The practical questions people ask in the first month.
Finding helium
Use a local welding-gas or industrial-gas supplier. They sell by the tank and are used to accounts that return monthly. Do not order helium online.
About $300 for a 200 cubic foot tank, roughly $1.50 per cubic foot. Ask about cylinder rental terms while you are there.
The top-off habit
About one percent loss a day, so nothing fails suddenly. The envelope softens and it rides lower on the tether.
When it stops looking taut from the road it has stopped doing its job. In practice that means adding gas every three to seven days.
The wind rule
Over 25 miles per hour in the forecast, bring it inside. Not when the wind arrives, when it is forecast.
Wind is what takes balloons. Almost every serious loss traces back to somebody deciding to ride out a forecast. Wear is covered by our replacement warranty; weather loss is not, and no manufacturer covers it.
Airspace and indoor use
Below 150 feet above ground the FAA is not involved and we fly at 120 feet. Within five miles of controlled airspace, call the local tower and ask. In forty years we have never been refused.
Indoors you need 15 feet of clear ceiling. Check the venue’s own helium rules before shipping anything.
More at arizonaballoon.com.