Q0: Do I need permission to launch a High Altitude Balloon ?

A0: Probably.  You will need to follow the aviation (and radio) regulation in your country.  For example, in the UK for most balloons you will need to obtain a permit from the CAA - see

    https://ukhas.org.uk/guides:faq

and

    https://ukhas.org.uk/general:restrictions_legality

Q1: How do you ship ?

A1: For UK orders we normally ship Royal Mail signed for 1st class post  or we use ParcelForce Express48 for heavier orders (above 2Kg).  For European orders we may ship Royal Mail International Signed for or UPS/TNT depending on cost. Orders are normally shipped in 1 to 2 days.  Standard shipping takes up to 5 days for Europe or 10days Worldwide.  If you need something urgently then email / text / call - details on the contact page.

Q2: Can you accept credit card payments ?

A2: Yes - please see the checkout page.

Q3: Can I pay from my Bank Account ?

A3: Yes - you can bank transfer the money - or use PayPals eCheque service.  Please note we don’t dispatch the order until the money has cleared - which with eCheque can take up to 7 working days (depending on country).

Q4: What is your policy on combined shipping?
A4: The current shipping price calculations are limited by PayPal tools and sometimes the calculated rates for multiple items may be higher than expected .  If the shipping price looks too high then contact us with the details and we will investigate.  We may offer an alternative combined shipping rate.

Q5: Could you advise any UK based helium suppliers ?

A5:  BOC, AirProducts distributors, http://balloonhelium.co.uk/ (who currently supply BOC helium). An alternative is Air Products Balloonium available through resellers like www.click4balloons.co.uk Our preference is for AirProducts N20 or BOC G20 cylinders as these are manageable weight. The AirProducts N20 also has an integral regulator and a quick-connect attachment allowing cylinders to be quickly interchanged.

Q6: How much Helium do I need ?

A6: You will need approximately 1 cubic meter of Helium for each 1kg you want to lift.  You will need to account for the weight of the balloon, everything attached to it and the “free lift” to make the balloon ascend at the correct rate.  See this page: http://wiki.ukhas.org.uk/guides:balloon_data for much more information. Also see the burst calculator at the bottom of this site’s BALLOON page.

Q7: Are any special pipes or equipment required to fill the balloon ?

A7: Yes

i)You will need to reduce the output of the gas cylinder down to a safe working pressure using a regulator.  Helium suppliers often provide a party balloon regulator go with the cylinder – these are OK for a first launch – but after a few you may want to get a proper one. Note: Air Products “Balloonium” cylinders include an integral regulator.

ii)You will need to make a fill tube to go from the regulated output to the balloon neck. The necks on the meteorological balloons vary from 3cm to 8.3cm for the larger Hwoyee sizes.  We recommend a fill tube with an end made of 40mm plastic pipe. See http://wiki.ukhas.org.uk/guides:fill_tube

We do not recommend fill tubes from US ballon kits – as these do not fit UK gas cylinders.

Q8: Would it be possible to write/paint/print on the balloon itself ?

A8: Meteorological balloons are made from natural latex. In general marking the balloon will reduce its performance (i.e. altitude reached) - either by reaction with the latex - or due to local hotspot in the bright sunlight.  Is difficult to quantify the amount.  If you find a product that doesn't significantly affect performance then please let us know.

Q9: Can I tether a meteorological balloon outside ?
A9: We wouldn't recommend them for that application in anything but light winds – as meteorological balloons offer significant wind loading.  Note: even a few tens of meters up the wind is normally significantly stronger than on the ground.  We would suggest a Helikite (see http://www.allsopp.co.uk ) or cigar shaped advertising blimp or for tethering applications (the shape offers less wind resistance and provides some lift).  We give no guarantees about the performance of tethered meteorological balloons.  If after the above advice you still want to tether a meteorological type balloon then please email us for options.

Q10: What is the standard packing for your balloons?

A10: Hwoyee balloons are packed inside a thick polythene bag, only sizes above 1200g are individually boxed.   Pawan balloons are wrapped in silver foil pouch.  Totex balloons come in a clear polythene bag sealed with an elastic band.

Q11: What are meteorological balloons made of?

A11: Latex with some proprietary additives to improve performance.  People with a Latex allergy beware.  Magnesium silicate dust (un-scented Talcum powder) is used to stop the balloons sticking to themselves.    In general always wear gloves when handling met balloons.  Some synthetic rubber balloons are available on request.

Q12: Are coloured balloons available ?
A12: The vast majority of meteorological balloons are a natural latex colour (creamy white).  Some of the smaller (spotting) met balloons are red/black/blue - occasionally we hold some of these - so please ask.

Q13: How should I store my balloons ?
A13: Meteorological balloons should be stored: