ABOUT HOT AIR BALLOONING
What is ballooning?
Ballooning is one of the most comfortable ways to observe our wide world from an alternative perspective. It isn't cold up there. You can hardly feel the difference in temperature on the ground. Because the balloon is flying with the wind, you don't feel the wind and you can wear casual clothes.
WHAT TIME OF DAY DO WE MEET ?
Unless your flight is in cold winter conditions your flight will usually take place during the first few hours after sun rise or during the last few hours before sunset. Balloon control becomes very unpredictable during thermal conditions and as thermals decrease significantly towards dusk and over night. In the summer the early morning flights can mean a very early start with sunrise as early as 5 am. However, in our experience the morning flight have been some of the best that we have had. The early start is worth it.
Because of the air stability, we fly just before after sunrise or just before sunset. We stay on the ground when there is too much wind or when the visibility is not sufficient. We want you to enjoy your balloon flight in perfect conditions.
Ballooning Weather
Hot air balloon rides are very weather dependent. If the conditions on your chosen day are rainy, have poor visibility or high wind speeds then your flight is unlikely to go ahead. In terms of ballooning winds at ground level above 10 mph or 16 kph can result in very unpleasant and potentially dangerous landings. There are other legal requirements on the minimum visibility and lowest allowable cloud level, which will affect the possibility of your flight going ahead.I
What to Wear?
Warm and robust outdoor clothing with sturdy shoes is required. Natural fibres are preferred because of their better resistance to heat. You will need to be able to climb into and out off the basket and bear in mind that take off and landing may well be in a muddy field. Expect the air temperature to decrease with altitude. The temperature drop is approximately 3.5 degrees per 1000 ft, (you are unlikely to fly at more than 5000 ft).
How many pax can be accomodated?
We can take up to 8 to 11 passengers in our balloons. We can also take care of your group activities. Our minimumguaranteed flight time is 1 hour and can go up to 1 hour 20 min. During the flight we do between 10 - 40 kilometres, depending on the wind speed and landing possibilities. You have to count about 4 hours for the whole ballooning experience, from the start till the moment we are back at the launching spot. After ballooning, we always talk, about the unique experience you had. Each passenger gets also his personnel flight certificate with a personal gift.
What to carry ?
Bring a camera as there should be many opportunities for interesting ballooning photos. It is recommended that you use UV filters on your camera to eliminate possible haziness. Including parts of the balloon (eg the burner flame, or the inside of the balloon), or your fellow passengers in your photos may make the pictures more interesting. Don't forget to get someone to take some pictures of you in the basket before take off. Many ride operator now have remotely controlled cameras which hang on the outside of the envelope and can take pictures of the passengers in the basket whilst flying.
