived. It is worth to wait.
After a short briefing thanking for the night glow and telling us the wind forecast for today, we went to the field to prepare the balloon.
It has not been easy as we were at -18 ºC. The hoses difficult to bend, but all was working without problem.

Take off at 10:10 and landing at 14:15. A long flight with avery different scenary. Lots of snow nearby Filzmoos, as it has been snowing a lot the last week. So a wondereful landscape where you do not get tired to look at.

Heading SSE, we crossed the border of Italy and finally landed near Cisterna at about 20 Km West of Udine.

This time we shared the flight with 2 balloonists from USA Henry and George. So we flew 5 people in total.

Gas on board was 2×40+2×30+1×20 = 160 Kg. and in the 5 hours we spent less than 100 Kg, which is really good. This do not include the inflation as we used the same 30 Kg tank we had for the night glow.

Another terrific flight that make us think we are privileged persons we can do it as balloonists. Speed again was around 50 km/h which for me is the best to fly in the Alps to have enough time to look at the landscape.

January 15, 2012May 19, 2021

33 INTERNATIONAL BP GAS BALLOON ALPINE TROPHY IN FILZMOOS

Weather this Sunday has been again too complicated to leave more than 40 balloons to take off over the Alps. So we have to wait until Monday where is expected good weather to fly.
This afternoon all the balloons have done a night glow. Very successful as a lot of public was attending even the temperatures have been very low.

January 14, 2012May 19, 2021

MOVING BY CAR TO FILZMOOS

Today we have been at the briefing of 8:00 a.m. for the weather and again the wind was too strong.

Nice weather, with almost no clouds, but windy and turbulent enough in altitude to not take off.

Now we are moving by car to Filzmoos.

It is one of the most known Alpine Winter Balloon meetings with a long and experienced trajectory. It is the first time we go there and we are very excited to participate.

Weather expected for tomorrow is better, so we hope tomorrow we can do a nice flight in the area of Filzmoos.

January 13, 2012May 19, 2021

WINDY FRIDAY

We assisted at the briefing this morning and the wind is too strong to fly over the mountains. Some are flying in the valley, but we will wait for tomorrow.

After the briefing we passed the film of Kilimanjaro, so it could be seen for all pilots in the meeting.

January 12, 2012May 19, 2021

FLY OVER THE ALPS TO SLOVENIA

The forecast was really good to have a pleasant flight at reasonably low speed to Slovenia, so we decided to fly together with Joan.

The prediction was perfect and at a speed around 40 Km/h and direction East or EastSouthEast we have done a very nice crossing of the Alps in direction to Lubjana.

As the speed was low enough , we had the opportunity to fly relatively low. So most of the time we were below 3000 m and just climbing to go more East sometimes to have nice mountains around.

Sometime very close to the mountain, but always having enough time to climb in case of any turbulence. We did not notice any in all the flight, so we could admire the beauty of this part of the Alps.

We found the radio did not charge well and we just had the walkie to contact Lubjana Airport when approaching. We could land still 30 Km before the airport, so it was not a problem.

You can find the shadow of our balloon in the picture.

We flew Joan, Jaume Cuatrecases, Jaume Ordi and myself and we had plenty of gas. 2×40+3×30+1×20 total 190 Kg. We flew almost 5 hours and spent 110 Kg including inflation, so we still had gas enough for about 4 hours. That means in case of trouble not finding before sunset a good spot for the retrieve car to arrive , we had gas enough for another flight next morning…. So we were flying very comfortable admiring the landscape. Here some pictures of today.

We found a nice field after flying some time near the ground.

We have had a nice dinner coming back in Bled in front of the lake and with a nice viewing of the castle in front. Here a picture with its reflection in the lake.

January 11, 2012May 19, 2021

DOLOMITI BALLOON FESTIVAL : ONE OF THE GREATS IN THE ALPS

General Information

We will explain a little every day (when possible) our experience flying in the Alps this January.

I hope it will be of your interest. You will be able to follow the track in life every day we do, but in 2D to simplify.

In winter we use to take off late, so don’t worry you will have not to get up early to follow it.

11^th January 2011

We arrived yesterday late night after 17 hours driving from Igualada. So in the morning we were a little tired.

Short briefing for a perfect weather to cross North South the Alps from Dobbiaco.

We took off a half hour later than the others because we had to prepare all, and most of other teams were waiting for this weather for some days because the meteo in the precedent days was bad.

So at 11:35 we took off climbing up to FL 135 that was the maximum allowed in the Notam. To go higher, you need to ask permission to Padova. Anyway that was a wonderful altitude to fly not too high over the mountains and also because the speed around 40-50 Km/h allowed us to do.

Pictures speak by themselves, though when flying, the scenery is still better. Dolomiti is one of the best scenery not just in the Alps but in the entire world, and we feel fortunate to fly over.

We took off with 2×40 Kg + 2×30 Kg + 1 master of 20 Kg witconcagua balloon. A N-180 with 40 % double layer (still missing 2 more panels to cover and not much time in the factory to do it).

We climbed at a maximum of 4500 m. The balloon was flying light because we were just 3 on board. So the consumption after almost 3 hours has been of less than 70 Kg. With the inflation we have to add another 10 Kg. approximately.

We decided to go down near Belluno, but we had to climb again to almost 2500 m to move more out of the mountains and the powerlines because that area was plenty of them.

We were so fortunate that we could land in a small airfield in Torch where is an amateur ultralight builder Mr. Dalborgo that had a very nice airfield where has stored the ultralight he built during 12 years.

He offered us, after showing the ultralight, a very good cheese homemade and wine and beers to celebrate the first crossing of this year.

All happy we came back to the hotel after refuelling for next flight.

December 19, 2011November 22, 2021

The Tanzania photos

As a final entry of this Ultramagic Experience we want to share with you three albums with the best photos, so you can see everything we lived.

Soon more adventures and blog improvements to make it easier to follow. Thank you!

Català

Com a última entrada per a aquesta Ultramagic Experience, volem compartir amb vosaltres tres àlbums amb les millors fotos, de manera que pogueu veure tot el què vam viure.

Aviat noves aventures i millores al blog per fer-lo més fàcil de seguir. Moltes gràcies!

Castellano

Como última entrada para esta Ultramagic Experience, queremos compartir con vosotros tres álbumes con las mejores fotos, de manera que podáis ver todo lo que vivimos.

Pronto nuevas aventuras y mejoras en el blog para hacerlo más fácil de seguir. Muchas gracias!

Collection: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ultramagic/collections/72157628419407443/