I did it years ago in York, PA, which is (or was) apparently big ballooning country. Inflating the balloon is a huge operation, everyone pitching in to hold the balloon open while the burner inflates it. And yes, it's eerily quiet and calm up there. I think we were at about 2,500 feet, and the view was incredible. There were waivers we had to sign, and they made sure we were all aware that the gondola might tip sideways upon landing