About your balloon flight| This is what you should know about a balloon flight A hot air balloon ride is a very special experience and can be the perfect way to celebrate a special occasion. The following provides some general things to know for those planning to either take a ride or give one as a gift. Allow about three hours for the complete activity. This will include meeting the balloon crew at a designated location; 30 minutes or so (prior to flight time) for a procedural/safety briefing and setting up the balloon; approximately one hour for the actual flight; 30 minutes for landing and packing up the equipment; 30 minutes for the traditional champagne toast and snacks; then return to the launch site once again. Like all activities, it is appropriate to "dress for the occasion." Naturally, the temperature will control types of clothing and quantity. This is an outdoor sport, appropriate clothing is desired. Some recommendations include; closed-toed shoes, (sneakers, hiking boots, etc.); jeans; (no dress pants or skirts, or shorts); comfortable shirt/jacket; hat. For morning flights be aware of damp (dew) covered ground and consider water repellant footwear. Sunglasses should be included as with any outdoor event. Bring along a digital camera or any camera with enough film for the event. Video cameras are frequently taken on balloon rides. You are welcome to photograph the entire process, and the crew will be happy to offer some suggestions for special photo opportunities. Many people ask what a ride "feels like." Because balloons travel "with the wind," rather than against it, there is virtually no sensation of motion and the only sound is that of the burner putting heat into the balloon. Generally on launch, the ground simply melts away slowly as you rise into the air, and on landings, the ground naturally gets closer. On occasion, things get a bit more exciting, should a breeze pick up during a launch or landing. The issue of safety is frequently asked and is explained in detail prior to actually taking a flight. Pilots are certified by the F.A.A. and balloons are inspected anually by F.A.A. designated repair stations. Safety is a keyword in ballooning and flights do not happen if there are adverse conditions present. Despite all the precautions, it is important to recognize that ballooning, like anything (and everything) else has an element of risk. It is equally important to know that thousands upon thousands of balloon flights occur each year with the only excitement being that of enjoyment. The number of people that can be carried varies with the size of the balloon and basket. For large groups, pilots work together to provide enough balloons so that everyone is accomodated. There are many reasons to take a balloon ride; celebration of a birthday, an anniversary, an engagement (yes, couples have gotten engaged and even married in hot air balloons), graduation or just to enjoy the sights from a slightly different point of view. |
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