Tips for Future Flyers

Thinking about taking a flight yourself?
Here are a few tips to help you have a good experience.

Depending on your location and the type of equipment being used, expect to pay anywhere from $125 to $200 per person for a flight of between one and one-and-a-half hours. Some large commercial operations charge less, particularly if several parties can be flown in the same balloon. When you call to book a flight, be sure to ask whether your group will be flying separately, or with others. Also ask what "extras" are provided - postflight champagne or other refreshments, souvenirs, etc. This can vary widely between operators, so if you have several in your area, be sure to comparison shop.

Don't hesitate to ask for references, or to inquire about the pilot's qualifications. If you're paying for the flight (other than in the case of a "shared expenses" flight with a balloonist friend), the pilot must have a commercial rating, and have passed a biennial flight review within the preceding two years. The operator should also carry liability insurance, and the aircraft should have undergone an annual inspection within the last 12 months, and/or a 100-hour inspection if more than 100 hours has been flown since the most recent annual. If the operator seems annoyed by your questions, keep shopping!

Don't wait til the last minute to try to schedule a flight. Most operators are booked well in advance, and must also deal with the vagaries of the weather... Your wait may be a long one, but it will be well worth it.

It's generally less of a wait if you can make yourself available to fly on weekdays, particularly in the morning. Too many people can "ONLY" fly weekends. The more flexible you can be, the quicker you'll get that call saying that it's your day in the sun.

Don't second guess the pilot's decision if your flight is postponed. Often, a day that might seem "perfect" to the uninitiated may be passed over by the pilot due to adverse winds aloft, the anticipated passing of a frontal system during flight, and the like. The pilot's first concern is to keep you safe... trust his or her judgment!

Do be prompt when meeting at the appointed launch site. The "window" for launch, flight, landing and packup is relatively short (just a couple hours, most of the time). You don't want to miss out on seeing the inflation, and once the balloon IS inflated, as in the Wizard of Oz, it's time to go!

Do take a camera, and at least one more roll of film than you think you'll use! Binoculars are also a good idea. Check with your pilot as to whether camcorders are permitted if you like, but don't take one unless you really know how to use it... If you're worrying about how to operate it, you'll miss out on a lot of the sights while you fiddle with controls. And if you DO take one, an extra battery pack is a good idea. Remember though, that balloons are weight-limited. Please consult with your pilot as to how many extras you can bring.

Dress as you would for any outdoor event in your area at the time of year that you're flying... if it's a chilly day, dress in layers (it will be warmer in the balloon). Wear sensible shoes (you never know where you'll be landing - you may need to walk a ways back to civilization!). Women should avoid dresses or skirts... there's no graceful way to get into a balloon!

Whether or not to take a young child along, assuming the pilot permits it,is a decision only the parents can make. Bear in mind that children under age six may not have the attention span to enjoy the ride, or may be frightened by the sound of the burner. And if a child does become anxious, it may be some time before a suitable landing spot may be available. If you're considering taking a little one, you might want to arrange with the pilot to come out with the child to observe a launch or two before making a final decision.

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