There are many questions about sky lanterns that people ask when using them for the first time. In this post, we will cover some of the most commonly asked questions about Chinese sky lanterns and how to use them safely. We hope this Q&A section will answer most of your questions and allow for a safe and fun experience at your event or wedding.
Do I Need Permission to Launch a Sky Lantern?
This is one of the most common questions about sky lanterns that we receive, and for good reason. Typically, as long as the use of novelties is not prohibited by state or local laws, you do not need permission or special permits to launch them. This has been true throughout the history of sky lanterns. However, if you live on or near a coastline, it is advisable to contact the coast guard to inform them of your launch. Also, you should never use them near main roads. Lastly, don’t use them in an area where they could be misinterpreted as a distress signal of any type.
Please remember, the use of sky lanterns in your area must be approved by state and local law. The user in the respective state and county is responsible for following all state and local laws and regulations.
What is the Best Launch Site for My Sky Lanterns?
For safety, they should always be released outdoors in a clear and wide open space that is free from overhead obstructions. These obstructions include power lines, trees, buildings, and other structures. To maximize visibility and overall enjoyment, it is recommended to launch on a clear night. Always keep them away from other combustible materials and liquids.
Questions About Sky Lanterns Relating to Weather Conditions
Optimal weather conditions for launching your sky lanterns include wind speeds of less than 5mph. It is advised to release them on a clear, still night. Do not launch sky lanterns when wind speeds are above 5mph, as the sky lantern may fly off course into an unpredictable area.
Do not use sky lanterns when it is raining. The rain will make the sky lantern very heavy, affecting the way it will fly. Heavy raining will eventually tear through the biodegradable material, causing the sky lantern to extinguish and fall prematurely to earth.
How Can I Write on My Sky Lanterns?
To achieve the best results, decorate your sky lantern with a felt-tip marker or pen on a hard, flat, surface prior to assembly. Use as little pressure as possible when writing or decorating to ensure that the paper is not damaged or torn.
How High Do They Go, and For How Long?
This is another one of the most common questions about sky lanterns that we receive. The fuel source in each sky lantern will burn for approximately 8-10 minutes. When used in ideal weather conditions, sky lanterns will easily reach heights of over 1000 feet. Typically, it’s between 700 and 1600 feet. They will usually make it between 2 and 5 miles from the original launch site before extinguishing. After, they harmlessly float back to Earth to biodegrade. It is important to note that weather, location, and environmental variables affect the course of sky lanterns, so each flight will vary.
What Happens When the Fuel is Used Up?
Once the fuel cell has expired, there is no flame or fuel material left to burn. So, it will eventually extinguishes and harmlessly floats back to earth to biodegrade. Here’s a video to show you what to expect. The lantern and fuel cell may in no way be modified or altered from its original state in order for this process to work correctly.
You probably have a lot of questions about sky lanterns. However, one of them should never be about how eco-friendly they are! Our sky lanterns are made from 100% biodegradable rice paper on a Bamboo frame. This is allows our sky lanterns to decompose as quickly and safely as possible with virtually no impact to the surrounding environment.
