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How does the balloon rise? I don't see any heaters to use plain air. It then probably wastes helium, supply of which is limited:

Still I don't have the doubt that the flights can be profitable for the organizer.

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I wonder if it would be possible to use a compressor with a balloon to pump air back out of the balloon into a cylinder... this would allow you to lose altitude without sacrificing (much) Helium.

>The federal government, which sets helium prices

What. Why?

Well, turns out there is Federal Helium reserve:

http://www.blm.gov/nm/st/en/prog/energy/helium/federal_heliu...

Helium is considered a strategic resource.

Going as far back as the 1930s, when it was restricted because of its scarcity and use in naval airships. For example, the United States refused to sell helium to Nazi Germany -- which is why the airship Hindenburg was filled with hydrogen.

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