What to Expect?
Everyone meets at a predetermined spot usually one hour before sunrise. This is when the air is stable and the winds are calm, ensuring a tranquil flight. After a cup of tea or coffee and a short flight briefing, you are welcome to help with the inflation, or stand back and take photographs.
Launching the Balloon
The actual launch of the hot-air balloon usually takes no more than half an hour after arrival at the launch site.
The balloon is inflated and the passengers climb aboard. The balloon gently rises off the ground effortlessly and the wonderful experience begins.
At the final landing point, the retrieve crew assist in packing up the envelope and basket, and then everyone joins in the traditional champagne celebration.
A commemorative 'Flight Certificate' is given to each passenger, which rounds off a fabulous morning. From start to finish, the balloon adventure takes about 3-4 hours, and the experience is one to tell your friends about for the rest of your life!!!
The Weather
One of the great joys of ballooning is its tranquillity, as you float with the breeze, feeling absolutely no sensation of movement. You will become one with the wind... moving with it... you are moving with it... and therefore you will become a part of a complex weather system that is ever changing.
Balloons are weather dependent, and for safety reasons, we will not fly when it is wet or too windy. We give you a phone number to ring the night before, to check if the weather is holding steady.
If the flight must be cancelled due to inclement weather, you may rebook for another day (and in another location if need be) or, you can request a refund of your money. We refund less a $15 per booking administration fee. Gift Vouchers are Non-Refundable.
Balloons are extremely weather-dependent, and for safety reasons, we will not fly when it is raining or too windy.
"The Weather Window"
We always stress that we meet early and it is important for you to be on time. Why? The air is cool and stable the first few hours of the morning. As the sun comes up, it heats up the ground. The ground can only absorb so much heat and then starts to radiate this back. This is one of the causes of wind currents, thermals and turbulence.
We want to fly when the air is relatively stable and not affected by the day’s wind currents or thermals. This time is 2 to 4 hours after sunrise, depending on the time of year. This is our “weather window”.
"Cancel on the Field"
The only way our pilots can really be accurate is by having everyone ready to go on the field in the morning. A phone call the night before, or even one hour before meeting time can only serve as a guide.
We do not aim to inconvenience our passengers nor do we wish to disappoint them. Please understand if our pilot feels that it is a good idea to meet in the morning, he is confident that the flight will happen. Unfortunately, the weather can make a fool of any forecaster... therefore, sometimes the flight must be cancelled on the field.
Our pilots are dedicated to your safety and enjoyment. If you feel disappointment at a cancelled flight, our pilots are equally disappointed! Although this is not a common occurrence, please spare a thought for the complexity of this decision.
