Balloon-America

tradition lingers today in the form of our champagne party that follows each flight. Your guests are welcome to join the chase and share a champagne toast to your voyage. There is no charge, of course, but we ask that you make arrangements with your Balloon Commander. We fly any day of the week, year round. Flights are at daybreak and just a few hours before sunset. These are the only times we can expect the light variable winds most favorable for balloon flight. During the middle of the day, thermal activity makes the air unstable for ballooning. Passengers enjoy being part of the crew, so we invite hands-on participation. Every one of our pilots is an FAA Certified Commercial Pilot and each is also a qualified Instructor and quite accustomed to answering your questions. If this is your first inflation experience, you'll be impressed! The balloon stands about seven stories high when inflated and it comes out of a bag that would fit in the trunk of your car. It's very colorful and quite exciting! The inflation process takes about twenty to thirty minutes. After a systems check, we're off on a flight that will last about an hour. This may vary depending on weather conditions, wind, remaining daylight, fuel, terrain, etc. Balloon flights are like snowflakes: There are no two alike. We're often asked how we steer. We don't. But we do have precise vertical control. Winds vary from one level to another. Using these variable winds by changing flight levels, your pilot has a measure of lateral control. Generally, we drift along with the wind at the helm. That is what makes ballooning such an adventure! To be practical, we use a chase vehicle to track the aircraft and we can direct the crew by radio to the landing site after it's been chosen. Here is a word about clothing: There is no noticeable temperature difference at the altitude where we fly, so dress for outdoor activity according to the season. We usually land in a pleasant spot, but on rare occasions, our vehicle might not be able to reach us and we may have to hike out. Shorts or skirts are not suitable. Waterproof footwear is essential on morning flights due to heavy dew in the grass at the launch-site. Don't wear flip-flops or high heels. Perfume invites insects, so it's best not to use it. Ballooning is a very colorful and visual experience, so you'll want to bring a camera and extra batteries. Video gear is welcome too. Bring a soft bag to protect your equipment and other passengers on landing. We're most often asked about...

RESERVATIONS: Reservations are required. Please call for an appointment as early as possible. Weekend afternoons tend to fill up first. Please be ready also with the combined weight (in pounds) of your party. ALTERNATE DATES: We are unable to book alternate dates. If weather prohibits flight on your scheduled date, we will simply reschedule flight to another date subject to prior commitments. NON-REFUNDABLE: Reservation payments and gift certificates are not refundable, but may be rescheduled any time within twelve months of issue. DIRECTIONS: We operate our aircraft from a number of launch sites. Be sure your Balloon Commander gives you adequate directions. WEATHER UPDATE: Because ballooning is extremely weather-sensitive, we ask that you call your Balloon Commander as late as possible before you leave for the launch site to get a weather update. You will NOT be called by us for confirmation. NOTICE AND FORFEITURE: Failure to give at least a forty-eight (48) hour notice of cancellation will result in forfeiture. GRATUITIES: Customary but not required.