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6. About your hot air balloon ride: 1. What time do you fly? Our flights take place shortly after sunrise or approximately 2 hours prior to sunset. We generally meet at a convenient location and all passengers ride in our chase van to the launch site 2. What conditions prohibit a flight? Ballooning is strictly a 'fair weather' sport. There are several conditions under which, for safety reasons, a balloon flight will not take place. Rain, surrounding storm systems, and high winds are typical weather conditions that will cause us to cancel or postpone a scheduled flight Generally a launch will not take place if wind speeds exceed 10 mph. The reason? High winds may cause unsafe conditions when the pilot must land the balloon. 3. After my reservations are made? We will ask you to contact us for final details regarding the meeting place and time. If you've scheduled a morning flight, we will ask you to contact us the prior evening. If you have scheduled an evening flight, we will ask you to call us just after noon that day. This way we can have the latest and most specific weather information to determine whether or not we can fly. 4. Where do we leave from? We use different launch sites depending on the wind speed and direction for that day. This enables us to make best use of the specific conditions and to ensure the best flight possible. 5. How long is a flight? Our flights last about an hour. However, you should expect your entire adventure to last about three hours or more. 6. How does the chase crew find us? The chase crew is in constant radio contact with the pilot. In addition, they will follow the path of the balloon visually as much as possible, all of which will allow them to be at the landing spot prior to or shortly after the balloon has landed. 7. Do I have to sign a waiver? All passengers are required to sign a waiver. Click here to see a copy of the waiver. 8. How high do we go? Every flight is different. Most passengers prefer low level flights as more can be seen and heard. The pilot will fly higher and lower in search of the most favorable wind direction. Generally, most flights are flown between 500-2000 ft. 9. May I bring a camera? Absolutely! However, we are not responsible for the safety of camera equipment. The pilot may ask that cameras be stowed safely away during landing, so a neck strap or, even better a camera case is advisable. |
_10. Where will we go? Once we have launched, wind direction and speed will determine the flight path and distance the balloon will fly -- for example if the wind speeds are 5 mph, it is likely that we will fly a distance of approximately 5 miles in the time you are in the air. Other than general direction, we never know when we take off where we will land. 11. What should I wear? Clothes worn on flight day should be comfortable clothes you don't mind getting dirty, as you may be asked to participate in the inflation or deflation of the balloon. In order to better help you prepare for your special day we have compiled the following Should and Should Not wear list: Should wear: T-shirt or casual shirt and jeans or comfortable casual pants. For morning flights layering with a jacket, sweatshirt , or long sleeved shirt is a good idea since early morning flights may be cool for launch and warm by the time we land. Tennis shoes or hiking-style boots designed for walking comfortably on all types of terrain. Should NOT wear: Skirts or dresses which make it difficult, awkward, and sometimes embarrassing to climb in and out of the balloon basket. High heeled shoes or boots which may cause ankle injuries upon landing or on uneven terrain that may be chosen as a launch or landing site. Open toe shoes or sandals. We find that feet are best covered and protected. As a good "rule of thumb," keep clothing casual and comfortable according to climate for the time of the year. 12. Do I have to help with the balloon? Although it is helpful for the crew if you participate in the inflation and pack-up process, it is not necessary. NOTE: IF YOU HAVE ANY HEALTH RELATED ISSUES SUCH AS BACK OR HEART PROBLEMS, ETC., PLEASE MAKE THE CREW AWARE OF THIS FACT PRIOR TO LAUNCH. |
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1. What is Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives?
2. What is the Touchstone Energy® Hot Air Balloon? 3. What is CBA? 4. How can our cooperatives use the Touchstone Energy® balloons? 5. How do we schedule the Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives' hot air or cold air balloon? 6. What do I need to know if I am scheduled for a ride in the hot air balloon? |