Ballon spotted above Zoetermeer? That way you know where it will land

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it’s a hot air balloon! During this time of the year you can spot air balloons over Zoetermeer. Knowing you-you: there is a radar with which you follow the aircraft live.

If you see a huge colored ball floating through the air, then you might find it interesting to see where that hot air balloon has taken off. That is possible thanks to the Air balloon radar. On that site you can also see the route and the landing site of the balloon.

A hot air balloon flies so high

On the radar you can also see how high a balloon flies or has flown. According to the aerial scheme, balloons must fly at least 150 meters above the ground. Above buildings that is at least 300 meters above the largest building. In Zoetermeer, balloons are allowed to fly at a height of 382 meters: 300 meters above the Apollo residential tower on Nederlandlaan.

To fly or not to fly

You spot a hot air balloon especially in July, August and September. Whether a balloon ride continues, mainly depends on the weather. Alex Jan Barends of the Royal Dutch Association for Aviation (KNVVL): “For every speed, the air balloon company makes a risk analysis together with the pilot. In doing so, they look at precipitation, wind, the type of balloon and the authority of the pilot.”

Not all balloon trips are on the hot air balloon radar. That is the case: some hot air balloons have a device that regularly lets the air traffic control know where the vessel is. It is not always mandatory to switch on that device. As long as it goes out, air balloon radar cannot follow that balloon.

Balloon ride near Zoetermeer Doen

Experience what it is like to float hundreds of meters above Zoetermeer in a basket under a hot air balloon? You can book a speed at different companies. In for example Alphen aan den Rijn is a starting location for a balloon flight in South Holland. Ask about the possibilities.