Your Flight
Ballooning is for people of all ages. Today's balloons are extremely safe and very comfortable to fly in. The basket has step holes to climb in and out with, padded wicker compartments in which to stand and high sides to protect you upon landing, you're as safe as houses. Friends and family can also join in the fun, they are welcome to watch, take photographs, help inflate the balloon and even share your adventure by following to the spot where the balloon lands.
For ballooning to take place at all, the local weather must be on our side. Ideally we are looking for light surface winds and stable air conditions. Calmer air is usually found at dusk and dawn, so that's when we fly. The balloon launch times will vary according to the season, and with each passing season comes stunning changes in the colours of the landscape. Having arrived at your chosen balloon launch site and met your fellow passengers, your pilot will gather together the lucky ones who will be flying and begin a thorough pre-flight brief, answering any queries you may have.
Formalities aside, it's then time to prepare the balloon. Inflation is one of the most exciting aspects of the ballooning experience. You may be invited to assist with the inflation but, if you prefer, you can stand back and watch in wonder as the colourful balloon billows as it fills and expands with air. Once everyone has climbed aboard and the balloon is fully inflated the pilot will complete the final checks.
The balloon will begin to gently rise as our voyage commences, nobody knows where they are going, and for once, it does not matter!! The basket seems almost stationery, the ground falling slowly away as the spectacle of the flight begins to unwind for you. From the air you will see towns and villages, woodlands, rivers, farms and fields, all laid out below like a decorative map. One moment you might be hovering just above the treetops, gently brushing over the leaves, minutes later you might be soaring aloft. While you drift on the breeze the ground crew will be having their own adventure - the challenge of anticipating your landing spot.
The minutes drift by like the countryside below but all-too-soon we approach the end of the flight. The Pilot will have briefed you about landing positions so don't worry - if the basket tips over when you land, it's much more fun. However, most of the time, the basket remains upright and it's a very dignified affair!
The crew and any willing volunteers will soon be packing the deflated balloon and equipment onto the recovery trailer. You, on the other hand, will marvel at the extraordinary simplicity of a flying machine that has carried you over the countryside and left you with memories to make you smile.
That is the thrill of Ballooning!
